The Number of Cats on the Planet
As of 2021, it is estimated that there are around 600 million cats in the world. However, this number is difficult to determine accurately as there are many feral cats that live on the streets and in rural areas that are not included in this estimate.
Where Cats Are More Prevalent
Cats are popular pets in many countries, and as a result, you are more likely to find them in urban areas. In fact, cities like Istanbul, Turkey, and Rome, Italy are known for their large populations of stray cats. In some parts of the world, cats are even considered sacred, such as in Japan where there are cat shrines and festivals.
Where Cats Are Less Prevalent
Cats are less common in areas where there are large predators like lions and tigers. For example, in Africa, there are many large predators that pose a threat to cats, so they are not as common as they are in other parts of the world. In addition, cats are not native to Australia, so they are considered an invasive species and are not allowed to be kept as pets in some areas.
How Many Species of Cats Are on the Planet
There are currently 41 recognized species of cats in the world. Some of the most well-known species include the domestic cat, lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, and cheetah. However, there are also many lesser-known species of cats such as the fishing cat, sand cat, and black-footed cat. Some of these species are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.