In This Issue:
From the President’s Desk | TICA Special Board Meeting Update | TICA Deadline To Claim Titles | TICA Updates Maine Coon Breed Standards | Renew Membership By June 30 | Annual 2023 Update | TICA Joins Forces with IKC | Great American Cat Show Exhibitor Annual Giveaway | Purina Research Grants | Sleepypod Launches American Red Cross Line| Feline Nail Trimming Tips By Trupanion | EveryCat Health May Update |TICA GL Regional Update | TICA NE Regional Update | TICA NW Regional Update | TICA SC Regional Update | TICA SE Regional Update| TICA SW Regional Update
From the President’s Desk: A Message from TICA President Vicki Jo Harrison
Dear TICA Friends,
Last month, a special meeting was called for the TICA Board of Directors to discuss two specific items. The Board discussed the Isolated Area Standing Rule 1012.3.1. Please note, some countries/areas were added to isolated status. Please check the Board Update article in this newsletter to see if your area was impacted.
The Board also approved changes to the Maine Coon and Maine Coon Polydactyl breed standards. These changes went into effect on May 1, 2023. The Maine Coon is TICA’s most popular breed. If you breed or show Maine Coons, please take a look at the article that points to the new breed standards in this newsletter.
If you live in the Chicago area you will not want to miss the largest cat and dog extravaganza this August. The TICA ShowCats Chicago Great American Cat Show and the IKC Great American Dog Show will take place August 25-27 at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center. This family-friendly event will offer Chicagoans the unique opportunity to meet and play with hundreds of different cats and dog breeds and exhibitors the chance to show in a truly unique setting. Read more about the show in this newsletter.
And, as a final reminder, if you have not renewed your TICA membership you have until June 30, 2023. Those who miss the June 30 deadline will be ineligible to vote in the October election. Information on how to renew your membership can be found in this issue.
As always, I wish each of you good health. Please stay safe and hug your kitties tight!
Vicki Jo Harrison TICA President
TICA Special Board Meeting Update
A special TICA Board meeting was held online on April 25, 2023 The following proposals were discussed from the Agenda:
- Maine Coon and Maine Coon Polydactyl Breed Standard: changes approved. Implementation date May 1, 2023
- Isolated Area Standing Rule 1012.3.1 Isolated Area List. The following countries / areas were added to isolated status Andorra, Spain, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory, Nunavut, Manitoba.
- Standing rule 901.4.3.2 will be suspended for another show season. The rule reads: for a cat/kitten to be eligible for a regional award, it must be shown at least once in that region during the show year for which the regional award was won. An exception will be made in the case of kittens and household pet kittens in that a show as an adult will fulfil the requirement that they be shown one time in the region. This rule is suspended for the 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 show seasons.
Read the full minutes from the special meeting.
TICA Deadline to Claim Titles is June 30
As of May 1, 2023, TICA has returned to our standard rules regarding regular and isolated areas. The exception is those areas that were under the isolated status rules pre-covid (as noted in TICA Standing Rules paragraph 1012.3.1). Those areas continue to remain under isolated status.
There are many changes, but of note, exhibitors will need to claim their titles at the “isolated area – reduced points” by June 30, 2023.
You can see the titles your cats have earned from your TFMS account and then submit and pay. Please keep in mind that you may have to wait for a show to be scored to see the titles. You will also receive emails as your cat achieves titles to remind you to claim them. Title requirements will return to regular scoring for those who have not claimed their titles by June 30, 2023.
Clubs should note changes to the rules related to judges, licensing, and notification of shows and prior approvals to host alternative format shows.
Be prepared! Read details on all the changes in show rules that have occurred since TICA came out of Isolated Status for both exhibitors and clubs.
TICA Updates Maine Coon and Maine Coon Polydactyl Breed Standards
Last month the TICA Board approved changes to the Maine Coon and Maine Coon Polydactyl breed standards. Judges are required to follow these new requirements as of May 1, 2023. If you breed or show Maine Coons please take a look and become familiar with these new Maine Coon and Maine Coon Polydactyl Breed Standards.
