on line desde enero 2002

junio 2003

TICA divide las razas de gatos en Championship, Registration Only, Evaluation, Assessment y New Breed Class, de acuerdo con la posición legal de cada raza. Las distintas razas evolucionan de una clase a otra a tenor de su preogresiva implantación, reconocimiento de variedades o colores, etc. La adaptaciones anuales suelen producirse durante la celebración de la asamblea general anual TICA (Annual Meeeting). La clasificación actual (2003) es la siguiente:

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The Tortoiseshells

Though they are genetically mosaics; the description of Tortoiseshell or Tortie cats as "having bits and pieces of colour here and there" is I think far more apt, albeit not very (?) technical! The colour distribution in Torties may be 'patched' or 'mingled'. In the early days judges looked for patches of colour in Black Torties, yet looked for mingled colour in the Blue Cream! In the Tortie & White, or Calico, there are large clear areas of the individual colours. Whatever the colour distribution form the intense colours should show three distinct colours, whilst the dilute colours have but two: 

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I firmly believe that the breeding of Torties is a 'lucky dip' - you have to take what you are given! Torties simply cannot be bred to order the colour distribution is random and not of genetic origin. In British cats, certainly up to the mid 1980's very great emphasis was placed on the presence, or otherwise, of a blaze and that all the feet were 'broken', and in the early days of the Oriental many judges followed this rule. To me however there are more important features and I would only consider them in separating two otherwise equivalent cats.

It is important that all relevant colours are present in the coat, and that there is a fairly even distribution of colour. I do not know what the perfect balance of colours is, and I would suppose that at the outer edges it becomes personal choice! However in the basic Tortie I do not like large patches of colour because the red and/or cream / apricot will invariably show very heavy tabby pattern. I equally do not like those cats where you cannot immediately tell it is a Tortie, and end up looking for mottled pads or red hairs!!

There is a vast difference between Torties, which show heavy tabby markings in the red and cream areas, and Tortie Tabbies. In the non-agouti Tortoiseshell cat any tabby pattern will only be apparent in the red, cream or apricot areas. So for example in the case of a Black Tortie (aa B_D_) tabby markings may be visible in the red and cream areas, BUT there will never be tabby pattern in the black areas. However in the Tortie Tabby (A_ B_ D_ T_) the pattern of spots should be visible over the entire cat and the spots should be, to a greater or lesser degree, of mixed black, red and cream colour. Unlike the non-agouti the Tortie Tabby (also known as Torbies) will show pattern in the non-red areas. It is amazing how many breeders (and even worse) judges fail to understand this elementary fact.

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The Tortoiseshell Male

From time to time Tortoiseshell males do occur, but they certainly are not commonplace. Invariably Tortie males are sterile, or become sterile at an early age. As we have previously seen the 'orange' colouring is carried on the X and is sex-linked with Tortie females being of genotype Oo, a variation not possible in a male! Some cats however will not be of normal XX or XY genotype but may have more, or less X or Y chromosomes. The presence of additional X chromosomes is the commonest cause of the male Tortie.

Clearly a male cat of genotype XXY, unlike the normal male XY, will be in possession of two genes at the 'orange' locus and is capable therefore of being OO (red), Oo (tortoiseshell) or oo (non-red). Some animals may vary from the norm and be a mixture of XY and XX, and again because of the presence of two X chromosomes the production of a Tortie male is possible.

Because of the very high likelihood that a Tortie male is the result of a variation / abnormality of the XY makeup of the normal male I personally would not attempt to breed from one - even assuming it was fertile. I see little point (other than research) perpetuating such anomalies that may have more serious effects than simply colour. I have never bred a Tortie male, though at least one has been bred from a mating of two cats of my breeding.

Self or Tabby?

Visually it is impossible to differentiate between a Red, Cream or Apricot 'Self' or non-agouti cat, and the Red Tabby, Cream Tabby or Apricot Tabby or agouti cat! The same is of course equally true of the Red, Cream and Apricot Smokes and their equivalent in the Silver Tabby - no matter how clever you may think you are it is impossible to visually distinguish between a Red Smoke and a Red Silver Tabby!

At one show I withheld the certificate from a Red Self because it had very heavy tabby markings, AND also withheld the certificate from a Red Spotted Tabby because the pattern was indistinct --- had they been swapped over I would happily have awarded both certificates! I had several discussions with the breeder of the Red Self in question and suggested that she mate him to a tabby and keep either a red son or tortie tabby daughter - and breed a line of cats which GCCF would only register as Red Tabbies! Surely this is a pretty silly situation! I have always maintained that because of the unusual nature of red inheritance and the epistatic effect of the colour, all reds - be they agouti or non-agouti - should be shown in the same class and judged to a common standard. Whilst I disagree with the nonsense of separating the Selfs and the Tabbies as a Judge I do have to follow the 'party line' and clearly a very heavily marked cat cannot be regarded as a Self! In order that there is CONSISTENCY in my judging there is a simple "rule of thumb" which I apply to Self cats. Put both hands in front of you with the fingers closed together and the thumbs out at right angles, now bring the hands together so that one thumb is on top of the other - this gives a gap of about 5 or 6cm between the two hands. I place my hands in this manner along the back of all red selfs, if that area shows pattern it is too heavily marked; if it shows no pattern in that area it is acceptable as a self. A very simple rule of thumb which does ensure consistency!

