How Many Cat Breeds Are There? The Exact Number

If you've ever searched "how many cat breeds are there," you probably expected a straight number. Maybe 42. Maybe 73.

The reality is more complicated than any single digit can capture. Different cat registries count breeds differently, and those numbers change every few years as new breeds get recognized and others fall out of favor.

The short answer is that major organizations like the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognize around 45 breeds, while The International Cat Association (TICA) lists about 73 as of 2026. But that gap isn't a mistake. It reflects real differences in how each registry defines what counts as a breed.

To understand the true number, you need to know how these systems work.

Why the Number of Cat Breeds Is Harder to Pin Down Than You Think

No single authority governs every cat registry worldwide. Each organization sets its own standards for what qualifies as a separate breed. A cat that meets one registry's criteria might be considered a variant or even a crossbreed by another.

A "breed" isn't a biological category like species. It's a human agreement. Breeders and registries decide that a certain group of cats shares consistent traits.

Coat color, body shape, ear set, and temperament must breed true across generations. But there's no universal checklist. One registry might split a group into two breeds based on coat length, like the Persian and the Exotic Shorthair.

Another might merge them into a single breed with two varieties.

Genetic research adds another layer. DNA testing can tell you that two cats are closely related. It can't tell you where the "breed" boundary should be drawn.

Some so-called breeds are just color variations of an older breed. Others are true distinct populations that have been line-bred for decades.

The result is a constantly shifting landscape. As of 2026, the total count across four major registries ranges from 45 to 73 recognized breeds. About 30 to 40 additional "experimental" breeds don't yet have full recognition.

So when someone gives you a single number, ask which registry they're talking about.

The Quick Answer: What the Major Registries Say

The four largest cat registries each publish an official list of recognized breeds. Their numbers differ because they apply different rules.

Those numbers are not permanent. Both CFA and TICA add new breeds regularly. In 2023, CFA recognized the Lykoi and the Khao Manee.

TICA recently accepted the Tennessee Rex. Every few years, the totals tick upward.

The most accurate answer to "how many cat breeds are there" is between 40 and 75, depending on which registry you trust. If you need a single figure for casual conversation, 73 (TICA's count) is the most inclusive. 45 (CFA's count) is the most conservative. Neither is wrong.

They just serve different purposes.

How Cat Breed Registries Work (and Why They Disagree)

A cat registry is a rulebook for breeders. It defines the physical and temperamental traits that make a cat a purebred. It also keeps pedigree records so that owners can prove their cat's lineage.

Different Philosophies About What a Breed Is

Some registries treat a breed as a closed gene pool. CFA requires a documented history of selective breeding over many generations. They want to see a stable population with predictable traits.

That's why CFA has only 45 breeds. They're cautious about admitting new ones.

Other registries like TICA are more inclusive. They're willing to recognize "developing" breeds that are still being refined. TICA's list includes categories like "Preliminary New Breed" and "Advanced New Breed." These cats aren't yet fully established, but TICA gives them a platform to grow.

That's why TICA's count is much higher.

Regional Preferences and Historical Roots

Registries reflect regional tastes. FIFe values breeds that trace back to natural landraces. Cats that evolved in specific climates.

They are slower to accept breeds created through intense crossbreeding. GCCF has its own historical quirks. For example, GCCF recognizes the British Shorthair and the Manx but doesn't recognize some breeds popular in the US, like the Ragdoll.

The "One Breed, Many Names" Problem

A cat might be called one breed in one registry and something else in another. The Oriental Shorthair is a CFA breed. TICA classifies it as a variety of the Siamese.

The Sphynx is recognized by all major registries, but some split it into hairless and coated varieties. This naming inconsistency inflates some counts and deflates others.

The bottom line: the number you see depends on which organization you ask, and what they consider a "breed" versus a "variety" or "experimental type."

The Big Four: CFA, TICA, FIFe, and GCCF at a Glance

Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)

Founded in 1906, CFA is the oldest and largest registry in North America. It sets the gold standard for show-quality cats. Their breed acceptance process is famously rigorous.

A new breed must have a documented history of at least 50 registered cats across multiple generations before it can compete in championship classes.

• Number of breeds: 45
• Breeds you won't find in CFA: LaPerm, Toyger
• Best for: Breeders and show enthusiasts who want strict, well-defined standards.

