World Cat Congress Members

The International Cat Association

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The International Cat Association (TICA) was organized in the summer of 1979. The first Annual Board of Directors' Meeting was held in August, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia, and the first International Convention and Awards Banquet was held in Pasadena, California, on Labor Day weekend in 1980.

TICA's unique genetically-based registry has encouraged world-wide participation in an association with established scientifically-based principles, and has created the largest genetic registry in the world. On a trial basis, the TICA membership daringly adopted an ingenious judging format by eliminating any reference to status, title or identification of show entries. This system proved to be enthusiastically accepted by exhibitors which resulted in its approval, and by the Board of Directors, for use of an unprecedented process whereby cats are judged purely on their merits at the time of judging.

The largest genetic registry in the world is guided by a skilled Board of Directors comprised of a President, Vice President, and a Regional Director from each of the regions. The officers and Regional Directors are elected for 3-year terms by the TICA membership.

The Board of Directors administers the affairs of the Association and formulates rules regarding the policies of the Association. Changes to the Show Rules, By-Laws and/or Registration Rules are then submitted to the membership for a vote of ratification or denial. TICA members are notified of any general policy changes in the TICA TREND following each Board meeting. By-Laws, Show Rules, Registration Rules, Standards, Color Descriptions, the Clerking Manual, and the Judging Program are professionally printed and updated on a regular basis. Any TICA member is free to submit rules and/or policy changes for consideration at Board Meetings, and many changes are developed from the ideas and suggestions presented by TICA's members.

From inception, TICA's judges have been educated, trained, and experienced professionals whose knowledge and skills are continually updated and tested. Rigorous requirements to enter the Judging Program were established to insure that only the best, most highly motivated and qualified individuals become a part of this elite group. Each judge, once confirmed by the Board of Directors, is required to complete stringent annual criteria which includes specific reports, refresher examinations, seminars, and re-examination to insure that the mastery of their craft is at its peak.

The strength of TICA lies in its members. Breeders, exhibitors and cat lovers are invited to join TICA and participate in the most progressive registry in the world. Our members are entitled to vote on all issues which shape the Association. Clubs do not vote in TICA. Members are also entitled to belong to breed sections of their choice and may be eligible to be an elected officer. There are currently more than 3000 TICA members throughout the world.

There are TICA clubs chartered in Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and the United States. Any club with no less than five (5) TICA members, organized for the following purposes, may apply for a club charter: Sponsor and promote the welfare of all breeds of cats, including household pets (mixed breeds); Hold cat shows and special programs and otherwise promote the interest in and knowledge of all domestic cats; Cultivate friendship among and promote the interest of the owners, fanciers and breeders of cats; Encourage breeding toward the TICA Standards and encourage the registration of cats with TICA; Promote and encourage kindness to all animals and assist in prevention of cruelty and mistreatment of animals; Encourage the spaying and neutering of any and all cats not specifically being used as part of a viable breeding program in order to reduce the trend toward overpopulation of, and tragedy among, unwanted domestic cats.

TICA cat shows are held in the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, Mexico, and South America. These shows are judged by highly respected members of the Cat Fancy who have completed an extensive apprenticeship and examination process which fully qualifies them to evaluate a quality cat show exhibit.

The TICA Executive Office, located in Harlingen, Texas, is a modern computerized office and has grown from a small operation to an efficient, professional and fully-staffed office. Each year the TICA Executive Office expands to keep up with the growing needs of a rapidly expanding workload. A toll-free 800 number was installed to provide show information to exhibitors in the United States and Canada.

In keeping with the Mission and Policy Statements of TICA, the Feline Welfare Committee, under the guidance of the Board of Directors, has adopted the Voluntary Cattery Evaluation Program and the Voluntary Code of Ethics. The goal is to provide education, information, and guidance to breeders so that they are aware of proper husbandry and cattery management techniques. The Voluntary Cattery Evaluation Program recognizes TICA Outstanding Catteries and TICA Catteries of Merit.