In it's wisdom GCCF registers all red, cream and apricot kittens from a mating where either parent is Agouti as agouti kittens. To some degree this is a sensible move, but by simple definition probably 25% are incorrectly registered! So how many of the Red and Apricot Silver Shaded kittens which I've bred have been incorrectly registered? Some of them must surely have been Smokes (albeit with wide-band effect)!

Of course by selective breeding over many generations it would be possible to breed Red cats with minimal markings which would visually be nearer self coloured than tabby. So we could by selective breeding have two different looking animals - but is it likely to happen ……. I think not. It would be quite possible to breed a line of non-agouti red cats with very heavy tabby pattern, and agouti cats with minimal pattern; that is Red Tabbies with no markings, and Selfs with heavily marked coats - which just goes to prove the unusual nature of red!

Some people seem to think that the best Red Selfs are of homozygous Ticked tabby form (aa TaTa O). Of course these cats will be devoid of leg and tail markings and will only have residual facial markings and have ticked bodies, but unfortunately they are often lacking in intensity of colour. There does appear to be a definite drawback to the continuous breeding of homozygous ticked pattern cats (TaTa). The density of pigmentation in the skullcap areas appears to be greatly increased, with the result that it appears to become totally solid colour devoid of markings, or paler roots in the case of agouti or silver cats. Should anyone have any information or breeding data on this phenomenon I would be delighted to hear from them.

Undoubtedly the finest form of Red Self would be based on Classic tabby pattern (aa tbtb O) where selection is made for the maximum degree of pattern area and the minimum of ground colour - the result would be almost entirely solid red pattern and this really would a Red Self! The finest Red and Cream Persians were bred to this recipe, of course the long hair does have an advantage anyway in that the pattern will by definition be less distinct than in a Shorthair.

Bicolour and the Red Series

I have always found Bicolours to be the most attractive of the colour varieties in the cat, especially the definite patchwork effect of the Tortie Bicolour. Sadly, for reasons I've never quite understood, Bicolours are not recognised in the Oriental by the GCCF ……. IF we apply logic to their reasoning then we should not accept Silver either!

The complex bicolour effect is the result of the presence of a dominant gene (S) for White Spotting or Piebald. This gene is very variable but follows a definite gradeable pattern, the effects ranging from a small white spot to a fully white cat. 'Bicolour', 'Harlequin' and 'Van' have been used to describe these cats. The gene responsible is unrelated to that responsible for dominant white (W) which is present in the Foreign White and other pure white breeds. Whilst very low grade White Spotting results in 'lockets' and 'belly spots' it is highly unlikely that the gene causes the 'lockets', 'belly spots' and 'armpit spots' which occasionally occur in 'conventional' Orientals and Siamese. These seem to skip generations, occur randomly and never seem to be larger than very small clumps of white hair.

In the Tortie with White Spotting, especially in mid grade expression where there is considerable white, the red and non-red areas become large clear patches of colour with minimal mingling of colour. This results in the beautiful patchwork effect of the 'calico'.

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A Blue Tortie Tabby & White Ch. Izhayla's Eloise se Dayna Owned & bred by Annet Wouters	A Red Bicolour Angora Izhayla's Avery Seliyi se Faridah Bred by Annet Wouters
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The White Spotting gene of high grade in combination with longhair and Siamese results in the most beautiful semi-long hair variety created by Miss Pat Turner and known as the 'Seychellois'. Cats of genotype cscs ll S_ will be blue eyed and have bicolour markings restricted to the face, legs and tail. Those of genotype C_ ll S_ have green eyes and in addition to the above may also have splashes of colour on the body. Of Oriental type the Seychellois is but a variation of the Oriental Longhair (Angora, Javanese or Mandarin call it what you will!) and can be of very great beauty.

Red Series and Silver

Silver colouring is caused by the action of a dominant gene known as the Melanin Inhibitor (I) whose presence prevents the full development of pigmentation in the hair. It affects the non-agouti and the agouti cat, its presence in the former turns a Self Cat into a Smoke. In the agouti cat the result is the Silver Tabby or Silver Shaded. The gene has a widely variable effect, in some animals there is a very deep white base, whilst in others the animal is so dark that it appears visually self-coloured.

In non-red silver tabbies the actual colour of the pattern lacks the warmth of colour which is found in their non-silver, or 'standard' counterparts. In the red series however there is little if any difference between the pattern colour in a Red and a Red Silver or Red Smoke. This leads one to question whether a Red, Cream or Apricot Silver Tabby or Shaded can show tarnishing. It is visible in some torties that are predominantly of non-red colouring, but not in those with a high percentage of red colouring.

In Red, Cream and Apricot the Silver lacks the 'sparkling whiteness' found in other colours and is of a distinct 'ivory white' colour, and to the uninitiated may appear to be a pale cream rather than silver. Some judges, especially those with little experience of reds, are oblivious of this fact. This was clearly demonstrated at a recent show where a Judge marked a Red Silver Shaded 'Wrong Colour' because the silver was not pure white: other Judges and breeders who were present totally disagreed and were of the opinion that the cat was in fact a very good Red Silver!

