From the President’s Desk: A Message from TICA President Vickie Fisher
Welcome TICA friends to our April newsletter.
As you know, TICA members are known for working together to improve the health and welfare of felines. I’m proud to report that the TICA Board voted to donate $2,000 to feline victims of the Northern California wildfires. You can read more in this issue about how the money will be put to use to help cats recover from the most deadly and destructive wildfires in the history of California.
In this month’s newsletter, you will learn about how TICA is growing by extending our partnership with Canadian Pet Expo. We are adding new features and perspectives to shows in Mississauga, Toronto, Niagara Falls and recently added Ottawa.
You can also read about our latest efforts to reach new audiences and educate the public about our wonderful World of Cats. I’m sure you’ll be as excited as I was to read about TICA’s partnership with Winn and Dr. Elsey’s to promote our love of cats with a massive electronic billboard in Times Square and our latest efforts in helping Girl Scouts become knowledgeable cat care specialists.
As we continue to grow and expand into new areas, I thank you for your continued support and help in creating the fun and friendships that make TICA unique!
In This Issue
TICA Donates $2000 to Help Cats Left Victim from Northern California Wildfires | TICA, Winn & Dr. Elsey’s Kick Off Three-Month Feline Education Campaign in Times Square | TICA Partners with Largest Indoor Canadian Pet Experience for Pets and Owners | Girl Scouts from Warren Air Force Base Earn TICA Cat Care 101 Patches | TICA Welcomes 6 New Clubs into Our Family | Winn Feline Foundation April 2019 Update | April 30 is National Therapy Animal Day | USDA Ends Use of Cats in Toxoplasmosis Research | USDA Launches New Web Page Designed to Make International Pet Travel Easier | TICA Regional Updates
TICA Donates $2000 to Help Cats Left Victim from Northern California Wildfires
As a result of the devastating wildfires of Northern California last fall, The International Cat Association (TICA) today announced it will donate $2,000 to the FieldHaven Feline Center (Lincoln, CA) to assist in the recovery and medical treatment for feline victims.
The wildfires, known as the Camp Fire, were recorded as the most deadly and destructive wildfire in the history of California. While more than 12,000 homes were destroyed and tens of thousands of people were displaced, the impact on animals left more pets in shelters than people. An estimated more than 50,000 animals were displaced and in need of extensive medical treatment, food, and shelter.
“Many of the emergency shelters did not allow animals,” said TICA President Vickie Fisher. “The emergency food, shelter and veterinary care provided by FieldHaven Feline Center has been a tremendous help to the people who lost everything in the fires.”
TICA chose FieldHaven Feline Center for the Recovery Center they created with Alley Cat Allies that provides shelter and necessary medical care to cats that continue to be rescued from the burn areas and have not been identified by their owners.
In the weeks following the fire, more than 1,000 cats were rescued, but it is estimated there are hundreds of cats still missing and in need of rescue.
The donation is the second by TICA to feline victims of wildfires. Last year, the Association donated $2,000 (US) to the Association Felina Greece to aid
wildfire victims of East Coast Attica-Greece.
TICA, Winn & Dr. Elsey’s Kick Off Three-Month Feline Education Campaign in Times Square
This spring, cats will take center stage in the “Crossroads of the World” as TICA®, Winn Feline Foundation, and Dr. Elsey’s Cat Products come together to promote our love of cats with a massive digital billboard in Times Square. The billboard will run through June 30, 2019.
One of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas, the feline campaign can be seen on a state-of-the-art, high definition screen visible to commuters at one of the busiest transit stations on the planet and to pedestrians approaching Times Square.
TICA Partners with Largest Indoor Canadian Pet Experience for Pets and Owners
After the success of our first event with Canadian Pet Expo (CPE) last year, TICA is excited to announce we will be extending our partnership through 2020. Our first event this year will be CPE’s Annual Spring Show, April 19-21,at the International Centre in Toronto.
“It’s exciting to be involved with TICA as we share the same vision of educating the public and promoting knowledgeable pet ownership,” said Canadian Pet Expo President Grant Crossman. “The cat show has always been a celebrated part to the Canadian Pet Expo, with attendees often coming from all over the eastern part of the country to see many breeds and household pet cats in competition for Best in Show.”
