Why are subcategories on Wordpress categories not coming up like a regular category with a search option?

The display of subcategories in WordPress can depend on the theme you are using and how it is configured. If your subcategories are not appearing as you expect, there are a few things you can check:

1. Theme Settings: Ensure that your WordPress theme supports the display of subcategories in the way you want. Some themes may have specific settings related to category display. Check the theme documentation or settings to see if there are any options related to category and subcategory display.

2. Template Files: In some cases, the issue might be related to the template files used to display categories. Check the template files in your theme, especially those related to category archives (e.g., category.php). The code in these files should include the necessary WordPress functions to display both categories and subcategories.

3. Category Hierarchy: Ensure that your subcategories are properly nested within their parent categories in the WordPress dashboard. You can check this by going to "Posts" -> "Categories" in the WordPress admin and ensuring that the subcategories are correctly assigned to their parent categories.

4. Search Widget/Plugin: Some themes may have limitations on how subcategories are displayed in search results. You can try using a custom search widget or a search plugin that provides more control over the display of categories and subcategories in search results.

5. Plugins and Custom Code: If you have installed any plugins or added custom code to modify the default category behavior, review those settings to ensure they are not affecting the display of subcategories.

6. Update WordPress and Plugins: Make sure that your WordPress installation, theme, and plugins are up to date. Outdated software can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.

If you've checked all of the above and the issue persists, you may want to consider reaching out to the theme developer or support forum for assistance. They may be able to provide specific guidance based on the theme you are using.