How many types of cats are there in the world?

Question: How many types of cats are there in the world?
- Keywords:
  breed,
  cat,
  diversity
Asked by rocy775 to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 14 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by amccord608, cieramc, sybbag, lillianjade98.
- Kevin Mahon answered on 14 Jun 2012:
  
  Well if we’re talking breeds of pet cats there are currently around 70/80 breeds recognised by charities and cat organisiations. More conservative cat breeding groups like the cat fancy association only recognise 40 however!
  
  But if you mean species of feline, currently there are 36 species (from the family Felidae, excluding hybrids) in the world!

Question: How many types of cats are there in the world?