Cat Registries
GCCF – Governing Council of the Cat Fancy
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) is the premier organisation for the registration of pedigree cats in the United Kingdom. Considered to be a prototype for all cat fancy registries around the world, it is an independent body with around 160 member clubs. It licenses cat shows put on by its affiliated clubs which number around 135 shows per year. Pedigree cats at these shows can gain the titles of Champion, Grand Champion, Imperial Grand Champion and Olympian. The latter having three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
GCCFI – Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Ireland
Founded in 1968, the GCCFI is the counterpart of the GCCF operating in Ireland. It has its own constitution and is an entirely separate organisation, but mirrors the pedigree cat breeds recognised by the GCCF. Cats registered with GCCFI can be shown in UK GCCF shows, and cats registered with the GCCF can be show in GCCFI shows in Ireland.
TICA – The International Cat Association
Founded in 1979, TICA (The International Cat Association) is the world’s largest genetic registry of pedigreed cats. Through its chartered clubs, TICA licenses cat shows world-wide which promote both pedigreed and non-pedigreed cats in a professional manner and are enjoyable and educational for exhibitors, judges and the general public.
Felis Britannica (FIFE)
FELIS BRITANNICA is a non-profit making organisation representing a federation of cat clubs across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, all of whom wish to be part of the international association, Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe). Formed in 2003, FB is the UK FIFe member, and offers the full range of FIFe services in the UK.
UK Specific Tonkinese Organisations
The Tonkinese Breed Advisory Committee
The Tonkinese Breed Advisory Committee is made up of representatives from the Tonkinese Breed Club and Tonkinese Cat Club.
Governed by the Rules of the GCCF, the Tonkinese BAC was established in 1996 to:
- Manage the GCCF Tonkinese Breed Standard
(the standard by which Tonkinese Cats are judged at GCCF shows) - Mange the GCCF Tonkinese Breeding Policy
(all breeders registering Tonkinese Cats with the GCCF are obliged to adhere to this) - Mange the GCCF Tonkinese Registration Policy
(specifies the requirements that must be met when registering Tonkinese Cats with the GCCF) - Manage the Tonkinese GCCF judge list.
- Manage policies on Tonkinese type, colour and coat-patterns.
- Monitor and support correct Tonkinese registration.
- Provide information and support to judges, breeders, exhibitors and owners.
The Tonkinese Breed Club
The Tonkinese Breed Club (TBC) is one of two GCCF Member Clubs dedicated to the Tonkinese Breed. The TBC ran online shows in April 2020 and December 2020 due to COVID-19 but otherwise runs an annual show, in partnership with other breed-specific or regional cat clubs. The TBC maintains a list of Tonkinese Breeders based in the UK and works together with the Tonkinese Cat Club to support the welfare, rescue and rehoming of Tonkinese Cats.
The Tonkinese Cat Club
The Tonkinese Cat Club (TCC) is the one of two GCCF Member Clubs dedicated to the Tonkinese Breed. The TCC runs an annual show, in partnership with other breed-specific or regional cat clubs. The TCC maintains a list of Tonkinese Breeders based in the UK and works together with the Tonkinese Breed Club to support the welfare, rescue and rehoming of Tonkinese Cats.
Caring for Cats
The following sites offer useful advice about cat care.
International Cat Care
One of the best and most professional online sources of cat care information. Originally the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB), icatcare.org is a charity founded in 1958 by a small group of very passionate cat lovers, who were compelled to do something about the dismal lack of information about cat health and welfare. Over 60 years later, they are still working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of all cats everywhere, working towards a world where each cat’s life experience will be as good as it can be.