Working together, TICA and CPE will bring new perspectives to Canadian pet shows that advocate for feline engagement, research, and education. New features will include “Ask the Breeder” sessions, a feline “Parade of Breeds” and numerous photo opportunities for attendees. Each of these elements is designed to promote feline welfare, knowledgeable pet ownership, and TICA’s presence as a global leader in the cat fancy.
CPE is the largest indoor pet experience for both pets and owners in Canada and has been in existence in the Toronto area for more than 24 years. Throughout the year, CPE will welcome more than 125,000 pet enthusiasts and close to 40,000 of their pets at events in Mississauga, Toronto, Niagara Falls and recently added Ottawa. Click here to learn more about these events.
Girl Scouts from Warren Air Force Base Earn TICA Cat Care 101 Patches
Last week, as part of TICA’s continued effort to introduce our World of Cats to kids and young families, TICA South Central Region member Jackie Rose and her Bengal named Bee helped Girl Scouts from Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, become knowledgeable cat care specialists.
Approximately 25 kids from Troop 1418 – ranging from Daisy’s, Brownies, and Girl Scouts – completed TICA’s Cat Care 101 program. During the lesson kids learned how to choose the best cat for their family and the responsibilities that go along with sharing their lives with a feline. Kids gained hands-on experience by practicing how to groom and care for a cat on both a cooperative Bee and plush kittens. Upon completion kids received a Cat Care Basics certificate and Girl Scouts were given a Cat Care 101 patch to add to their uniforms.
For more information on TICA’s Cat Care 101 lessons or how to start working with your local Girl or Boy Scouts, 4H or schools to enact a Cat Care 101 patch program please contact Christina Duffney-Carey at newsletter@tica.org.
TICA Welcomes 6 New Clubs into Our Family
TICA continues to grow with the addition of five new clubs to our growing family. Please help us welcome Hunter (Moscow, Russia) joining our Europe North Region, KalebTica (Malaysia) joining our Associate Asia West Region, the International Ragdoll Alliance (Nesconset, NY) joining our Northeast Region, Southern Aristocats (Horton, AL) joining our Southeast, Summit Feline Fanciers Club (Shanghai, China) joining the Asia West Region and the China Champion Cat Club (Licang Dist Qingdao, China) also joining the Asia West Region.
Winn Feline Foundation April 2019 Update
The Winn Feline Foundation Board of Directors March 2019 meeting was held in Chandler, AZ March 14, 2019. Winn is growing and many exciting items were on the Agenda for the meeting.
WFF’s Grant Review Committee also met in Chandler, AZ the next day (March 15th, 2019). They worked hard and were very pleased to make recommendations to the WFF Board of Directors for approval of over $307,000 in grant awards supporting 16 grants in this cycle. The WFF Board of Directors voted in favor of the recommendations. This is the largest amount awarded and largest number of grants supported to date, so everyone is very happy and proud of the work Winn is doing with the support of its donors, sponsors and volunteers.
Two New Scholarships! Winn Feline Foundation partnered with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) on two student scholarships for third- or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. The $2,500 awards are based upon academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and dedication to and excellence in the study of feline medicine, health, and welfare.
This year we received 44 applications and they are now being reviewed by our panel of 2 AAFP Board members and 2 Winn Feline Foundation Board members. They are tasked with identifying the 2 best applications. Winners will be announced later this week.
TICA, Winn, and Dr. Elsey’s Invade Times Square. Winn is delighted to have been able to partner with TICA and Dr. Elsey’s on the Time Squares ad. We think the ad turned out great and are very excited to have this opportunity. Thank you to TICA and Dr. Elsey’s for thinking of us.
Reminder: April 30 is National Therapy Animal Day.
Did you know that TICA is one of the only cat associations that promotes and honors cats contributing to Animal Assisted Therapy work? Click here to find out more about TICA Therapy Cats.
USDA Ends Use of Cats in Toxoplasmosis Research
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cats will no longer be used as research subjects for toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that is considered by the CDC to be the leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
The decision comes after legislation introduced in Congress called on the agency to stop the taxpayer-funded experiments that killed hundreds of cats annually since 1982.
