It was founded in 1988 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and continues to have a strong presence in Latin America, Western Europe, and in countries of the former USSR.

The WCF comprises over 10,000 breeders/catteries registered (not all are active members); 66 national organisations (plus 64 provisional); 370 clubs (over 500 counting sub-clubs) total pedigrees unknown (handled by clubs, not centralised); average of over 500 shows per year; 111 breeds listed as recognised or accepted (as of 2020);[2] describes itself as "an international association of cat clubs ... successfully working on the development of animal protection laws in European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Over 120 cats from 15 countries including non-pedigree 'Puspin' (pusang Pinoy - 'domestic short-haired') also competed and won at the 2-day event.

[4] The Society of Feline Enthusiasts of the Philippines, Inc. (SFEPI) President, Student judge Lio Maclang organized the show with WCF and co-presenters Hard Rock Cafe Manila's Brian Peck, Island Rescue Organization's Annalyn Aizpuru and Royal Canin CD Sevilla.

Chris Christensen Systems Philippines segregated the breeds into 4 coat types: Satin, Silky, Full, and Suede.