Don’t Miss Out on All the TICA Fun! Deadline to Renew Membership Quickly Approaching
The strength of TICA lies in its members. Breeders, exhibitors, and cat lovers are invited to join TICA and participate in the most progressive registry in the world. Don’t miss out on the fun, make sure you renew your membership before June 30, 2023.
TICA Membership is truly the beginning of a journey for many people. In addition to the many tangible benefits, you will discover a new family and friendships with fellow cat lovers.
To vote in the October election, members must be in good standing as of April 1st. Current memberships expiring on 05/01/2023 have until June 30th to renew their membership before they become lapse and will not be able to vote in October.
TICA members, not clubs, are entitled to vote on all issues which shape the Association, belong to breed sections of their choice, and may be eligible to be an elected officer.
Make Your Plans to Attend TICA Annual 2023
TICA’s 2023 International Awards Show & Banquet is less than four months away! Start planning your trip to celebrate with all your feline friends September 2-3, 2023, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, WA. Presented by SeaCats and TICA Northwest, this year’s event will feature an all-in-one show hall and hotel.
Special Advanced Ticket Pricing: If you have not registered or paid, take advantage of special advanced pricing before fees go up on August 1, 2023.
Sponsorship Information: There are several sponsorship levels still available, including:
- Prima Donna – 4 x 6 banner with your sponsorship info and recognition on the website home page and a full-page ad in the catalog.
- Diretorre – 2 x 4 banner with your sponsorship info, recognition on the website home page and half page ad in the catalog.
- Maestro – 18″ squared, shared banner, 1/4-page ad in the catalog and acknowledgement on the Judges page.
- Conprimario – Listing in the catalog and acknowledgement on the Judges page.
Find complete sponsorship details online.
Awards Banquet Registration: Reserve your Awards Banquet spot today.
List of Judges: A list of show judges can be found online.
Hotel Reservations: The Marriott is connected to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center with a sky bridge making it a short jaunt to the show hall. Reserve your room today.
Vendor Space Available: Vendors can reserve 10’x10′ or 10’x20′ spaces inside of the show hall. This is available on our Vendor’s page!
Learn more about the event and reserve your spot now at https://www.tica2023.com/.
TICA ShowCats Chicago Joins Forces with International Kennel Club of Chicago to Host Great American Cat Show & Great American Dog Show
TICA will join the International Kennel Club of Chicago (IKC) to bring the largest ever cat and dog extravaganza to Chicago this August. The TICA ShowCats Chicago Great American Cat Show and the IKC Great American Dog Show will take place August 25-27 at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center. This family-friendly event will offer Chicagoans the unique opportunity to meet and play with hundreds of different cats and dog breeds.
From TICA’s gentle giant Maine Coon and super cuddly Ragdoll to the exotic Bengal and Sphynx cats, Chicagoans will get the rare opportunity to pet and play with most of TICA’s 73 cat breeds while learning about their rich history and attributes that may or may not make them the right breed for their family.
The IKC’s Great American Dog Show and most of AKC’s 200 dog breeds will join TICA and an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people to meet just about every dog breed and cat breed.
The Hyatt is accepting cats for our show, but there are a limited number of rooms in the block for this event. Walk from your room directly to the show floor without ever having to go outdoors. Rooms are $189 per night, plus a one-time $75 pet fee. Reserve your room with booking code: G-IKCC or call (312) 567-1234.
All exhibitors are required to complete the summary sheet.
Visitors will have access to both the championship and household pet cat show and dog show, which will be held in the same location, but on two different levels of McCormick Place’s 600,000 square foot Lake Side Center. The event will also host many other family-friendly activities such as a bounce house, facepainting, and educational breed seminars including a Cat Care 101 seminar where kids can earn Cub Scout and Girl Scout patches. Stay tuned for more to come.