The USDA says no cats have been infected with pathogens or euthanized since September 2018. The USDA said the remaining cats who were not infected will be adopted by employees.
Republican Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, who supported the legislation, said the testing practices cost more than $650,000 taxpayer dollars each year.
USDA Launches New Web Page Designed to Make International Pet Travel Easier
Traveling with pets internationally can often be confusing. Before taking your cat abroad, owners need to become familiar with the various regulations, medical requirements and deadlines for filing paperwork that are specific to each country worldwide.
To make international travel with pets easier and less stressful, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has launched a new page to their website devoted to traveling with your pet.
The new page, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel, includes helpful references for pet travel including general information about the international pet movement process as well as the steps involved and frequently asked questions.
APHIS also made several changes to help accredited veterinarians through the pet travel process, which involves examining pets, completing necessary tests, and submitting the required documentation through APHIS’ online Veterinary Export Health Certification System. Color-coded banners on country-specific pages of the Pet Travel website have also been added to provide information about whether digital or hard-copy signatures must be used, both by the accredited veterinarian and by the APHIS endorsing veterinarian.
Country-specific pages have also been updated to add guidance documents and annotated certificates to help ensure forms are completed correctly.
TICA Regional Updates:
Click here to read updates on the following TICA Regions:
- TICA Europe North Regional Update
- TICA Great Lakes Regional Update
- TICA Mid Atlantic Regional Update
- TICA Mid Pacific Regional Update
- TICA Northeast Regional Update
- TICA Northwest Regional Update
- TICA South Central Regional Update
- TICA Southwest Regional Update
TICA Europe North Regional Update:
TICA Europe North Welcomes their Newest Club, Hunter in Russia! They will hold their first show on April 13-14 in Moscow, Russia. Please support this new club and join their first event!
CEU Fest Coming Soon! The TICA EN Region is excited to announce there will be a CEU Fest, May 24-25 in Frankfurt, Germany. The event will include a judging school, a judge’s conference, a genetics seminar, 2-3 breed seminars and possibly a clerking school. More details on specific seminars will be announced soon. For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/events/215582969347299/
Mark your calendars for these upcoming shows/events in the Europe North Region:
- Be TICACats Club, April 20-21 in Halle, Belgium
- Lord Cats, April 27-28 in Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Cat Friends of Germany, May 11-12 in Niederhausen, Germany
TICA Great Lakes Regional Update:
Enter the Great Lakes Regional Fundraiser to Win Show Tickets and a Sturdi Carrier! Buy tickets to win a free entry to most of the 2019-2020 GL shows and a new, large black Sturdi carrier. Thanks to all of the clubs who have donated an entry!! Tickets can be purchased for $1/ticket, $5/6 tickets, $10/15 tickets, $20/40 tickets, $50/100 tickets and $100/250 tickets. Those who would like to contribute to the fundraiser with a donation or to buy tickets can contact Liz Hansen or Lori Dominick or buy online at https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/Q6dYDTCNZwFnhSEx
Support the TICA GL Region with Avon: Help the TICA GL Region each time you purchase something through Avon. A portion of all sales goes directly to the GL Region. To make your purchase count, go to https://avon.com/fundraiser/ticagreatlakesspring19fundraiser. A big GL thank you goes to Mary Hudec for setting up this fundraiser.
Mark your calendar for the following 2019 season shows:
- Prairie State Cat Club, June 8-9 in Franklin Park, IL
- Buckeye Ohio Rollers Cat Club, July 20-21 in Medina, OH
- Glass CiTICAts, August 16-18 in Dayton, OH (REGIONAL)
- Cats Rule Cat Club, September 14-15 in Racine, WI
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- TICA GL Regional Award Sponsorships. A preliminary lists of cats to sponsor for the GL Regional Awards will be available in Racine, WI. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Chris Unangst.at chris.unangst@gmail.com
- TICA 2019 Annual GL Judge Sponsorships. Great Lakes judges Edith-Mary Smith and Jamie Christian have been named TICA 2019 Annual judges. Those interested in helping sponsor them can send donations to ticaglpaypal@gmail.com
Get Ready for the 2022 TICA Annual – GREAT LAKES! Proposals and bids due by the 2019 Annual in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 31 – September 1, 2019.