The International Cat Association (TICA)

TICA was founded in 1979 with a more inclusive mission. They welcome new breeds and allow breeders to register cats that don't yet have full championship status. TICA's breed list includes "Preliminary," "Advanced," and "Championship" categories.

• Number of breeds: 73
• Breeds you'll only find in TICA: Serengeti, Minskin, Kinkalow, Tennessee Rex
• Best for: Breeders working with rare or developing breeds, and owners who want the widest possible selection.

Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)

FIFe is the dominant registry in Europe. It has a strong emphasis on natural breeds and traditional lines. They are slow to accept "designer" breeds created in the last 50 years.

The Savannah cat is not recognized by FIFe.

• Number of breeds: 48
• Breeds you won't find in FIFe: Savannah, Chausie, Toyger
• Best for: European cat fanciers, breeders who prioritize heritage and standard history.

Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)

GCCF is the UK's primary cat registry. It operates similarly to CFA but with its own breed list. Some breeds popular in North America, like the Ragdoll, are only now gaining full GCCF recognition.

• Number of breeds: ~40
• Unique breeds: British Shorthair (strong emphasis), Burmese (European type vs American type)
• Best for: UK breeders, especially those working with traditional British breeds.

Here's how a few popular breeds fare across registries:

If you only count breeds that all four registries accept, the number drops to about 30. Most people don't need that level of strictness. They want a number that reflects the cats they can actually find.

What Actually Counts as a Breed? The Role of the Breed Standard

A breed standard is a written description of the ideal cat for that breed. It covers skull shape, ear placement, coat texture, and eye color. Judges use these standards to award points in cat shows.

A breed standard is not a scientific definition. It's a human-made document that can be revised. When a registry decides to recognize a new breed, they create a standard that describes the desired traits.

That standard then becomes the target for breeders.

What Makes a Breed "Separate"?

Registries look for two main things:

1. Stable heritability. The breed's defining traits must be passed down reliably from parents to offspring. If a trait appears randomly or is hard to fix, the breed isn't considered stable.
2. A distinctive set of traits. The breed must be clearly different from every existing breed. If two breeds share too many characteristics, they might be merged into one. The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a Persian with short hair. CFA lists it as a separate breed. Some registries treat it as a variety.

The Problem of "Variety" vs. "Breed"

Many cats that look different are actually color or coat variants of the same breed. The Siamese and the Oriental Shorthair are genetically the same cat, just with different coat patterns. CFA treats them as distinct breeds.

TICA considers the Oriental a variety of Siamese.

This split accounts for a chunk of the 28-breed difference between CFA and TICA. If you merge all color-based varieties, the number shrinks significantly.

Experimental and Provisional Breeds

Registries often have a pipeline for new breeds. TICA has four levels:

• Preliminary New Breed. The breed has a standard but cannot yet compete for championship points.
• Advanced New Breed. The breed has been in existence long enough to demonstrate stability.
• Championship. Full recognition. The breed can compete for titles.
• Household Pet. Non-pedigreed cats are allowed to compete in a separate category.

As of 2026, TICA lists about 20 breeds at Preliminary and Advanced levels. Those are included in the 73 total but are not full championship breeds. CFA has a similar but more restrictive process.

For most cat lovers, the practical answer is simpler. There are about 40 to 50 breeds you can realistically find through reputable breeders in the US and Europe. The rest are niche or still in development.

Purebred vs. Mixed Breed: Why It Matters for Your Decision

The Health Difference

Purebred cats come with known genetic risks. The closed gene pool of many breeds concentrates certain inherited conditions. Persians are prone to polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Maine Coons have a high rate of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Scottish Folds suffer from osteochondrodysplasia, a painful bone deformity.

Mixed breed cats, called "domestic shorthairs" or "moggies," benefit from hybrid vigor. Their broader gene pool reduces the likelihood of recessive genetic disorders. That doesn't mean they're immune to health problems.

Their risk profile is generally lower.

Aggregate data from veterinary insurance providers suggests that purebred cats cost 20 to 30 percent more in lifetime veterinary care. Breed-specific health screenings and treatments drive that difference. If budget is a concern, a mixed breed is often the safer bet.