ShowCats Chicago Great American Cat Show Exhibitors
Win a Trip to 2023 and/or 2024 Annuals!
Exhibitors for this event will have a chance to win a trip to the 2023 and/or 2024 TICA Annuals, including a three-night hotel stay, $500 to be used toward airfare, complimentary first entry, grooming space, and a ticket to the Annual Awards Banquet.
For each entry entered by midnight on August 1, 2023, there will be a random drawing for a trip to Tacoma to attend this year’s TICA Annual. The winner will receive the following:
- Up to $500 toward airfare,
- Three-night hotel stay at the show hotel,
- First show entry free
- Free Grooming space
- A ticket to the TICA Award Banquet
At the end of the 2023 TICA Annual, the combined scores from the TICA ShowCats Chicago Great American Cat Show will be combined with those from the 2023 Annual and the owner of the highest scoring feline will receive the same package as above for the 2024 TICA Annual in the Mid Atlantic Region.
Purina Seeks Proposals for Human-Animal Bond Research Studies
Calling all researchers interested in studying the unique and powerful bond between pets and people.
The scientists and pet experts at Purina are seeking grant proposals for the bi-annual Purina Sponsorship for Human-Animal Bond studies program. Purina will provide up to $30,000 in research funding per project.
The application period is open until July 15, 2023. Learn more and see if your research project qualifies.
Sleepypod Launches New Collection of American Red Cross Co-Branded Products
Last month Sleepypod launched a new line of American Red Cross co-branded edition Sleepypod products that can be used at home and on the go, including in an emergency or disaster.
“The new American Red Cross co-branded edition Sleepypod products are purposefully designed for use at home and while traveling,” said Michael Leung, Sleepypod co-founder and lead product designer. “A disaster can happen at any time, so regularly using American Red Cross co-branded edition Sleepypod pet products in everyday places before an emergency will help mitigate pet fear in stressful situations while enabling safer travel.”
The co-branded product line includes versions of Sleepypod carriers, car safety harness designs, and a go bag. See the current line of products at https://sleepypod.com/american-red-cross. Products will be available for purchase at retailers throughout the U.S.
Tips on How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Cutting your cat’s nails is often a stressful experience for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be. This month, we partnered with our friends at Trupanion, medical insurance for the life of your pet, to understand the ins and outs of trimming feline nails. Here’s what owners should be aware of when it comes to at-home claw trimming.
Do you really need to trim a cat’s claws? Cat nails grow continuously. If not trimmed, they can become uncomfortable for the cat by curling back into their toe or paw pad. Long nails may also tear out and cause bleeding or other problems.
It’s a good idea to consult with your pet’s veterinarian before taking clippers to your cat’s nails—especially if you have never trimmed cat nails before. Once you get the green light from your vet, follow these step-by-step tips to help you and your cat through the process.
Use the proper tools. Invest in pet nail clippers intended for use with felines. Make sure you’re in a well-lit setting so you can clearly see your cat’s paws.
Acclimate your cat. This can take up to a few weeks. Hold your cat on your lap and slowly touch and hold their paws, talking gently to keep them calm. Once they’re relaxed, introduce the nail clippers, and let them smell them. Clip the air by the cat, allowing them to get used to the movement and noise. Be sure to use positive reinforcement throughout.
Look for the quick. Start with the front paws and gently press to extend the claws. The area that appears pink is called a “quick” and contains blood vessels and nerves. Be careful to avoid clipping the quick, as doing so can cause pain and bleeding.
Trim the claws. Trim the clear, quick-less portion and repeat on each claw until you’re done. Don’t forget the dewclaw—it is on the inside of each front leg, furthest back from the pad. Complete each paw, petting your cat in between and talking soothingly to them.
Reward your cat. You may want to give your cat a treat right after nail trimming to help keep the experience as positive as possible. Afterwards, give them some pets, then give them space to do their own thing.
