The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) is the feline equivalent of the Kennel Club. It was established in 1910 with the aims of keeping registers and licensing and controlling cat shows. Today the GCCF has 140 affiliated cat clubs, licences approximately 125 cat shows and registers an average of 33,000 pedigree cats per year. The whole purpose of pedigree breeding is to obtain cats of a specific shape or colour. The GCCF has developed a Standard of Points which states the desired features within a particular breed. The GCCF also has a special interest in cat welfare by supporting research work into feline diseases and by educating breeders on health matters. It also monitors the Standards of Points to ensure that the requirements of a breed standard don’t allow cats to be produced which suffer ill health as a result of their body shape. It will also deny recognition of certain breeds in this country (such as the Sphynx) if they are known to have inherent health problems.

The GCCF is a good initial point of contact for owners interested in obtaining a pedigree kitten or cat and can also give advice on rehoming or rescuing pedigree cats.

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE CAT FANCY
4-6 PENEL ORLIEU
BRIDGWATER
SOMERSET
TA6 3PG
Tel: 01278 427575
email:GCCF_CATS@compuserve.com