Introduction to TICA Registration
The International Cat Association (TICA) is the world’s largest genetic registry of pedigreed and household pet cats. Founded in 1979, TICA promotes the preservation of pedigreed breeds as well as mixed breed domestic cats. They maintain breed standards and support responsible breeding practices worldwide.
Registering your cat with TICA provides many benefits. It documents your cat’s pedigree and ancestry which is especially important for purebred cats being shown or used for breeding. Registration also allows you to obtain certified pedigrees and enter your cat into TICA-sanctioned cat shows. Overall, it enhances the value and legitimacy of your feline companion.
The TICA registration process involves submitting an application with your cat’s details such as name, birthdate, breed, parents’ names and registration numbers. You’ll also need to provide supporting documentation like copies of the parents’ pedigrees. Once approved, your cat will be assigned a unique registration number that is included in their pedigree record.
Key Takeaways
- TICA is the world’s largest genetic registry for pedigreed and household pet cats.
- Registering with TICA documents pedigree, allows cat shows, and increases value.
- Registration requires an application and supporting documentation.
Understanding TICA Pedigree
A pedigree is a family tree documenting a purebred cat’s ancestry. Pedigrees are important in TICA because they verify that a cat is a purebred and meets the breed standard. Pedigrees also help breeders make informed breeding decisions to improve and continue bloodlines.
TICA pedigrees start with the individual cat and trace back at least three generations, including parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. More extensive five-generation pedigrees are preferred. These provide additional ancestry and health information to ensure responsible breeding.
On a TICA pedigree, male ancestors are referred to as the ‘sire’, while female ancestors are called the ‘dam’. For example, a cat’s sire is their father, and their dam is their mother. Knowing sire and dam lines helps determine if two cats are closely related, which is important for genetic diversity.
Key Details in a TICA Pedigree
- Registered names of ancestors
- TICA registration numbers
- Colors and patterns
- Show titles and awards
- Sire and dam of each cat
A proper TICA pedigree will have all this information for at least three generations back. Responsible breeders invest time and effort into documenting their cats’ pedigrees.
How to Confirm Your Breeder’s Cattery Registration
Verifying that your breeder is registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) is an important step before getting a kitten. A TICA registration provides credibility and accountability for ethical breeding practices. Here are some tips on confirming your breeder’s cattery registration:
Check TICA’s Website
The easiest way is to search for your breeder’s cattery name on the TICA website. Go to the ‘Catteries’ page and see if their name is listed in the registry. However, this list is not always up-to-date.
Ask For Documentation
Any reputable TICA registered breeder should readily provide documentation of their cattery registration. This will include their unique cattery registration number issued by TICA. They may also have a certificate displayed on their website or on the premises.
Verify Parentage Records
Your breeder should provide you with pedigree papers showing at least 3 generations of parentage for the kitten. Cross-check the cattery names on the pedigree with the TICA registry to confirm registration.
Check Litters and Kittens
Ask your breeder for the litter registration number for your kitten. Search for this on the TICA website under ‘Litters’ to verify if it is registered. The kitten’s details like name and birthdate should match.
Follow Up with TICA
If you cannot find conclusive proof of TICA registration, contact TICA directly with the cattery name and other details. They can search their records and confirm if the breeder is registered.
A TICA registered cattery signals a breeder who abides by TICA’s code of ethics. While not a complete guarantee, it is an important verification to safeguard against backyard breeders. With some diligence, you can confirm your breeder’s credentials.
Verifying Your Cat’s TICA Registration Online
Verifying your cat’s TICA registration online is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Go to the TICA website
Go to the official TICA website at tica.org. Look for the tab or link to access their breeder/cattery search.
2. Enter your cat’s details
You will need to enter your cat’s full registered name, as well as the cattery name and breeder’s last name. Make sure to enter the details exactly as they appear on your registration documents.
3. Review the search results
If your cat is registered with TICA, their details should appear in the search results. Double check that the name, cattery, breed, and other details match up.
4. Troubleshooting tips
If you cannot find your cat’s registration, here are some things to try:
- Make sure you are spelling everything correctly
- Try searching by the cattery name only
- Contact the breeder to confirm the registered name
- Reach out to TICA directly for assistance
5. Confirm registration status
Once you have located your cat’s registration, be sure to double check that they are listed as “active.” This confirms that your TICA registration is valid.
Verifying your cat’s TICA status gives you peace of mind that they are properly registered. It also ensures you can participate in TICA cat shows and that your cat’s pedigree will be maintained.
If your cat is not registered, you can contact the breeder or TICA to begin the registration process.
What to Do if Your Cat Isn’t TICA Registered
There are a few reasons why your cat may not be registered with TICA, even if you purchased it from a breeder.
Reasons for Lack of Registration
Some common reasons your cat hasn’t been registered include:
- The breeder never completed the registration process
- You purchased your cat as a pet quality kitten that the breeder did not intend to register
- The cat is from an accidental or unplanned litter that was not registered
- Record keeping mistakes resulted in your cat being overlooked
In some cases, an ethical breeder may have simply forgotten or delayed sending in your cat’s registration. However, failure to provide registration can also be a red flag for an irresponsible breeder.
Registering Your Cat with TICA
If your cat did not come registered, you can complete the registration process yourself through TICA. Here are the steps:
- Gather the required documentation, such as pedigree records for parents
- Fill out the appropriate TICA registration form
- Submit the form and fee to TICA to complete registration
TICA has detailed instructions for owner-registered cats on their website. Be prepared to provide pedigree information and potentially DNA testing.
Impact of Non-Registration
If your cat remains unregistered, it will not have a documented pedigree or eligibility for TICA cat shows and titles. Registration establishes your cat in the breed records and allows you to trace lineage.
For breeders, lack of registration also calls the cat’s purebred status into question. But even as a pet, registration can be meaningful by connecting your cat to its heritage.
Conclusion
Registering your cat with The International Cat Association (TICA) provides many benefits for both you and your feline companion. A TICA registration establishes your cat’s pedigree record and confirms that they are a purebred cat of their specified breed. It also makes your cat eligible for entering cat shows and competitions sanctioned by TICA.
We hope this guide has helped explain the importance of verifying your cat’s TICA registration status. Don’t assume your cat is registered – take the time to confirm their registration by following the steps outlined in this blog post.
Here are three key takeaways from this guide:
- Always verify your breeder’s cattery registration and request documentation for your cat’s pedigree.
- Check online or contact TICA directly to confirm your cat is listed in their registry database.
- If your cat isn’t registered, work with your breeder or TICA to get them registered properly.
Proper TICA registration ensures your cat will be recognized for their pedigree and eligible for shows. It also provides peace of mind that you have an officially registered purebred cat.
If you have any other questions about TICA cat registration, don’t hesitate to reach out to TICA directly. Their team is happy to assist and wants to see all pedigreed cats registered properly. Visit the TICA website or contact them by phone or email – they will be glad to help!
We wish you and your feline friend all the best!