The fact that domestic cats did not exist in nature, obviously, no one will deny. All of them were once wild forest and steppe. Domestication of wild cats began at a time when a person switched from hunting and gathering to farming. Here, helpers were needed to cope with rodents. Since then, the friendship of a person with hardworking tailed pets and their gradual domestication began.
Organizations of felinologists
A very difficult question, which is not easy to answer: "How many breeds of cats exist in the world?" First you need to figure out how a new breed appears, who can deal with it, how and by whom is it registered? The purebred cat has its own pedigree, issued at the club of lovers of these animals, which is part of a professional organization of felinologists. Kennels that breed purebred cats must be registered with professional organizations.
There are a huge number of associations of felinologists in the world, and all of them, performing their duties, work internationally. Each association has an excellent reputation and experience in breeding thoroughbred cats. For example, there is the authoritative European Association WorldCatFederation (WCF) and the American The CatFanciers' Association (CFA). Each has a list of recognized breeds, but their number is difficult to fix.
What is a purebred cat?
It is recognized that the number of purebred cats is only 3% of all pets. This is a carrier of characteristics characteristic of this breed. She passes them to her offspring. All cat breeds in the world have standards. Associations of felinologists create its specific type, in which all the main signs of the type of cats are registered: the shape of the head and ears, the type of auricle, the length of the body, eye color, coat length and color, and a number of other secondary signs. The standard also prescribes the disadvantages of the breed. Necessarily in pedigree cats, the standard indicates at what external signs disqualification is possible.
Holding exhibitions
International felinological organizations hold cat shows to exchange experience in breeding, identifying and fixing new breeds. The first such exhibition was held in 1871 in England. Even then, those who came to the event had a question: how many breeds of cats are there in the world? Their number is difficult to calculate. There are no fixed figures in any association of felinologists.
The most prestigious organizations that set standards include, in addition to the above, also CFF, TICA and FIFe. These organizations in the lists developed by them have a different number of breed names. Most likely, not many domestic cats and cats can boast that their breed belongs to one or another international list.
Breed classification
Each international organization of felinologists works with its own classification. For example, some organizations consider the Himalayan cat as a species of a particular breed, while others classify it as a Persian subspecies. In this regard, there are disagreements on such a issue as the classification of cats.
Felinologists from various international organizations classify animals based on those priorities that they consider to be dominant. So, one takes into account the type of coat, the other - the type of physique, the third - the origin. There can be many such classifications. Therefore, to answer the question - how many breeds of cats exist in the world? - hard.
Species of rocks
When considering the species of thoroughbred cats, it is worth paying attention to their coat. There are shorthair animals: Thai, British, Abyssinian and others. These cats are easy to care for. Wool does not require daily combing, and bathe them once every two months. Longhair cats - Persian, Siberian, Angora, require careful care for their fur, as it quickly rolls into tackles, which bring the animal inconvenience. If these cats are not followed, they look very untidy.
There are also hairless cats, they are called bald. These include the Don and Canadian Sphinx, as well as the Ukrainian Levkoy. Caring for such cats does not burden. In addition, they are suitable for people who are allergic to wool. But their pets are very afraid of coolness, so these cats should be dressed in the cold season.
And how many breeds of cats exist in the world, differing in their size? There are very small animals. Their weight ranges from 2 to 4 kg in an adult. This is a cat breed Toy-Bob, Devon Rex, Singaporean, Munchkin. These animals look like little kittens and are very playful. But there are also large thoroughbred specimens, which, according to the testimony of their owners, are calm and noblely beautiful. This breed includes Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest.
Rare breeds of cats of the world (pictured) include sereneti, toyger, savannah.
Not everyone can afford the pleasure of having a cat, the cost of which is several tens of thousands of dollars. They shoot video materials, do photo shoots, thanks to this we know about such unique cat breeds.
Feline character
How many breeds of cats exist in the world? It is difficult to answer this question, as we have found. But by and large, is the answer so important? After all, the choice of a pet in the family does not depend on him. Everyone acquires a friend or companion, not even a thoroughbred.
Sometimes pay attention to the cat's character. There are animals that are said to be of good character and independent. Those cats that are considered flexible are playful, sociable, affectionate. And those with an independent character are the true representatives of the cat family - "a cat that walks on its own." They are proud, proud, and often consider themselves mistresses in the house ...