When to take your cat to a veterinarian. Most veterinary hospitals provide cat nail trimming, which you may want to utilize if your cat keeps squirming away or you don’t feel comfortable with the nail clippers.
Always seek medical attention for your pet if you notice any abnormal changes with their paws or nails, such as swelling, paw sensitivity, or redness, or have other concerns, such as limping, excessive paw licking, claws growing into paw pads, or persistent bleeding.
Trupanion, medical insurance for pets. You never know when you may have to make an unplanned trip to the veterinarian. Trupanion is here to give you peace of mind by helping you budget for unexpected accidents and illnesses.
If you’re a breeder, you can sign up for Trupanion’s Breeder Support Program to provide your buyers with a special offer of Trupanion policy coverage with no waiting periods. That means coverage goes into effect immediately so that you and the new owners can rest easy knowing your kittens are protected when they head to their new homes. This program is completely free to join as a breeder, just click here to get started!
Trupanion is a registered trademark owned by Trupanion, Inc. Underwritten in Canada by Omega General Insurance Company, and in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company or ZPIC Insurance Company, 6100-4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108. Sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590).
EveryCat Health Foundation May 2023 Update
The Art of Raising a Happy, Healthy Kitten: EveryCat Health Foundation and the National Kitten Coalition will host the last two webinars in the free Series, ‘The Art of Raising a Happy, Healthy Kitten” on May 20, and June 3, 2023. Complete details on each presentation, including speakers and topics covered can be found online.
If you are planning to or have recently added a new kitten to your family or are looking for information to share with new kitten families in your community, this series will provide crucial information for raising a kitten into a happy, healthy cat.
This series is offered free of charge thanks to our generous sponsors, including TICA, Dr. Elsey’s, and Purina. Register for all three sessions online.
Help Wanted: EveryCat Health Foundation is hiring a part-time (20-24 hrs. per week) Veterinary Science Program Manager.
This remote position does require a DVM, and an interest in feline research. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please see the job posting for a complete job description and position requirements.
Email inquiries to admin@everycat.org.
TICA Regional Updates:
TICA Great Lakes Regional Update
TICA Northeast Regional Update
TICA Northwest Regional Update
TICA South Central Regional Update
TICA Southeast Regional Update
TICA Southwest Regional Update
TICA Great Lakes Regional Director, Liz Brown:
GL Bank Balance: $6020.18 ($495 recent payment to TICA for yearbook and $100 domain).
TICA Yearbook: Contact Chris Unangst for Yearbook orders, advertisements, and special offers.
2022/2023 Great Lakes Regional Winners (and OS/OD/LA): Contact Chris Unangst with your pictures and sponsorship requests. Deadline is June 30 for sponsorships and July 15 for pictures.
Returning to Non-Isolated Status for the 23/24 show season: Titles must be claimed by June 30, 2023. Clubs: Alternative format permission needed. Judges: No more than two times in a weekend unless emergency (permission needed). See the show catalog for full details and examples or learn how to be prepared on TICA’s Website.
$1/entry from clubs: With clubs struggling and the regional treasury being so solvent, this will be optional for the 23/24 season. Contact Liz for a Paypal invoice If your club wants to donate.
News from TICA April 2023 Special Board Meeting:
- Maine Coon/Maine Coon Polydactyl Breed Standard revisions were approved. See article in this newsletter for more information.
- The Canadian provinces in the GL and NW are now isolated. This includes Alberta, Manitoba, Nunavut, NW Territories, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territories.
- Showing in region requirement waived for 23/24 season. A review of the isolated area definition and particular states that are a long distance to shows will be reviewed soon by the BOD.
Make your plans now to attend upcoming shows in the next show season!
- June 17-18, 2023, PracTICAl Cats is hosting their annual summer show in Gray Summit, MO. Larry Johnson will be there!
- July 15-16, 2023, Buckeye Ohio Rollers in Wooster, OH.
- July 28-30, 2023, PracTICAl Cats hosts the GL Regional Show & Banquet. This is a very busy weekend for the area (Six Flags) so make your hotel reservations early!