2019 Election – Great Lakes Regional Director: Those considering running for GL Regional Director must have been a TICA member and be in good standing for at least 2-years prior to the election. Members are eligible to vote who are at least 18 years of age, a TICA member in good standing, a member for at least 6-months prior to the election.
In Memoriam: It is with great sadness that the TICA GL Region reports the loss of Bill Lee and Robin Studney:
TICA Allbreed Judge, Breeder & Member Bill Lee. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made online at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lansing-mi/william-lee-8227729 or by calling 517-353-4937. To donate via mail, please make your check payable to Michigan State University and include the name of the fund, MSU Center for Feline Health and Wellbeing, in the memo line of your check. They will send an acknowledgment letter to you and to the family of Bill Lee. While the amount of your gift will remain confidential, Bill’s family will be informed of your gift. Please mail to: The College of Veterinary Medicine Development and Alumni Relations Veterinary Medical Center F & G wings 784 Wilson Road Rm F-130 East Lansing, MI, 48824
TICA member and Bailiwick Bengals Robin Studney. Donations can be made to Great Lakes Bengal Rescue, ATTN: Susan Saunders, 10720 Hite Creek Road, Louisville, KY 40241 and/or The Cat House Feline Sanctuary, 1130 East Main Street, #136, Ashland, OH 44805, Ohio Health Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, OH 43214
TICA Mid Atlantic Regional Update:
Upcoming Shows for 2018/2019 Season: As the end of the show season quickly approaches and the beginning of a new one starts, TICA MA Region reminds you to mark your calendar for the last show of the season:
Remaining 2018 Season Shows:
- Lehigh Valley Cat Club, April 19-21 in Reading, PA, for more information visit ticama.org/lvcc
2019 Season Shows/Events
- WINNing Cats Feline Education & Cat Show, a Benefit for Winn Feline Foundation and joint show with CFA, June 22-23 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. Event includes a presentation on 6/22 titled “Tritrichomonas foetus and other causes of Feline GI issues” by Jody Gookin, DVM PhD. For more information on this event visit https://jungletraxcats.wixsite.com/winningcats
- Mid Atlantic Regional Show, hosted by Capital Cat Club, August 17 & 18 in Arlington, VA
- Karousel Kats Inc., October 4-6 in Morgantown, PA
Feline Health & Judge CEUs Available! Join the TICA MA Region and Dr. Elsey’s on June 21, from 3-8PM, for a seminar for WINN Feline Foundation, TICA & CFA . Tickets $30 each. Register online at winnfelinefoundation.org starting May 1.
Congratulations! Black Eyed Susan Cat Club & United Cat Club for outstanding FIRST SHOWS by New Clubs. Thanks to all TICA MA longtime and new exhibitors and members.
Membership Report: TICA MA Region now has the most members in the Region’s history! Thank you to all our members for your continued support and friendship!
TICA Mid Pacific Regional Update:
40th TICA Annual – The TICA Mid Pacific Region’s very own Jazzy Cats Cat club is hosting the 40th TICA Annual in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 31 – September 1, 2019. Last Chance Early Bird Pricing is still available for those who pay and enter by July 1, so make sure you get those entries or placeholders in now so you don’t miss out on the savings! All information about the show, as well as regular updates can be found at www.jazzycats2019.com.
The TICA Mid Pacific Regional Awards and Banquet Show, hosted by the Sophisticats Cat Club, is scheduled for July 13-14, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. This is sure to be great fun, with a great all in one venue like last year. Additional information and registration information can be found at http://sophisticatsclub.website/index.html.
…Good luck to each and every one of our TICA Mid Pacific members as this exhilarating show season soon comes to an end. Remember to take a moment and be thankful for all the joy the cat fancy has brought to your life this season, the new friendships and smiles, the accomplishments and moments of pride, the kind gestures and support, and of course, the fluffy, curly, bald, shorthaired, big eared, curled eared, or bobtailed purring kitty on your lap!
TICA Northeast Regional Update:
Membership Report: Wow! The Northeast Region is proud to announce that they are now home to 822 members…..and counting!