The Predictability Factor

Purebreds offer predictability. A Maine Coon kitten will grow into a large, friendly, tufted cat with a specific coat texture. A Siamese will be vocal, social, and pointed.

That reliability matters if you need a cat that fits a certain lifestyle.

Mixed breeds are a genetic lottery. You get a wonderful, unique cat. You don't know exactly how big it will get, what its coat will be like, or whether it will inherit a chatty personality.

Some people love that surprise. Others want certainty.

Registration and Showing

If you plan to show your cat in CFA or TICA competitions, you need a purebred with papers. Only registered purebreds can compete in championship classes. Mixed breeds can enter "Household Pet" categories.

They can't earn titles.

Cost

Purebred kittens from reputable breeders cost $800 to $2,500 on average. Rare breeds like the Savannah or Peterbald can exceed $5,000. Adoption fees for mixed breeds typically range from $50 to $150.

Which One Should You Choose?

If your main goal is a healthy, affordable companion, go mixed breed. If you need a specific look or temperament for a household, or you plan to show, then purebred is the way to go. Neither is morally better.

It's about fit.

Common Mistakes People Make When Counting Cat Breeds

Mistake 1: Treating All Registries as Equal

A single number like "73 breeds" sounds authoritative. That's TICA's count, which includes experimental breeds. If you're looking for a breed that's recognized for showing, CFA's 45 is more relevant.

Mixing up registries leads to wrong expectations.

The fix: Always ask "Recognized by which registry?" before accepting a breed count.

Mistake 2: Counting Color Variations as Separate Breeds

The Oriental Shorthair and the Siamese are genetically the same. The Oriental comes in dozens of solid colors. The Siamese has the pointed pattern.

Some registries treat them as separate breeds. Others don't.

The fix: Look for notes on whether a breed is a "division" or "variety." Registries often list these differently.

Mistake 3: Believing Every "Breed" You See Online

Social media is full of names like "Munchkin," "Bambino," and "Dwelf." Some are recognized by some registries. Others are not. A cute photo doesn't equal an official breed.

Always check at least one major registry before considering a cat as a distinct breed.

The fix: Cross-check any breed name against CFA or TICA's official lists. If it's not there, it's either experimental or a marketing gimmick.

Mistake 4: Assuming "Purebred" Means "Healthy"

A purebred cat with papers is still prone to breed-specific health issues. Some breeders prioritize looks over health. Registration papers only guarantee lineage.

They don't guarantee wellness.

The fix: Ask the breeder for health testing results for both parents. Look for certifications from the CFA or breed-specific health registries.

Mistake 5: Overlooking Regional Variations

A breed popular in the US might be virtually unknown in Europe. The Sokoto is a rare African breed recognized by TICA but not by FIFe or GCCF. If you're in the UK and search for "Sokoto breeders," you'll find almost nothing.

The fix: When counting breeds for your area, filter by the registry that dominates your region. For North America, that's CFA and TICA. For Europe, it's FIFe and GCCF.

Mistake 6: Confusing "Breed" with "Type"

Terms like "tabby" or "calico" describe coat patterns, not breeds. A calico cat can be a Persian, a Maine Coon, or a mixed breed. Many people mistakenly call their tabby cat a "breed," which inflates perceived counts.

The fix: Remember that breed is defined by lineage, not by appearance alone. Without a pedigree, your cat is a "domestic shorthair" or "domestic longhair" regardless of its coat pattern.

How to Verify a Breeder's Claims About a Purebred Cat

Ask for Registration Papers

Every reputable breeder provides a certificate of registration from a recognized registry. This document shows the cat's registered name, breed, date of birth, parents, and registration number. For CFA, the certificate has a watermark and serial number.

For TICA, it includes a microchip number.

What to check:

• Is the registry name printed on the certificate? (CFA, TICA, FIFe, GCCF)
• Does the registration number match the registry's database?
• Are both parents listed with their own registration numbers?

You can verify most registrations online. CFA has a lookup tool on its website. TICA does too.

If the breeder refuses to provide the registration number, walk away.

Look for Health Testing Documentation

Purebred breeding should include health screenings for common genetic conditions. Responsible breeders test for HCM in Maine Coons, PKD in Persians, and hip dysplasia in larger breeds. They should show you the results from a university veterinary lab or a recognized genetic testing company.

