The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES is an agreement between governments aiming to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants has no negative impact on their survival.

A number of cat species and subspecies are listed in Appendix I (see Cats in CITES), all other wild cats are listed in Appendix II. Domestic cat breeds are not subject to the provision of the Convention.

Specialist Groups suggest members who assist in reviewing the proposals for the IUCN/SSC Wildlife Trade Programme. The objectives of this SSC Programme are:

• to identify situations where trade in wild species appears unsustainable or adversely affects the status of non-target species;
• to focus on gaps in knowledge of the biology and status of species in trade;
• to develop and promote those actions and/or mechanisms necessary to ensure the conservation of species adversely affected by trade;
• to ensure that the SSC's expertise is used to influence the decisions of CITES and other relevant agreements;
• to provide scientific support and capacity building to the Parties to CITES (and other relevant international agreements) in implementing conventions at national and regional levels;
• to increase understanding about CITES and other relevant agreements within the SSC network.