Can you check if a cat is TICA registered? Yes, you can! This guide will show you how to verify a cat’s TICA registration, understand pedigree certificates, and navigate the world of cat breed registries.
The International Cat Association (TICA) is one of the world’s largest cat breed registry organizations. For many cat enthusiasts, knowing if a feline is TICA registered is important, especially if they are interested in showing their cat, breeding them, or simply appreciating their lineage. This process is crucial for cat pedigree verification and ensuring you are dealing with a reputable TICA registered cat breeder.
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Why Verify TICA Registration?
There are several compelling reasons why you might want to check a cat’s TICA registration status:
- Breeding: If you plan to breed cats, ensuring both parents are registered with a reputable registry like TICA is essential for producing eligible kittens. This ensures the kittens themselves can be registered and participate in breed-specific programs.
- Showing: To enter a cat in TICA-sanctioned shows, it must be registered with the organization. Registration confirms the cat’s eligibility based on its breed and pedigree.
- Purchasing a Kitten: When buying a kitten from a breeder, verifying its TICA registration provides assurance about the kitten’s breed purity and lineage. It’s a hallmark of a responsible breeder.
- Genealogy and History: For many, tracing a cat’s lineage is a fascinating hobby. TICA registration provides access to a cat’s pedigree, showing its ancestors and their achievements.
- Legitimacy: Registration offers a level of legitimacy to a cat’s breed and can help differentiate between registered purebreds and mixed-breed cats.
What is TICA and What Does Registration Mean?
TICA, The International Cat Association, is a global leader in registering cat breeds. They maintain extensive records of pedigrees for a wide variety of cat breeds. When a cat is TICA registered, it means its parents are also registered, and its lineage has been officially documented within TICA’s system. This registration confirms that the cat belongs to a recognized breed and meets certain standards.
TICA Eligible Breeds
TICA recognizes a diverse range of cat breeds, from the well-known Persians and Siamese to newer, experimental breeds. The list of TICA eligible breeds is extensive and can be found on their official website. If a cat is advertised as a specific breed, it should be eligible for registration with TICA.
The Importance of Pedigree Certificates
A pedigree certificate is a document that outlines a cat’s lineage, typically showing its parents, grandparents, and often further back. For TICA registered cats, this certificate is proof of their breed and registered status. It’s more than just a pretty document; it’s a record of the cat’s genetic history.
How to Check If A Cat Is TICA Registered
The primary method for checking a cat’s TICA registration status is through TICA’s own resources. While you can’t simply type in a cat’s name and get instant results for every cat in existence, you can verify a specific cat if you have the necessary information.
1. Using TICA’s Online Services
TICA offers various online services that can help with registration and verification. The most direct way to check if a cat is registered is by using their official online tools.
The TICA Online Database
TICA maintains an online database. Accessing this database typically requires specific information about the cat.
What information do you need?
- TICA Registration Number: This is the most direct way to search. If you have the cat’s unique TICA registration number, you can use it to look up its status.
- Cat’s Name: While less precise, if the cat has a registered name, it might be searchable. However, names can be similar, so the registration number is more reliable.
- Owner Information: In some cases, you might be able to search by owner’s name, especially if you are looking to confirm a breeder’s legitimacy.
How to access it:
- Visit the Official TICA Website: Go to the official website of The International Cat Association.
- Navigate to Member Services or Online Tools: Look for sections related to “Registration,” “Member Services,” or “Online Database.”
- Search Functionality: Find the search or lookup tool. This might be labeled as “Check Registration Status,” “Pedigree Search,” or similar.
- Enter Cat Details: Input the required information, such as the registration number or cat’s name.
- Review Results: The system will then display the registration status of the cat, along with its pedigree information if available and publicly accessible.
Note: TICA’s website structure can change. If you have trouble finding the specific tool, look for a “Contact Us” section and inquire about the best way to verify registration.
2. Contacting TICA Directly
If you are unable to find the information online or need further assistance, contacting TICA directly is a valid option.
Methods of Contact:
- Phone: Call TICA’s administrative office. They can guide you through the process or perform the check for you if you provide the necessary details.
- Email: Send an email to their customer service or registration department. Clearly state your query and provide any identifying information you have for the cat.
- Mail: For formal inquiries, you can also write a letter to TICA’s headquarters.
When contacting TICA, always have the cat’s registration number ready if possible. This will significantly speed up the process. Be prepared to provide your own contact information as well.
3. Via Your Breeder
If you are purchasing a kitten or cat, the most straightforward way to confirm its TICA registration is to ask the TICA registered cat breeder you are working with.
What to ask your breeder:
- “Is this kitten/cat TICA registered?”
- “Can I see the TICA registration certificate for the kitten/cat?”
- “Can I see the TICA registration certificates for the parents?”
- “What is the TICA registration number for this cat?”
A reputable breeder will readily provide this information and be happy to answer your questions. They should be able to show you the pedigree certificates and the TICA registration documents for the kitten and its parents. If a breeder is hesitant or unable to provide these, it could be a red flag.
What to Look For on a TICA Registration Certificate
A TICA registration certificate is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a vital document that confirms a cat’s identity and lineage within the TICA system.
Key Information on a TICA Certificate:
- Cat’s Registered Name: The unique name assigned to the cat within TICA’s records.
- TICA Registration Number: The cat’s unique identification number.
- Breed: The recognized breed of the cat.
- Color and Pattern: Specific details about the cat’s coat.
- Date of Birth: The cat’s birth date.
- Sire (Father) and Dam (Mother): The registered names and potentially registration numbers of the parents.
- Breeder’s Information: The name and address of the person or cattery that registered the cat.
- Owner’s Information: The current owner’s name and address.
