The International Cat Association, the world’s largest genetic registry of pedigreed and non-pedigreed cats and one of the world’s largest sanctioning bodies for cat shows, is committed to the promotion, protection, and preservation of both pedigreed and non-pedigreed cats.
We believe that:
- Responsible breeding of pedigreed cats is of value to society because it preserves the distinct characteristics of individual domestic breeds of cats and ensures the continuation of predictable physical and behavioral traits for the admiration and the enjoyment of all cat lovers today as well as for future generations.
- It is the obligation of both The International Cat Association and its members to promote the welfare of all cats through education and the use of ethical breeding practices which will help reduce the number of unwanted, unnecessary, or unplanned litters.
- While recognizing the burden placed on animal welfare agencies, shelters and pounds which work with homeless pets, we believe that the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals is an anathema to society and fosters the devaluation of all life.
All cat lovers should cooperate with other animal lovers to promote solutions to over-population which will:
- Reduce the number of stray animals by promoting the increased use of permanent pet identification which more readily ensures the return of lost animals to their owner.
- Reduce the number of feral cats by promoting local governmental/animal shelter support for trap, test, vaccinate, alter and release programs in their community.
- Decrease the number of animals born each year, both planned and unplanned, by supporting spay/neuter awareness programs and by promoting spay/neuter of all non-pedigreed kittens and all pedigreed kittens sold as pets.
