Why Pedigrees Are Necessary—A Mark of Breeder Responsibility and Trust
A cat's pedigree is not merely a "certificate." It is a document that condenses the history of breeding over generations, genetic background, and records of health management into a single sheet. When selling kittens through a breeder direct sales platform, the presence or absence of a pedigree directly impacts buyer trust. This article provides practical guidance on the characteristics of major registration organizations both domestically and internationally, registration procedures, and day-to-day pedigree management.
Major Cat Breed Registration Organizations
TICA (International Cat Association)
TICA is the world's largest cat registration organization and recognizes over 100 breeds. While its headquarters is in the United States (Texas), there are many TICA-registered breeders throughout Japan.
TICA Characteristics
- The online registration system is comprehensive and procedures can be completed from Japan
- Proactive in recognizing new breeds (e.g., LaPerm, Scottish Straight, etc.)
- Has established policies regarding skeletal health for certain breeds, including Scottish Fold
- English is the standard; however, some breeder organizations offer Japanese-language proxy services
CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association)
CFA is America's longest-established cat registration organization (founded in 1906) and is known for its strict standards in managing purebred lineages of traditional breeds.
CFA Characteristics
- Recognizes 45 breeds (fewer than TICA but with stricter standards)
- Scottish Fold is not recognized (due to concerns about health issues in folded-ear breeds)
- Japanese language support is limited; English procedures are standard
- Preferred by show-oriented breeders
JCF (Japan Cat Fanciers Association)
JCF is a registration organization based in Japan and is a member of FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline).
JCF Characteristics
- Procedures can be completed in Japanese
- Breed recognition complies with FIFe standards
- Participants gain eligibility to compete in domestic cat shows
- Has a lower procedural threshold for domestic breeders
Other Organizations
| Organization | Characteristics |
|---|
| ACFA (American Cat Fanciers Association) | American-based; positioned between TICA and CFA |
| WCF (World Cat Federation) | German-based; high recognition in Europe |
| CCA (Canadian Cat Association) | Canada-based |
TICA Registration Procedures: A Practical Guide for Japanese Breeders
Prerequisites
- TICA Breeder Membership Registration
- TICA Registration of Parent Cats
Kitten Registration Steps
Step 1: Submitting Litter Registration
- Complete "Litter Registration" within 30 days of birth
- Required information: dam ID, sire ID, date of birth, number of kittens, sex, coat color
Step 2: Individual Registration
- Register each kitten's name, date of birth, coat color, and sex
- Breeders with a cattery name register the formal name as "Cattery Name + Kitten Name"
- Registration fee: approximately $10–$25 per kitten (varies by membership type)
Step 3: Pedigree Issuance
- After registration is complete, the pedigree is issued as a PDF or by mail
- The pedigree includes ancestors from 3 to 5 generations back
Procedures at the Time of Handover
- Ownership transfer to the buyer is completed as a "Transfer"
- If restricting breeding, select "Alter Registration"
- If handing over registration with breeding rights, it becomes "Full Registration," allowing future offspring from the kitten to be registered
JCF Registration Procedures
Membership Registration
Membership registration is completed through JCF's website or affiliated clubs. Clubs exist in each region, and registration through a club is standard.
Breeding Application and Registration
- Breeding Application: Submit a breeding application before mating (the partner's registration number is required)
- Birth Notification: Submit a birth notification for the kittens after delivery
- Individual Registration: Register each kitten after 8 weeks of age and following a health check
- Pedigree Issuance: The pedigree is issued after registration is complete (typically 1–4 weeks)
PawPeds (paWPeds.com)
A cat pedigree database originating in Sweden. Pedigree information for many breeds is freely available, and the coefficient of inbreeding (COI) can be calculated.
How to Use
- Precalculate COI for prospective sires and dams
- Verify genetic diversity within a breed
- Reference genetic disease carrier information
Breeding Manager Software (Various)
- MacKitten / PC Kitten (Tenset Technologies): Specialized in pedigree management and kitten tracking
- Excel/Spreadsheet: Effective for simple record-keeping (breeding dates, birth dates, kitten data, customer information)
Best Practices in Pedigree Management
Records Breeders Should Maintain
- Copies of parent cat registration certificates
- Breeding records (breeding dates, sire owner information)
- Birth records (date of birth, number of kittens, weight, sex)
- Vaccination records
- Genetic disease screening results (HCM, PKD, etc.)
- Copies of contracts at the time of handover
Disclosure Obligations to Buyers
Responsible breeders are required to disclose the following to buyers:
- Presence or absence of pedigree and how to obtain it (whether issued or pending)
- Whether breeding rights are included (Full / Alter Registration)
- Genetic disease screening results for parent cats
- Procedures for transferring the pedigree after handover
Conclusion
Cat pedigree and breed registration is an important responsibility that enhances a breeder's credibility and properly proves the value of kittens. Since each of TICA, CFA, and JCF has distinct characteristics, choose an organization based on the breed you are raising, your target market, and the convenience of language support. Proper pedigree management directly contributes to preserving healthy cat breeding practices. Be diligent in your record-keeping as a breeder and focus on building long-term trust with your buyers.
