home Audience 5 How many cat breeds are there on earth. How many breeds of cats are there at the moment? norwegian forest cat

How many cat breeds are there on earth. How many breeds of cats are there at the moment? norwegian forest cat

The Global Footprint Network estimates that there are about 600 million small cats in the world. This includes domestic cats, homeless cats, and feral cats. Only wild species of cats number about 100 million individuals, therefore, about 500 million domestic and stray cats live on Earth.

Cats are the most popular pets all over the world. With the exception of Antarctica, they are found on all continents and most islands of the planet. Depending on the source of the classification, there are between 39 and 49 domestic cat breeds.

Over 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, the first domesticated cats helped people fight pests. The ancestors of the domestic cat began to live next to people, feeding on human enemies, such as. During the 1940s, cats became full-fledged pets, and cat litter was invented, providing a full transition to a new role.

Once upon a time, cats were wild animals. Even now, there are individuals who prefer to live in the steppes and forests, and not next to a person. We domesticated them, thanks to which now mustachioed pets coexist peacefully with us. Gradually, work is underway to universalize animals, in other words, new breeds are being developed - diverse, having not only a different appearance, but also a character, habits and other important factors.

A breed is a group of animals that differ from other members of a family or species in a set of certain characteristics. It is clear that for each of us who is the happy owner of a funny fluffy animal, there is no difference what breed he has. We just love him, and the pedigree has nothing to do with it.

A cat is classified as a particular breed if it has and passes on to offspring the traits characteristic of that breed.

However, you need to know that the total number of purebred cats among pets does not exceed 3 percent. Here are the requirements that a particular breed must meet:

Pedigree

Compliance

No disqualifying signs

Pedigree refers to the documents that are issued by the respective club. It can exist only in one case - if the cat is the carrier of all the genetic traits of its breed, which are passed down from generation to generation. The pedigree includes a description of the parents.

This refers to external signs, thanks to which it is possible to accurately determine the belonging of an animal to a particular breed. There are many such factors:

head shape;
the structure and length of the ears;
body length;
coat length or lack thereof;
coat color;
eye color;
tail length and position.

In addition to these signs, there are many more minor ones. So matching the breed is not such an easy task for a pet.

The description of the standards necessarily includes positions in which the cat cannot be considered purebred. These are the so-called disqualifying signs.

For example, an animal is considered a thoroughbred, but it does not have the same structure of the ears or the shape of the face, the color is broken, etc. Mostly this is a consequence of the "mutt" or genetic abnormalities.

It is important to understand that not all deviations from accepted breed standards can cause disqualification. Minor defects only reduce the value of the copy. This is expressed, as a rule, in a price reduction. Existing defects must be indicated in the documents.

It seemed that it could be easier than answering this question. It is enough just to look on the Internet or leaf through the corresponding directory. But in fact, not everything is so simple. The vast majority of specialists are unlikely to be able to give an exact figure, not to mention ordinary amateurs.

Why are there certain difficulties here? The thing is that breeds are not taken out of thin air - they are bred, appropriate standards are developed, documentation is made, and a new variety of cats is registered. Naturally, this is done by specialists of a specific profile. All of them work in organizations of felinologists.

Organizations of felinologists

This is a special structure that brings together specialists in the maintenance, breeding and selection of cats.

This organization is the only one of its kind that has the right to recognize a new breed. The association is studying the number of individuals of a new species, on the basis of which an appropriate decision is made. If there are enough of them, then they begin to draw up standards for this species of animals.

Organizations of felinologists - the only one of its kind that has the right to recognize a new breed

To date, there are a large number of such associations. Some of them are very famous and, in fact, set all the rules regarding the classification of domestic cats. These, for example, include the WorldCatFederation (WCF) and the American The CatFanciers' Association (CFA).

There are also less well-known organizations, but this does not mean that they do not have the right to stipulate the standards of existing and new breeds. Another thing is fake associations, which, unfortunately, also exist. They are not interested in the quality of the breeds, they only want money. For an appropriate reward from the owner of the cat, they are ready to recognize it as perhaps the rarest copy of the most common street Barsik in the world. Of course, it is strongly not recommended to cooperate with such unfortunate specialists.

Special clubs

Most of those who own a pet fluffy know what a cat club is. These are organizations where you can buy a cat, get the relevant documents and certificates, which are engaged in exhibitions, etc.

But only a few people know that the clubs are an integral part of the associations of felinologists. In fact, it is their structural unit. Each such organization can include either one or dozens of clubs, depending on the degree of its development. In turn, the clubs include kennels.

The task facing the clubs and their catteries is obvious - it is the breeding of cats according to existing standards. That is, these structures are responsible for maintaining the breed.

