The International Cat Association (TICA) is the world's largest genetic registry of pedigreed cats, the largest registry of household pet cats and kittens. TICA was the first and now the world's largest-registry to allow household cats of unknown ancestry to compete for the same titles and awards as pedigreed cats. The responsible breeding of pedigreed cats preserves the distinct characteristics of individual pedigreed breeds and ensures the continuation of predictable physical and behavioral traits for future generations.

The International Cat Association headquartered in Harlingen, Texas, administers the rules for the licensing and management of hundreds of cat shows annually across the globe and in 104 countries. TICA and its members work together to promote the preservation of pedigreed cats and the health and welfare of ALL domestic cats through education, responsible cat ownership and proper care to the owners of millions of cats worldwide. TICA currently recognizes 63 breeds of cats from the ancient Abyssinian to the newer breeds like the Lykoi cat, and including wild looking Chausie and Bengals.

Objectives:

• The registration of the pedigrees of all breeds of felines and catteries;
• The promulgation of rules governing the management of the Association and cat shows sanctioned by the Association;
• The licensing of cat shows held under the auspices of the Association;
• The establishment of comprehensive Standards for all breeds of domesticated cats;
• The honoring of outstanding felines, their owners and breeders for their accomplishments;
• The dissemination of information to promote the knowledge and interest of breeders, owners, exhibitors and the general public concerning the breeding, exhibition and improvement of breeds, and the care and welfare of all cats; and,
• The promotion of educational and friendly relations between cat owners all other countries of the world.

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. 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, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and the United States.

TICA website: http://www.tica.org/