Redesigned Website: Although it is a work in progress, please visit the redesigned Northeast Regional website at www.ticane.com where you can find information about clubs, upcoming events/shows, regional winners and more!
New NE Club: The NE Region welcomes The International Ragdoll Cat Alliance to our growing TICA family. Be on the lookout for details on their first show to be held in New Hampshire.
Upcoming Shows for 2018/2019 Season: As the end of the show season quickly approaches and the beginning of a new one starts, TICA NE Region reminds you to mark your calendar for the last two shows/events of the season:
Remaining 2018 Season Shows:
- Canuck Cat Club, April 19-21 in Toronto, Ontario
- Catsachussets Cat Club, April 27-28 in Boston, MA
NE March Member Spotlight: Catherine Dunlap
The NE Region is proud to feature Maine resident Cathy Dunlap. Cathy began her adventures in the cat fancy in 2010, primarily showing Household Pets, but has been known to frequently assist with showing Championship Cats and Alters when lending a hand to other exhibitors. Cathy’s generosity and kindness is known by all who frequent NE shows. She is often one of the first exhibitors found on show set up day to offer assistance with whatever needs to be done . She is also known as “Mom” to many NE exhibitors and loves to be greeted as such! The TICA NE Region would like to offer a sincere thank you to Cathy for her endless willingness to help, mentorship and smile – which has been known to light up the show hall every time!
TICA Northwest Regional Update:
Regional Award Sponsorships: It will soon be time to Sponsor Regional Awards. Watch TICA yahoo lists, the SW Website and Facebook for information on how to sponsor your favorite cats.
Upcoming Shows for 2018/2019 Season: As the end of the show season quickly approaches and the beginning of a new one starts, TICA NW Region reminds you to mark your calendar for the last show of the season:
Remaining 2018 Season Show:
- Sunset CATamaran, April 26-28 in Monroe WA. For more information go to www.seacatsclub.com
2019 Season Show/Event:
- TICA NW Regional, August 2-4 in Spokane WA. For more information go to
http://aug.maineevent.org
TICA South Central Regional Update:
Upcoming Shows for 2018/2019 Season: As the end of the show season quickly approaches and the beginning of a new one starts, TICA SC Region reminds you to mark your calendar for the last show of the season:
Remaining 2018 Season Show:
- Kansas City Cat Club, May 18-19 in Kansas City, KS
2019 Season Shows/Events:
- Yellow Rose Cat Club, June 15-16- in Amarillo, TX
- Austin Cat Fanciers, June 29 in Temple, TX
- SC Regional hosted by Red River Rascals, August 3-4 in Stillwater, OK
- Ft. Worth Feline Fanciers, August 24 in Mesquite, TX
- TICA Annual, August 31-September 1 in Las Vegas, NV
Regional Awards: TICA SC urges its members to participate in the awards poll. The poll can be found on the TICA SC Yahoo group or the SC Facebook page.
2019 Election – South Central Regional Director: Those considering running for SC Regional Director must have been a TICA member and be in good standing for at least 2-years prior to the election. Members are eligible to vote who are at least 18 years of age, a TICA member in good standing, a member for at least 6-months prior to the election.
Spring Board Meeting: The agenda for the Spring Board meeting will be out in the next couple of weeks. Please send any concerns, questions or input to Vicki Jo Harrison at vjhtx@aol.com.
TICA Southwest Region Regional Update:
Upcoming Shows for 2018/2019 Season: As the end of the show season quickly approaches and the beginning of a new one starts, TICA SW Region reminds you to mark your calendar for the show of the season:
Remaining 2018 Season Show:
- Katknappers Cat Club at the Pet Expo, April 26, 27 & 28 in Costa Mesa, CA
2019 Season Shows/Events:
- Socal Exotica Cat Club, June 22-23 at the Masonic Lodge in Arcadia, CA
- SW Regional show and Banquet, hosted by America’s Finest Felines and Surf-N-Turf, July 26, 27 & 28 at the Masonic Lodge in Arcadia, CA. Banquet to be held at the Monrovian in Monrovia, CA
- TICA SW Regional Website: The Southwest Region’s website is located at: www.ticasw.com. If you would like to be listed in the “Members” section, please send your information to Canie Brooks @ canie.brooks@gmail.com