A cat club is an organization where you can buy a cat, get the relevant documents and certificates

Club specialists are engaged in the selection of animals, based on parameters such as:

appearance;
color;
character;
temperament;
wool pattern, etc.

Sometimes, during the selection process, it is possible to get a pet that is not similar to other representatives of its species, however, at the same time, it does not have obvious disqualifying signs. In this case, the question of recognizing a new breed may arise. Naturally, the club does not deal with this - it transfers the necessary information to the association of felinologists, which makes the appropriate decision.

Classification and types of breeds

Felinological organizations

On the website of each association, you can see what standards exist and what should be a prerequisite for a particular breed. This information is published so that pet owners do not fall for the tricks of unscrupulous people who pass off a mixture of a Persian cat with an Abyssinian cat as “unique”. Now this phenomenon is in vogue, and some breeds bred in this way are called "designer". But for them they can request a large amount of money.

IN In any case, when buying, you must always ask for a pedigree, without it the cat cannot be considered purebred.

This document is compiled and issued in felinological clubs, and the organization is an association of such clubs.

Organizations currently in existence:

WCF - the most famous, allowing 70 varieties of cats, 9 new ones (which include Savannah, Tiffany, Bristol, York chocolate and others), "no species" (domestic), and not yet recognized unregistered;
FIFe lists 51 cat breeds;
TICA says 73, "outbred", 3 practically recognized (Serengeti, Highlander DSh (longhair) and Highlander KSh (shorthair), one provisionally recognized (minskin);
The CFA has legalized just over 40 varieties of pets;
Others: GCCF, International Cat Association (IFA), ICU, Assolux, WACC, ASC, AFC and FARUS.

Types of cats

To find out how many cat breeds there are in the world at the moment, you need to look at the list of varieties that are recognized by the three largest felinological organizations (WCF, FIFe and TICA):

1. Maine Coon.
2. Egyptian Mau.
3. Abyssinian.
4. Peterbald.
5. Balinese (Balinese, Bali).
6. Siamese.
7. Burma (Burman).
8. Cymrik.
9. Persian (Colopoint). TICA distinguishes 2 types: Persian and colorpoint, while the rest consider this one breed of cat.
10. Sacred Burmese.
11. Oriental LH.
12. Oriental KSh.
13. Exotic.
14. Norwegian forest.
15. Korat.
16. American Curl LH.
17. American Curl KSh.
18. Siberian.
19. Kurilian Bobtail LH.
20. Kurilian bobtail KSh.
21. British KSh.
22. Don Sphynx.
23. Devon rex.
24. Manx (Manx cat).
25. Cornish rex.
26. Ocicat.
27. Russian blue.
28. Japanese Bobtail LH.
29. Japanese Bobtail KSh.
30. Ragdoll.
31. Somalia.
32. Bengal.
33. Turkish angora.
34. Turkish van.
35. Neva Masquerade.
36. Canadian Sphynx.
37. Chartreuse.

To obtain registration of a cat variety, it is necessary to prove the "right to exist". Therefore, recognition takes time.

Organizations may disagree. This leads to the fact that some cat breeds are recognized only by individual associations, and the total number fluctuates:

The WCF considers varieties such as the Australian Mist, Tabby (Asian), Anatolian, Arabian Mau, Brazilian SH, Yorkie, Kanaani, Karelian Bobtail SH and LS, Mekong Bobtail, Ragamuffin, Scottish Straight, Chantilly Tiffany, Ural Rex LS and KSh. These species are not registered with TICA and FIFe.
TICA recognizes the following: Minskin, Ojos Azules and Ojos Azules LH, American Bobtail LH and SH, Havana, Pixiebob SH and LH, Savannah, Serengeti, Toyger and Javanese. WCF and FIFe do not consider these breeds.
The FIFe recognizes the Seychellois LS and KS, which the rest do not allow for registration.

Many cat lovers are interested in the question - how many cat breeds are there in the world? It is not easy to answer it. Disputes on this score do not subside for a minute!

Before answering the question about cat breeds, you should figure out who is involved in registering the thoroughbredness of fluffy and graceful pets, who is responsible for the breed standard, for the name, monitors the legitimacy of their breeding, and who can be proud of breeding a new breed. Not everyone can cross two different representatives of the cat family and become the author of a new breed.

A thoroughbred cat is one that has a pedigree and all relevant documents. All pedigrees can only be issued by professional organizations of fellinologists. And nurseries for breeding thoroughbred cats must register with such organizations.

There are clubs of the association of fellinologists who are engaged in their duties: pedigreed cats are bred in the clubs, they improve the color, exterior, character, breed new breeds, and the associations register everything that happens.