- August 25-27, 2023, Showcats Chicago’s Great American Cat & Dog Show, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Early Bird rates until June 1, 2023.
- Sept 2-3, 2023, TICA Annual in Tacoma, WA. Regional Basket items needed. Contact Angela.
- Sept 16-17, 2023, Cats Rule Cat Club is again hosting their FELINE GROOVY themed show in Racine, WI.
- Oct 7-8, 2023, Buckeye Ohio Rollers in Wooster, OH.
- Nov 18-19, 2023, Wisconsin-Illinois Cat Fanciers is hosting their NFL themed show in Racine, WI.
- Jan 14-15 (2024), PracTICAl Cats is hosting their annual winter show in Gray Summit, MO.
TICA Northeast Regional Director, Christian Cherau:
Stay Connected on Facebook and Instagram to the Northeast Region!
The TICA Northeast Region has an Instagram page – be sure to give a like to keep up with us there!
Be sure to join our Facebook group too!
2022-2023 TICA Northeast Regional: Keep an eye on the Show Calendar for details on the 2022-2023 TICA Northeast Regional Show. We are planning for the show to be held in Binghamton, NY on August 12-13, 2023, featuring 14 rings of judging and feline agility! Mark your calendars!
Stay tuned as well for information on regional award sponsorships, PowerPoint pictures, and more!
2026 TICA Annual: The Northeast Region is due to bid on the 2026 TICA Annual! If you are interested in being involved with one of the bids being or a club that is preparing a bid, please feel free to reach out to me, regional.director.ne@tica.org!
Help Wanted! We are looking for people who may be interested in helping with some region-wide activities. Please contact regional.director.ne@tica.org if you are interested in any of the following:
- Regional Rescue Coordination, responsible for helping network with rescues and jumping in when members may need assistance.
- Regional Legislative Representative, US. We have two great members who have stepped up from Canada to assist us in staying aware of and advocating for TICA’s mission in synchrony with legislative efforts in Canada and would welcome equally interested folks from the US side of the border to keep ears to the ground.
Make your plans now to attend upcoming shows in the TICA Northeast Region:
- August 12-13, 2023, Northeast Regional in Binghamton, New York.
- September 16-17, 2023, CPE Cat Club in Mississauga (Toronto), Ontario.
- October 14-15, 2023, DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND!
- CPE Cat Club in Ottawa, Ontario
- Nauticats in Quebec City, Quebec
- November 4-5, 2023, Nauticats in Montreal, Quebec.
- November 11-12, 2023, Cat Lovers of New England Cat Club in Seekonk, Massachusetts.
- November 18-19, 2023, CPE Cat Club in Mississauga (Toronto), Ontario,
If you are interested in holding a show, helping with the regional show, or any other show, please reach out to regional.director.ne@tica.org!
–Christian
TICA Northwest Regional Director, Elaine Hawksworth-Weitz
TICA 2023 Annual: A reminder that the TICA International Awards Show & Banquet, commonly known as the “Annual” will take place this year in Tacoma, Washington on September 2-3, 2023. Visit https://www.tica2023.com/ to do the following:
- Enter the show
- Reserve your hotel room
- Make banquet reservations
- Sponsor the show
- Make your travel plans (the sooner the better)!
Come a few days early and do some sightseeing. There is so much to do in the Greater Puget Sound area – Point Defiance Zoo, a day trip to Mt. St. Helens, Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, to name a few. And after sightseeing, sign up for one or all four of our planned seminars on Friday, including:
- Persian Breed Group seminar – by Jane Allen
- Genetics seminar – by Tatyana Kalani
- American Bobtail breed seminar – by Shelby Friemoth
- Maine Coon/Maine Coon Polydactyl – by Cari Tucker
Make your plans now to attend upcoming shows in the TICA NW Region:
- May 13-14, 2023, Cat Fanciers of BC in Sooke, BC.