- Date of Registration: When the cat was officially registered with TICA.
Checking the Accuracy of the Certificate
When you receive a pedigree certificate or registration document, it’s wise to cross-reference the information with what the breeder has told you and, if possible, with TICA’s database. Ensure all details match up.
Navigating the World of Cat Breed Registries
TICA is a major player, but it’s not the only cat breed registry. Understanding the landscape can be helpful.
TICA vs. CFA
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) is another prominent registry in North America. While both organizations register cats and promote breeds, they have different rules, accepted breeds, and show standards. A cat registered with TICA may or may not be eligible for registration with CFA, and vice versa, depending on their respective rules and breed acceptance.
If you’re looking at a registered purebred cat, it’s important to know which registry it’s registered with and why that matters for your specific interest (e.g., showing, breeding).
What About Non-TICA Registered Cats?
If a cat is not TICA registered, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s not a purebred. However, it does mean its lineage hasn’t been officially documented and recognized by TICA. This can impact its eligibility for TICA-sanctioned events and may require a different approach to cat pedigree verification.
For cats that may have a valid pedigree from another registry, or if you are trying to register a cat whose parents were registered elsewhere, TICA has procedures for “Recording” or “Transferring” ownership and registration.
Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them
Scenario 1: Buying a Kitten
You are interested in buying a kitten advertised as TICA registered.
- Action: Ask the breeder for the TICA registration number for the kitten and its parents. Request to see the pedigree certificates and TICA registration papers. Check the kitten’s registration status using the information provided and TICA’s online database if possible. Ensure the kitten’s name, breed, and parentage match the documents.
Scenario 2: Acquiring a Rescued Cat
You have rescued a cat and suspect it might be purebred and potentially registered.
- Action: This is more challenging. Unless the previous owner provided TICA paperwork, finding out if a rescued cat is TICA registered is difficult. You could try contacting local shelters or rescue groups to see if they have any records. If the cat has distinctive markings or features, you could consult with breed-specific rescue organizations or experienced breeders for an educated guess about its breed, but official TICA registration without prior paperwork is unlikely.
Scenario 3: Inheriting a Cat
You’ve inherited a cat from a family member who was involved in cat fancy.
- Action: Go through the deceased’s belongings for any documents related to cats, such as registration papers, pedigree certificates, or membership cards for cat associations. If you find a TICA registration number, use it to verify the cat’s status. If you find papers from another registry (like CFA), you may need to contact that organization or investigate TICA’s process for transferring or recognizing foreign registrations.
Ensuring You Work with a Reputable TICA Registered Cat Breeder
A key benefit of TICA registration is that it helps identify legitimate breeders. A good TICA registered cat breeder will be transparent about their cats’ pedigrees and registration status.
What makes a breeder reputable?
- Transparency: They are open about their cats, their health, and their registration status.
- Documentation: They readily provide TICA registration papers and pedigree certificates for their kittens.
- Knowledge: They are knowledgeable about the breed they raise and TICA’s rules.
- Health Testing: They conduct health testing for genetic diseases common in the breed and can show you proof.
- Good Communication: They answer your questions thoroughly and promptly.
- Ethical Practices: They prioritize the health and welfare of their cats.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No Registration Papers: Refusal or inability to provide TICA registration papers.
- Vague Answers: Evasiveness when asked about registration or pedigree.
- “Only Pet Papers”: Be wary of breeders who only offer “pet papers” and claim they are the same as registration. True TICA registration is distinct.
- Unwillingness to Show Parents: A breeder should allow you to meet the kitten’s parents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I find any TICA registered cat by just searching their name on Google?
A1: No, you cannot simply search on Google and find any TICA registered cat. TICA’s database is typically accessed through their official website with specific registration numbers or limited search parameters. A general Google search will not yield TICA registration information.
Q2: What if my cat’s parents were registered with another organization, like CFA? Can it still be TICA registered?
A2: Yes, TICA has procedures for registering cats whose parents are registered with other recognized associations. This often involves submitting the foreign registration papers and pedigree. You will need to check TICA’s specific guidelines for “Recording” or registering cats from other registries.
Q3: How much does it cost to register a cat with TICA?
A3: The cost of registration with TICA varies. Fees can depend on whether you are registering a litter, a single cat, or transferring ownership. It’s best to check the official TICA website for their current fee schedule.
Q4: If I buy a cat that isn’t TICA registered, can I register it later?
A4: If the cat’s parents are TICA registered and you have proof, you may be able to register the cat. If the parents are not registered, or their registration cannot be proven, registering the cat with TICA will be difficult or impossible. You might be able to “record” its lineage if it has documented pedigree from another recognized association.
Q5: How long does it take to get TICA registration papers after purchasing a kitten?
A5: A reputable breeder typically initiates the registration process soon after the kitten is born or when it goes to its new home. Processing times can vary, but you should expect to receive the papers within a few months. Discuss this timeline with your breeder before finalizing the purchase.
Q6: Does TICA registration guarantee a cat is healthy?
A6: TICA registration guarantees the cat’s breed and pedigree, but it does not guarantee health. Responsible breeders will conduct health screenings and genetic testing for their breeding cats, but registration itself is about lineage and breed conformity, not health status. Always ask for health clearances from the breeder.
Q7: Are there any free ways to check TICA registration status?
A7: The most direct way to check registration status is through TICA’s official website, which may have some free lookup tools for basic information. However, for detailed pedigree searches or specific verification beyond basic status, there might be associated fees for accessing certain services or requesting documents.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively check if a cat is TICA registered and ensure you are making informed decisions as a cat enthusiast, buyer, or breeder. Remember, transparency and official documentation are key when dealing with purebred cats and their registrations.