Each association of fellinologists determines which breed should exist and which should not, and which breed should be attributed to certain cats. Also, employees of felinological organizations set all the parameters of animals, which cats must comply with without fail. Cat shows around the world are organized only with the knowledge of the associations of fellinologists, who approve the procedure and time.

The only disadvantage of such associations is that there are a huge number of them and each has the right to fulfill its duties. All of them work internationally, have an excellent reputation, experience in the feline field. There are also many small organizations that, taking advantage of the inexperience of beginners, breed "new breeds" and profit from it. It is beneficial for catteries to have the support of well-known world associations, so that each buyer can verify the authenticity of all documents for a kitten.

The most authoritative is the European association WorldCatFederation (WCF), which has many years of experience, the Americans have The CatFanciers' Association (CFA), whose opinion is considered by many other organizations. Each of these organizations has its own list of recognized breeds, so it is difficult to state the number of cat breeds.

The WCF has over 70 recognized cat breeds, while the CFA has over 40, and each breed has a different coat color, paw length, tail size, etc.

It takes a lot of time, money and confidence to breed a new breed of cat. The new breed must have all the necessary parameters, meet all standards and, most importantly, get the approval of the most prestigious cat associations. Employees of associations of fellinologists have their own views on the breeding of new breeds, the severity of which does not please everyone.

With the development of modernity, all organizations have "copies", that is, organizations that scammers created to breed ignorant people for money. The work of such instances is to sell ordinary yard cats, but with false documents about the breed. In order not to get hooked by scammers, it is necessary to study everything about the breed before buying: standards, color, size and other features. It is knowledge that will help to distinguish a real thoroughbred cat from an ordinary one.

The aristocratic origin of cats can be checked in the association of fellinologists. Buying an animal in an unverified organization, you become an unwitting participant in the reproduction of "pedigree cats" and those kittens that could not be sucked in are simply thrown out into the street and a "new breed" begins to be bred. Fraudsters earn a lot of money on gullible citizens!

To breed a new breed of cats, you need to know a lot, have love not only for cats, but for all animals, be able to take care of them, and even after the sale be interested in living conditions in a new house, help in their future life. All cat breeders and cattery owners have a great happiness to watch how the cutest creatures on the planet are born and grow up! To be convinced of the number of existing cat breeds, try to visit exhibitions more often and read scientific literature!

A cat has an average of 12 mobile whiskers on each side of the muzzle. There are a large number of nerve endings at the base of the whiskers, so the cat receives information about everything that surrounds it with the help of them - about objects, about wind, about temperature, etc.

If a cat's whiskers are removed, it may have poor orientation in space, for example, hunt poorly and generally feel insecure. The whiskers help the cat determine if it will fit through the hole!

The scientific name for mustaches is vibrissae, which is why they are often called simply vibrissae in Russian-language literature. The mustache really vibrates. If the cat's whiskers look forward, it is very interested in something. Or in skirmishes he wants to scare the opponent. If the whiskers look back - the cat is scared, she avoids touching.

How many cats are there in the world?

According to the University of Lyon, there are about 400 million domestic cats in the world. The palm is given to Australia, where there are 9 cats per 10 inhabitants. On the Asian continent, the first place belongs to Indonesia, there are more than 30 million furry animals, and in Europe - to France, whose inhabitants have 8 million cats in their care. However, there are countries, such as Peru, Gabon, where the domestic cat is almost never found.

Cats wag their tails when faced with a choice, one desire blocking another. For example, if a cat is standing in a doorway and wants to get out, and it is raining outside, the tail will wiggle due to internal conflict. The cat wants to go out, but doesn't want to get wet. As soon as she makes a decision (stay at home, or go out into the rain), the tail will immediately stop swinging.

flying cats

The rescue service warns the owners of cats and cats about the approaching March catfall. With the approach of heat, we want to open the window, and our pets want to use this window as a door to the street.

If the cat or cat is not sterilized, then it is necessary to monitor the windows in the apartment, especially after the onset of heat. It is best if the windows have bars or nets. There should not be free access to the balcony railings and window sills, because the animals, jumping out into the air, unable to stay at a height, fall down.

If it was not possible to secure your pet, and he fell, you should immediately seek help from a veterinarian. Contrary to popular belief, falls are dangerous for cats, especially between the second and fifth floors.

Most often, internal organs are injured, the owners take the painful behavior of the animal as a shock and do not rush for help. This is a mistake, after a fall, it is necessary to urgently hospitalize the animal, either take it personally, or urgently call good veterinarians who will carefully treat the animal.

There were cases when, having stopped the bleeding, the doctors released the animal without checking the condition of the internal organs.