What Does TICA Registration Mean?
What TICA is
TICA stands for The International Cat Association. It is a registry that keeps records for pedigreed cats and sets standards for cat shows and breeds. When you look for a pedigreed kitten, TICA registration refers to a record maintained by the association.
What a pedigree documents
A pedigree documents a cat's recorded ancestry. It shows who the parents and earlier relatives were and helps explain a kitten's identity and background. If you are buying a British Shorthair, Scottish Fold or Munchkin, the pedigree helps confirm the breed lines.
What a pedigree does not tell you
Registration paperwork serves a different purpose from veterinary records. A pedigree is not a health guarantee. For health, ask your breeder what care the kitten has received, ask to read the health agreement, and arrange a visit with your own veterinarian soon after your kitten comes home.
How it works at TMZ Kittenz N Katz
At TMZ, our Sales Terms state that your kitten will already be registered with TICA when you collect it. At pickup or shipping we give you instructions to order the pedigree from TICA. The time it takes to arrive by mail varies depending on TICA, and we can usually give you an idea of the timeline.
Each kitten also goes home microchipped, litter box trained and with a sample of its food. We are an in-home cattery licensed with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and you can read more on our About page.
TICA, registries and breed standards
There are several cat registries in North America. TICA is one of the largest and recognizes a wide range of breeds. Each registry publishes breed standards that describe what a cat of that breed should look like, and each keeps its own database of registered cats and litters. Ask which registry a breeder uses so you can look up the records yourself.
A kitten's registration normally begins with the breeder registering the litter. After the kitten goes to its new home, the new owner may transfer or complete the individual registration. We give you instructions at pickup so you know exactly what to do.
Pedigree paperwork: what you may receive
You may receive a registration certificate or a pedigree that lists the kitten's parents, grandparents and further ancestors, with names and registration numbers. Take a close look at the names. They should match the cats the breeder says are the kitten's parents. If you are shown photos of the parents, compare them with the paperwork.
Pet or breeding: what the paperwork says
Breeders often sell kittens as pets and keep breeding rights for their own program, and the sales contract states this. Read the contract so you understand whether you can breed or show the cat, and what the rules are. Ask us if you have questions about what applies to your kitten.
Why registration still matters
Registration gives you a documented history for your kitten's breed, helps confirm you have a British Shorthair, Scottish Fold or Munchkin as described, and lets you take part in TICA events if you ever choose to. It also separates a planned, documented program from an accidental litter.
Do not treat paperwork as a guarantee of health. Combine it with a veterinary exam and a clear written health agreement.
Frequently asked
Is the kitten registered when it leaves? Yes. Your kitten is already registered with TICA when it leaves us, and we give you instructions to order the pedigree.
How long does the pedigree take? It varies depending on TICA, and we can usually give you an idea of the timeline.
Where can I read more? See our FAQ for the registration questions we hear most.
Do I need registration for a pet cat?
Not every owner needs papers for a pet, but many buyers want them. Registration documents that the cat is the breed it is sold as, and it lets you take part in cat shows and TICA programs if you choose. It also gives you a record of the kitten's family history, which is useful if you ever want to know where your cat's traits come from.
Red flags with registration claims
Be careful if a seller says a kitten is "registered" without naming the registry, cannot show you the parents' registration details, or says papers will come "later" with no timeline. Ask which registry, and ask what you will receive and when. TMZ kittens are registered with TICA, and we explain what to expect at pickup.
For more, read how to choose a reputable breeder or browse our FAQ.
Where to learn more
TICA publishes information about registration, breeds and shows on its own website, and you can look up the rules yourself. If anything in your kitten's paperwork looks unclear, ask your breeder to explain it before you pay. We are glad to walk you through ours on the phone at 678-617-1034.
Questions to ask any breeder
Ask whether the kitten is registered, and which registry. Ask when and how you will receive the pedigree. Ask to see the written agreement before you pay. A good breeder answers these questions without hesitation.
If you want to talk it over, contact us or call 678-617-1034. You can also read our FAQ for more about paperwork and what comes with your kitten.