- June 10-11, 2023, Commencement Cat Club in Chehalis, WA.
- July 1-2, 2023, The Maine Event in Monroe, WA.
- July 15-16, 2023, It’s Reigning Cats in Portland, OR.
- August 12-13, 2023, Cat Fanciers of BC in Langley, BC. (Regional Awards Show/Banquet)
- September 2-3, 2023, TICA 2023 Annual International Awards Banquet hosted by SeaCats in Tacoma, WA.
- October 14-15, 2023, The Evergreen Cat Fanciers in Ferndale, WA.
- November 25-26, 2023, The Maine Event in Ferndale, WA.
- December 16-17, 2023, And A Mouse in Centralia, WA.
- January 20-21, 2024, It’s Reigning Cats Location TBA.
TICA South Central Regional Director, Jim Armel:
Another show season is in the books, and we look forward to a new beginning! A few things to remember:
- May 7th all corrections need to be turned in to the EO.
- August 11-12-13 we will be celebrating our Regional Awards Banquet and show in Denver Colorado with Econo Cat hosting.
- The Acatamey Awards Show! Our first Regional show of the new season will be in Blackwell Oklahoma during the holiday weekend May 27-28.
Congratulations to all our Regional Award and International Award winners for this past season! A lot of hard work and tears and crazy travel was put into these awards and they’re very well deserved!
As a last reminder all of Show Rules will be going back to “normal” with the one exception of having to show a cat in Region to obtain a Regional Award. That one rule is extended for the new season. See you in a show hall somewhere down the road!
Jim
TICA Southeast Regional Director, Rene Knapp:
New SE Specialty Judge: The Southeast region was proud to welcome our newest SE Specialty judge, Teresa Carroll-Childers. We know she has wonderful experiences ahead of her and wish her continued success in her TICA career.
Kool cats and Karen’s Cat Club Show Recap: Kool cats and Karen’s Cat Club had a successful, fun show to wrap up the SE’s shows for this season. Great venue and some super cute and different offerings (that wine tasting was amazing). They have already put two new shows on the calendar!
End of Show Season: Another show season has drawn to a close and we thank all our SE members for their hard work in putting on shows, exhibiting their cats, and being a part of the SE TICA family.
SE Regional Update: Now it’s time to celebrate. Plans for our Regional are coming together nicely and we’d like to see as many people at the show and banquet as possible.
JE’s at SE Regional: We have something very special in store for any of our SE juniors who will be attending the SE Regional. Please let Meg Ridgway know if your Junior Exhibitor will be coming so she can get an idea of how many she needs to plan for.
Input Needed for TICA May Board Meeting: While I prepare for the May board meeting, I will be sending out information and requests for SE members to voice their opinions on the upcoming proposals.
Remember to Renew Your TICA Membership by June 30: A reminder for everyone to renew their membership so they can continue with their voting privileges.
New Show Season Reminder: And don’t forget the start of the new show season begins with North Alabama Feline Fanciers in Huntsville, Alabama June 24, 25, 2023.
TICA Southwest Regional Director, Laurie Schiff:
Regional Fundraiser: Beautiful custom rosettes (pictured above) are currently available as a fundraiser for the TICA Southwest and Mid-Pacific Regions. This is a limited edition, and you must be a member of either the TICA SW or MP region to purchase. Ordering instructions are available on the SW Region website: https://www.ticasw.com/.
Annual Raffle Basket: Time to start getting ready for this year’s annual in Seattle! Our region is donating a raffle basket full of neat stuff from our region, so please let me know if you have anything to include or any ideas. I’d love someone (other than me) to oversee this project, so if anyone would like to coordinate our basket, please let me know.
Make your plans now to attend these other upcoming shows in the TICA SW Region:
- July 29-30, 2023, Regional Show and Awards hosted by Socal ExoTICA Cat Club in Arcadia, CA.
- November 18-19, 2023, America’s Finest Felines, in Arcadia, CA.
