In keeping with the Mission and Policy Statements of TICA, the Voluntary
Responsible Breeder Program has adopted the
Cattery Evaluation Program and the
Voluntary Code of Ethics. The goal is to provide education, information,
and guidance to breeders so that they are aware of proper husbandry and
cattery management techniques. The Cattery Evaluation Program will recognize
TICA Outstanding Catteries
and TICA Catteries of Merit.
EVALUATOR
The actual cattery evaluation must be done by a licensed small animal veterinarian.
The breeder may engage his/her regular veterinarian for this task. It is
important for the veterinarian to place emphasis on the overall impression
of health and well-being of the cats in the cattery during the evaluation
and decision making process. Often cattery set-ups involve the entire household.
For example, bedrooms and bathrooms may be utilized for birthing and/or
isolation areas of the cattery. In addition, it is important for the evaluator
to allow for the odor of any whole male cat in residence. However, it is
not allowable to experience the stale odor of cats permeating the residence.
It is hoped that the dialogue between the veterinarian and breeder will
be an educational experience.
BREEDER
The breeder is encouraged to use the
Cattery Evaluation Form as a guide for self-evaluation of his/her cattery
contacting a veterinarian. It is hoped that this method will allow the breeder
to correct any deficiencies before the actual evaluation. The breeder must
be present during the evaluation and scoring process. All fees charged by
the veterinarian for this service are to be paid by the breeder.
SCORING METHOD
The veterinarian is to score the form in the presence of the breeder. Each
individual rating of "Excellent" receives 2 points, each "Satisfactory"
receives 1 point, and each "unsatisfactory" rating receives 0 points. Any
Not Applicable (N/A) rating receives a score of 2 points. Multiply the total
number of "excellent" ratings plus "N/A" ratings by 2, and enter this figure
on the line following "Excellent". Add the total number of "Satisfactory"
ratings and enter this figure on the line following "Satisfactory". Add
the two figures together and enter the sum in the appropriate space. The
best possible score is 88 points. A total score of 75 points or more receives
an overall "Outstanding" rating and the breeder will be sent an "Outstanding
Cattery" certificate. A total score of 58-74 points receives an overall
"Satisfactory" rating and the breeder will be sent a "Cattery of Merit"
certificate. A score below 58 points results in a failed rating. Once the
problems in the cattery have been rectified, the breeder may resubmit a
request to TICA for another
Cattery Evaluation Form and have the cattery evaluated again.
THE CATTERY CERTIFICATE
The original (white copy) of the
Cattery Evaluation Form is to be submitted by the breeder to TICA together
with the $30 fee. The yellow copy is for the breeder's records, and the
pink copy is for the veterinarian's records. Upon receipt of the white copy
of the form and the fees, the Executive Office will furnish the breeder
the appropriate certificate. These certificates must be renewed on an annual
basis.
3OUTSTANDING CATTERIES
Voluntary Responsible Breeder Program
More Outstanding Catteries:
The International Cat Association, Inc. (TICA) does not endorse, and makes no
representations or warranties of any kind, regarding the catteries, cats or
kittens listed on this web site. Clicking on any link will take you outside
the TICA website. The purchase of a cat or kitten should be undertaken with
the same degree of care and caution as any other major purchase or important
decision. The information presented on these pages is for private use only,
and the use of this information, including, but not limited to, the solicitation
of catteries listed here for advertising or other purposes, is strictly prohibited.