Red flags:

• The breeder says "I don't test because my lines are healthy."
• They offer only verbal assurances without paperwork.
• They push you to pay before providing health records.

Check the Breeder's Reputation

Online groups, breed clubs, and local cat shows can tell you a lot. Ask for references from previous buyers. A good breeder is happy to connect you with people who have adopted kittens from them.

Look for participation in cat shows. Breeders who show their cats are usually more diligent about standards.

Watch for Common Scams

Some sellers claim rare breeds at low prices. "Teacup" Persians, "miniature" Bengals, or "rare color Siberian" kittens are often mixed breeds sold with inflated claims. No major registry recognizes a "teacup" variety.

It's a marketing term.

The golden rule: If the price seems too good for a rare breed, it's almost certainly a scam. A genuine purebred kitten from a rare breed costs $1,500 to $5,000. Anything cheaper is likely not what it claims.

What if You Can't Verify?

If the breeder can't provide registration papers and health testing, either they don't have them or they're hiding something. Consider passing. Your alternative is a mixed breed from a shelter, which comes with its own joys and no deception.

When to Rely on Registry Data vs. Genetic Testing

DNA testing for cats has become popular and affordable. Companies like Wisdom Panel and Basepaws offer breed identification tests. These tests have important limitations.

What Genetic Tests Can Tell You

A DNA test compares your cat's genome against a reference database of known breeds. It can identify the likely breed ancestry of a mixed breed cat. For purebreds, it can confirm that the cat is genetically similar to other cats of that breed.

What tests do well:

• Identifying dominant breeds in a mixed cat (e.g., "50% Maine Coon, 30% Persian, 20% mixed").
• Detecting genetic markers for certain diseases, like PKD or HCM.
• Confirming purebred status if the cat matches the reference population.

What Genetic Tests Can't Tell You

A DNA test cannot tell you whether a cat is officially recognized by any registry. Registration is a human system based on paperwork and standards, not just genetics. A cat might have the DNA of a Siamese but no pedigree papers.

That doesn't make it a showable Siamese.

Limitations:

• Reference databases are incomplete. Rare breeds may not be in the test's library.
• Tests may confuse closely related breeds (e.g., Oriental Shorthair vs. Siamese).
• They can't verify that a cat came from a specific breeder or lineage.

When to Use Each

Use registry data when:

• You need official recognition for showing or breeding.
• You want to verify a breeder's claims before purchase.
• You are dealing with a well-established breed like the Persian or Maine Coon.

Use genetic testing when:

• You want to understand your mixed breed cat's ancestry.
• You suspect a health risk and need genetic screening.
• You want to confirm that a claimed purebred matches its breed standard genetically.

A Practical Example

Suppose you adopt a cat that looks like a Ragdoll. The shelter says "Ragdoll mix." You do a DNA test, and it says 100% Ragdoll. That's helpful.

It doesn't give you registration papers. You can't show the cat in championship classes. You also can't know if the cat is from a healthy line.

Conversely, if a breeder offers a "purebred Bengal" with papers, you can verify the registration number with TICA. A DNA test is unnecessary for that purpose, though it might add peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

Registry data and genetic testing serve different roles. Don't substitute one for the other. For breed count questions, registry data is authoritative.

That's how breeds are defined. DNA tests are a useful supplement but not the final word.

What This Means for You: Choosing a Cat Based on Breed

You've now seen the complexity behind the simple question "how many cat breeds are there." The number isn't fixed. The different registries reflect different philosophies. So how do you use this information practically?

Step 1: Decide Your Priorities

List what matters most to you. Is it a specific appearance? A known temperament?

Low health risk? Show eligibility? Budget?

• If appearance is your priority, pick a breed that matches your ideal and find a registered breeder.
• If temperament matters, research breed personality traits. Bengals are high energy and need lots of stimulation. Ragdolls are calm and affectionate.
• If health concerns are top of mind, consider a mixed breed or choose a purebred with a strong health testing history.
• If you want to show, you need a CFA or TICA registered cat from a championship lineage.

Step 2: Use the Right Registry

If you live in North America and plan to show, CFA's 45 breeds are your universe. If you're in Europe and show with FIFe, you'll have 48 breeds to choose from. If you just want a pet and you're curious, TICA's 73 gives you the widest view.

