CFA Mentor Program

New Breeders and Exhibitors FAQ

Welcome to the Cat Fancy!

We realize that you are now going to be introduced to the many, many joys and facets of breeding pedigreed cats as well as the world of cat shows and its terminology. Following is a listing of information we think will be helpful and important to new breeders/exhibitors to ease their introduction into the wonderful hobby of breeding and showing pedigreed cats.

• BREEDING:
  1. What is the history of my breed?
  2. What is a "breed standard" and why is one necessary?
  3. Where can I find the standard for my breed?
  4. How do I order a full printed set of the CFA Breed Standards?
  5. What is the Definition of a Breed?
  6. What is a Breed Council and how do I join?
  7. Which books and articles are recommended reading?
  8. How do I build a cattery?
     • Planning and Designing a Cattery
     • Build a Cattery
     • Installing a Cattery Ventilation System
  9. Feline Reproduction
  10. Birthing and Raising Kittens
  11. Tube Feeding
  12. Vaccination Guidelines
  13. Vaccination Protocols for Catteries
  14. What is NOT FOR BREEDING?
  15. When is a Lease required

• COLORS, PATTERNS & STRUCTURE
  1. Color Charts: Solid Color | Pointed | Sex-Linked Red
  2. What is Structure?
  3. Feline Structure: Recognizing Normal and Abnormal
  4. What is Condition?

• REGISTERING A CATTERY NAME WITH CFA
  Note: CFA does not license or endorse anyone engaged in the commerce of breeding and selling pedigreed cats. CFA will register a name for your cattery, but that does not mean that the cattery itself is registered with CFA.
  1. How do I apply for a CFA registered cattery name?
  2. Once my cattery name is registered does that mean the cattery itself is registered with CFA?
  3. Can I remove, or change, a cattery name on a registered name?
  4. Can I Record a Cattery Name on a Permanent Basis?

• REGISTERING CATS AND KITTENS WITH CFA
  1. How do I register a litter of kittens?
  2. Is there a price savings if I register kittens at the same time as the litter?
  3. Register a litter online!
  4. What if I lease a cat?
  5. Can I register my cat with CFA if it is registered in an association other than CFA?
  6. Can I change my cats' name?
  7. What happens if I lose my cats registration certificate?
  8. How do I order a Certified Pedigree?
  9. Where can I find the Rules for Registration?
  10. What is NOT FOR BREEDING?
  11. When is a Lease required

• SHOWING:
  1. What is a cat show?
  2. What is required to enter my cat in a CFA show?
  3. Responsibilities of Exhibitors - from CFA Show Rules
  4. Entry Forms, Show Catalogs and Judges Books
     • How do I complete a CFA entry form?
     • Why is all this information needed about my cat?
     • What does an entry look like in a show catalog?
     • What is printed in the Judges' Book?
  5. Where can I find the schedule of upcoming shows and entry information?
  6. Where can I get a copy of the CFA Show Rules?
  7. Grooming Tips
  8. What is a "breed standard" and why is it necessary?
  9. Where can I find the standard for my breed?
  10. What is the size of cages at cat shows?
  11. How are the ribbons awarded?
  12. Scoring
      • How does my cat win a title?
      • How do I score Grand Points
      • How can I find out how many Grand Points my cat has?
      • How do I score Regional/National Award Points
      • How do I determine which region my cat will be scored in?
      • How do I determine which region my cat will be scored in if I move during the show season

CFA Show Rules

The Show Rules may be purchased for a $5.00 fee. You can order the Show Rules online using a credit card, or by mail from:

Cat Fanciers' Association
P.O. Box 1005
Manasquan, NJ
08736-0805

CFA Breed Standards?

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