RECOGNISED BREEDS
SHOWING

BUYING & SELLING A KITTEN - Information and Advice & Code of Ethics

JUDGE AND STEWARD TRAINING

 

The different pedigree cat breeds recognised by the GCCFI mirror those recognised by their counterpart in the UK, the GCCF.  Please follow this link to the GCCF site for further information.  If you are in any doubt as to whether a particular breed is recognised, please contact the GCCFI Registrar directly. 

 

Please note that some breeds, although high profile and well known, may not be recognised for a variety of reasons, but sometimes because of the health implication of their particular characteristics.  However, it may also be only because they are new and under development, so please check if in doubt.  

  

To enter a Cat Show you must apply in advance to the Show Manager and enter your cat in its relevant class.  The different classes are published in the Show Schedule, which indicates the classes available for the different breeds and also the different judges who will be judging on the day.  Some of these judges are Irish, but most come from the UK and Europe, and occasionally from even further afield.  The show schedule is published two months in advance of the show and entries close four weeks before show day.  All pedigree entries must be registered with the GCCFI, but there is also a section for Household Pets that need not be registered, but must still be entered prior to the show – it is not possible to just turn up with your cat on the day!

 

On Show Day you must arrive early in the morning and your cat will be checked by a vet before being allowed into the show hall.  Once in the hall, you will settle your cat in a pre-assigned pen from where it will be judged.  If your cat wins its class it will be awarded a Championship Certificate (Premier Certificate in the case of a neuter).  When you win three of these certificates, under three different judges at three different shows, your cat will be a Champion and you may apply to the Registrar to have this certified.  You then progress to the Grand Champion class and you must win three Grand Champion Certificates to be a Grand Champion.  There are also lots of lovely rosettes and special trophies for different category winners.

 

The pedigree section pens are deliberately kept free of any identifying marks to retain the anonymity of the entrants so that the judges have no idea of whose cat they are judging.  Exhibitors in the non-pedigree section may dress up and theme their pens in whatever way they wish.

 

At the end of each show seven Best In Show cats are picked in seven separate categories and these are then judged at the finale of the show to pick an overall Best In Show (BIS), for which win it gains an extra cert.  At the GCCFI Supreme Show, the title of BIS is the Supreme Exhibit of the year and this is considered the ultimate accolade in the annual show calendar.

 

For further information and to request a schedule for a show, please visit the Show Page on this site.  Any queries should be directed to the Show Manager listed on the Show Page.

 

 

Prospective owners and breeders should carefully read the following information and advice from the GCCFI.  A pdf printer friendly copy of this article is available here

 

Registered Owners of all GCCFI registered cats/kittens accept the jurisdiction of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Ireland and undertake to abide by this general code of ethics.

 

1

Owners should think carefully and be advised before getting a kitten.  A breed should be chosen which is suitable to the lifestyle of the new owner.  Only keep as many cats as can be cared for properly.

 

2

Warm and comfortable housing must be provided for cats and kittens allowing ample opportunity and space for exercise and play.  Drinking water must be available at all times and cats must be fed regularly and adequately.  This would mean twice each day for adults and four times a day for new kittens (up to 3 months) reducing to 3 meals at 4 months and at 6 months two meals for the rest of their lives.  Breeders will supply written details of all dietary requirements and will also give advice and guidance concerning responsible ownership when cats/kittens are moving to their new homes.

 

3

Some cats need more grooming than others do and this will keep the coat in good condition and will be a check for fleas and other parasites.  Longhair cats need daily grooming to prevent the formation of knots and matted fur which can cause the cat considerable discomfort.  Prospective buyers of longhair cats should be made fully aware of the need for grooming.

 

4

If a cat/kitten shows signs of illness it is imperative to seek Veterinary assistance.

 

5

Cats bought as pets, not for breeding, should be neutered at the age recommended by your Veterinary Surgeon.  Some cats are registered on the Non-Active register which means that in no circumstances should they be bred from.  It is not possible to register the progeny of such cats with the GCCFI.

 

6

Breeders agree only to sell cats where there is a reasonable expectation that they will have a happy and healthy life.  Breeders should make an offer at the time of sale to help with the rehoming should future circumstances require that a new home has to be found for the cat.  A reputable breeder will always give this commitment.

 

7

Owners should not sell any cat to commercial cat wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow cats to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind.

 

8

Breeders must not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise cats nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of the cat and must draw the attention of purchasers to the implications of the Non-Active register when selling pet kittens.

 

9

When kittens are sold on the Active register, the breeder should be willing to offer advice and support to the new owners.  Owners should not breed cats in any way that would be deleterious to the cat or the breed.

 

10

Owners should give some consideration to finding the best means to identify the cat in case it should become lost.  A microchip can be inserted painlessly by a Veterinary Surgeon, which will give the cat a number, which can be registered and checked if the cat is found.  Collars with identification can be worn but are not altogether safe as they may become entangled or break or come off over the cat’s head so there is no means of identification.

 

11

New owners must be provided with all relevant Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Ireland documents by breeders/owners when selling or transferring a cat.

 

12

When a cat or kitten is advertised or sold as a pedigree cat or kitten the breeder shall at the time of sale, provide the purchaser with a properly completed pedigree signed by the breeder, carrying 3 generations at least, showing all the breed numbers and registration numbers, also the Breeder’s name and address.

 

13

If, at the time of sale, the cat or kitten is registered, the seller shall provide the purchaser with a transfer form duly completed and signed by the seller, unless it is jointly agreed in writing by both parties, at the time of sale, not to do so.

 

The GCCFI requires that no kitten be permitted to go to a new home before 13 weeks of age.  At least seven days prior to this, the kitten must have completed a full course of vaccinations, including a health check, given by a Veterinary Surgeon.  The Breeder must ensure that kittens are house-trained inoculated and in good general health.

 

The GCCFI reserves the right not to register/transfer cats/kittens at its discretion.

 

 

The GCCFI publishes a detailed document relating to the philosophy, principles and programme for the selection, training and promotion of judges and stewards. Topics covered include information on joining the Stewarding Scheme and progression through from Trainee to Probationer, Judge and Senior Judge.  A breakdown of the qualifications needed to join are included.  Should you decide to apply after studying the document, then an application form is available on the FORMS page.  You may download the document here.