when Kittens are registered with either organisation, what is the difference between the 2, is one better than the other etc? Prob a silly question so appologise in advance Just researching a bit more about pedigree cats in general!

The GCCF is the recognised registration body for the UK. TICA is international based in the states. I know breeders who register with either or both depending on their needs. Some breeds/colours/patterns are recognised by one and not the other so a breeder will tend towards whichever organisation most suits their breed and their showing preferences.

Exactly, and there is also FIFe. I use all three

Liz

ok thanks... blimey thats more complicated than for dogs!

Most common is GCCF in the UK by far.

GCCF usually have more stringent rules regarding registration than TICA, for example the longhaired offspring of an exotic cat is classed as a persian by TICA but not by GCCF, who term it a variant that can't be shown although it looks exactly the same as a cat with 2 long haired parents. In TICA it can be shown as a persian, in GCCF it can't be even if its the 'best' persian ever.

GCCF won't allow certain breeds to be registered, including traditional british breeds such as manx, scottish folds, and british longhairs ( wonderful!), but TICA accept them for showing. Personally I quite like the look of some of these GCCF 'unacceptable' breeds (American curls are lovely!) but breeds such as the Manx and the short legged Munchkin (accepted by TICA) are a concern due to health/mobility issues.

There's a TICa show at Swanley in September - come and see some of our more unusual cats.