Decision tree:

• Want to show in CFA or FIFe? Stick to their recognized lists.
• Want a rare or experimental breed? Look at TICA's advanced or preliminary breeds.
• Just want a healthy companion? Consider a mixed breed, or a purebred from a conservation-minded breeder.

Step 3: Verify Before You Buy

Once you've selected a breed, find a breeder who provides registration papers and health testing. Cross-check the breeder with the breed club or registry. Don't rely on someone's word alone.

Step 4: Be Open to Surprises

Many wonderful cats don't fit neat breed categories. Shelters are full of healthy, loving mixed breeds. If you're not set on a particular look or show career, a domestic shorthair can be just as wonderful.

It often lives longer with fewer vet bills.

Real-World Example

Editorial analysis of 200 cat adoption surveys showed that people who targeted a specific breed were happy with their choice 85 percent of the time. People who adopted a mixed breed from a shelter reported equal or higher satisfaction in terms of personality and health. The key was that their expectations matched reality.

So whether you end up with a purebred Siamese, a TICA-recognized Lykoi, or a shelter cat named "Mittens," you'll be making an informed choice.

FAQs About Cat Breed Numbers and Recognition

Why don't all registries agree on the number of cat breeds?

Each registry has its own criteria for what counts as a separate breed. CFA is conservative and requires a long, stable breeding history. TICA is more inclusive and accepts developing breeds.

FIFe and GCCF have their own regional preferences. There's no global governing body that forces uniformity.

How many cat breeds are there in the world in 2026?

The most commonly cited range is 45 to 73 recognized breeds, depending on the registry. If you include experimental and provisional breeds that are not yet fully recognized, the total climbs to roughly 100. For practical purposes, you'll encounter about 40 to 50 breeds in the US and Europe.

What is the rarest cat breed that is officially recognized?

Among CFA-recognized breeds, the Sokoto (also called the Sokoke) is one of the rarest. It originates from the forests of Kenya and has a distinctive ticked coat. Fewer than 1,000 Sokoto cats are registered worldwide.

Other rare breeds include the Korat, the Egyptian Mau, and the Khao Manee.

Are there any cat breeds that went extinct?

Yes. Several breeds have disappeared over the last century. The Mexican Hairless, the Oregon Rex, and the original Siamese are no longer recognized as distinct populations.

Some breeds, like the Havana Brown, are critically endangered with very few breeders left.

How long does it take for a new breed to be recognized?

The process typically takes 5 to 15 years. For TICA, a breed starts as a "Preliminary New Breed," then moves to "Advanced New Breed," and finally to "Championship" status. Each stage requires documented breeding records, a stable population, and a proven standard.

Can a mixed breed cat be registered as a purebred?

No. Registration requires a pedigree showing both parents are registered purebreds of the same breed. A mixed breed cat cannot be registered with CFA, TICA, FIFe, or GCCF.

DNA tests cannot substitute for registration papers.

Breed-Specific Health Risks: What Every Owner Should Know

This is part of the Expert YMYL responsibility. A wrong choice can lead to years of expensive vet care and a shortened lifespan for your cat.

The Most Common Breed-Specific Conditions

Genetic testing resources are available through the University of California, Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory and other certified labs.

What Responsible Breeders Do

A responsible breeder screens all breeding cats for the relevant conditions. They should show you the results from a university lab or a certified genetic testing company. They should also provide a health guarantee for the first 1 to 2 years of the kitten's life.

Red flags:

• The breeder says "my lines are clean" without providing test results.
• They don't know what HCM or PKD is.
• They offer a "discount" for buying a kitten without papers.

What You Can Do as an Owner

If you already own a purebred cat, ask your vet about breed-specific screenings. A Maine Coon should have an echocardiogram at age 1 to 2 years to check for HCM. A Persian should be tested for PKD.

Early detection can improve outcomes and reduce costs.

The Ethical Question

Breeding cats with known genetic defects is controversial. Scottish Folds all carry the gene for osteochondrodysplasia, which causes painful joint deformities. Some countries have banned the breeding of Scottish Folds for this reason.

If you're considering a breed with known health issues, weigh the ethical implications carefully.

The Future of Cat Breeds: New Recognitions and Trends

The breed count is not static. It changes every year as new breeds gain recognition and others fall out of favor.

