Domestic cats (Felis catus) have been companions to humans for over 10,000 years, and selective breeding over the past two centuries has produced an astonishing diversity of shapes, sizes, coats, and personalities. As of 2024, the International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes 75 standardized breeds, while the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognizes 45 breeds and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognizes 50.

This encyclopedia covers 82+ breeds — from the ancient Abyssinian descended from the sacred cats of Egypt, to modern designer breeds like the Bengal and Toyger, alongside rare natural landraces such as the Sokoke of Kenya and the Aphrodite Giant of Cyprus. Each profile includes origin, coat type, body type, weight, lifespan, and behavioral traits.

Image credits: All breed photographs are sourced from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licenses. Images are optimized via wsrv.nl for fast loading without sacrificing quality.