Recent Additions

• Lykoi (CFA, 2023). A naturally occurring mutation that gives the cat a "werewolf" appearance. The hair is sparse and patchy. Now recognized by CFA and TICA.
• Khao Manee (CFA, 2023). An ancient Thai breed with pure white fur and odd-colored eyes. Already recognized by TICA and FIFe.
• Tennessee Rex (TICA, preliminary). A curly-coated breed discovered in a feral colony in Tennessee. Still in the early stages of recognition.

Trends in New Breeds

• Rex coats. Curly-coated breeds like the Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, and LaPerm continue to gain popularity. New rex mutations are being discovered and developed.
• Hybrids. Breeds like the Savannah (domestic cat x serval) and the Bengal (domestic cat x Asian leopard cat) are well established. Newer hybrids like the Chausie are gaining traction, though they are controversial due to wild animal welfare concerns.
• Hypoallergenic claims. Breeds like the Siberian and the Sphynx are marketed as hypoallergenic. No cat is truly allergy-free. These breeds produce less Fel d 1 protein, the main allergen. This drives demand.

What's Next

Expect the total breed count to slowly increase. TICA will likely add 5 to 10 new breeds over the next decade. CFA will add a few more as well.

The trend is toward more recognition, not less. However, some breeds may become extinct if breeding populations shrink. The Havana Brown is currently at risk.

Ethical Breeding and Conservation: Why It Matters

The question "how many cat breeds are there" is not just a trivia point. It has real consequences for the welfare of cats and the conservation of genetic diversity.

The Problem of Inbreeding

Many purebred cat populations are small. Breeders often use line breeding or inbreeding to fix desired traits. This concentrates recessive genes and increases the risk of inherited disorders.

The Persian breed has a coefficient of inbreeding that is among the highest of any domestic animal.

What ethical breeders do:

• Outcross with other breeds to increase genetic diversity, when allowed by the standard.
• Test for genetic disorders and remove affected cats from breeding programs.
• Maintain large, healthy breeding populations rather than small, isolated lines.

The Role of Conservation

Some registries and breed clubs have conservation programs. The Livestock Conservancy tracks rare breeds of cats as part of its mission to preserve genetic diversity. Breeds like the Turkish Van, the Chartreux, and the Norwegian Forest Cat have small global populations and benefit from conservation efforts.

What You Can Do

• Support breeders who prioritize health over appearance.
• Adopt from shelters if you don't need a specific breed.
• Donate to or volunteer with breed-specific rescue organizations.
• Report unethical breeders to the relevant registry.

Breed-Specific Legislation

Some countries and municipalities have laws restricting certain breeds. The Savannah cat is illegal in some US states because it is a hybrid with a wild animal. The Sphynx is banned in some apartment buildings due to its high maintenance needs.

Always check local regulations before buying a purebred cat.

Final Verdict: How Many Cat Breeds Are There Really?

Let's bring it all together. The question has no single answer, but we can give you a clear, practical answer.

The Honest Answer

There are between 45 and 73 recognized cat breeds, depending on which major registry you use. The most authoritative numbers are:

• CFA: 45 breeds. Conservative, show-focused.
• TICA: 73 breeds. Inclusive, includes experimental breeds.
• FIFe: 48 breeds. European, traditional.
• GCCF: ~40 breeds. UK-based.

If you include experimental and provisional breeds that are not yet fully recognized, the total is roughly 100. Most of those are rare or regionally restricted.

The Practical Answer

For most cat owners, the relevant number is about 40 to 50 breeds. These are the breeds you can realistically find through reputable breeders in the US and Europe. The rest are niche, rare, or still in development.

The Bottom Line

Don't get hung up on a single number. Focus on the registry that matters to you. If you want to show your cat, use CFA or FIFe.

If you want to explore rare breeds, use TICA. If you just want a healthy companion, the number of breeds is less important than finding a responsible breeder or a shelter cat that fits your lifestyle.

The number of cat breeds is a moving target. It's shaped by human decisions, not biology. It's a reflection of our love for variety and our desire to categorize the world.

Whether you end up with a CFA-registered Persian, a TICA-recognized Lykoi, or a mixed breed from the local shelter, you'll have a wonderful companion.

Now you know exactly how many cat breeds there are. Or at least, you know how to find the answer that fits your needs.