Because of the widely variable effect of the Silver gene and the fact that in reds the silver ground is ivory coloured it is often difficult to differentiate between reds and red silvers, as is also true for the cream and apricot counterparts. Add wide-band into the mix and can become a little more confusing! Where the genes have a very strong expression there is no problem sorting them out, but where the expression is poor it is a totally different matter. I have a Red Silver Shaded male (A_Bb C_ dd Dm_ I_ O TaTa) with very strong expression of both wide-band and silver, his coat is basically off-white dusted with red tipping, and almost entirely devoid of markings. I have another Red Silver Shaded male (A_Bb Ccs Dd Dm_ I_ O Ta_) who has only average expression of both wide-band and silver and is visually nearer to a standard red tabby. These two boys are both registered as 43ds but the difference between them is as marked as that between a black and a blue yet both are show quality Red Silvers!

And so we still think Red Series cats are easy to breed do we?  

© John S. Harrison (2002)

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El Seminario anual para jueces y alumnos jueces FIFe tuvo lugar el pasado 31 de mayo en Amsterdam (NL). En esta ocasión se contó con dos invitados de renombre: la doctora Susan Little (DVM, Canada)) y la experta en genética Lorraine Shelton (EEUU).

La jornada se desarrolló de acuerdo con el siguiente programa:

Orden del Día de la Asamblea general de FIFe 2003 (Amsterdam, NL, 29-30/05/2003). Información facilitada por Mundikat:

1. Welcome speech of the President

2. Roll call of the delegates

3. Election of two Scrutineers and three Supervisors for the Minutes of the General Assembly 2003.

4. Drafting of the Minutes.

5. Approval of the Agenda.

6. Approval of the Minutes of the General Assembly 2002 in Albufeira.

7. Report of the Persident.

8. Presentation of long service badges to FIFé Judges.

9. Report of the General Secretary.

10. Report of the Treasurer.

11. Report of the two Auditors.

12. Discussion on the reports of the Treasurer and the two Auditors
    

13. Discharge of responsibility
    a. of the Executive Board
    b. of the Treasurer
    

14. Reports of the Commissions:
    a. Judges and LO Commission.
    b. Show Commission.
    c. Disciplinary Commission.
    d. Health and Welfare Commission
    

15. Report on FIFé Working Groups
    

16. Report from Members under Patronage
    a. Cyprus
    b. Rumania
    

17. World Cat Congres
    

18. Members matters:
    a. Fédération Féline Francaise FFF (F)
    b. The Cat Association of Britain CA (GB)
    c. Complaint against the FIFé Board by KKÖ (A)
    

19. Elections
    a. Vice-President for a period of three years
    b. Treasurer for a period of three years
    c. Vice-Treasurer for a period of three years
    d. 2 Auditors and 2 Assistant Auditors for a period of three years
    

20. Financial Matters
    a. Proposal (4)from the FIFé Board
    b. Proposal (2) from NRR (N)
    c. Determination of fees for the period 01-01-03 / 31-12-04
    d. Determination of the remuneration for the General Secretary for the
        period 01-01-03 / 31-12-04
    e. Determination of the remuneration for the President for the
        period 01-01-03 / 31-12-04
    f. Determination of the remuneration for the Treasurer for the
        period 01-01-03 / 31-12-04
    

21. Presentation of the Budget for the fiscal year 01-01-04 / 31-12-04, discussion and voting thereon.
    

22. Protests about new formulations of rules.
    a. SRK(FIN) and Felis Danica(DK) - Registration and Breeding Rules
    b. SVERAK (S) - Rules for Judges, Student Judges &  Stewards
    

23. Proposals
    Change of Statutes:
    a. FIFé Board
    b. Disciplinary Commission
    c. Lux Cat Club (L)
    
    Other Proposals:
    a. FIFé Board
    b. Judges And LO Commission
    c. Show Commission
    d. Health and Welfare Commission
    
    e. Acceptance of "Guidelines for the Education of Student Judges 
        for Instructing Judges and Students".
    
    f. Proposals from the Members:
    
       The Cat Association of Britain (GB)
       Kynjakettir (IS)
       NRR (N)
       Mundikat (NL)
       Sverak (S)
       ZFDS (SI)
       KKÖ (A)
       Övek (A)
       Asociacion Feline Argentina (ARG)
       FFH (CH)
       Cesky Svav Chovatelu (CZ)
       Felis Danica (DK)
       Felix (EE)
    

24. Future of FIFé - Discussion

25. Miscellaneous

26. Close of the General Assembly.
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PROPUESTAS DEL BOARD Y COMISIONES:

a. FIFé Board

1. The following rule to be inserted in the Breeding and Registration Rules:
   
   FIFé does not recognise the Munchkin. FIFé does not create EMS codes for Munchkin or any type of 'wild' cat.
   
   Motivation:
   There is a strong feeling amongst our members about the Munchkin breed and there is no support for its recognition, and for health reasons there is a strong opposition. It is therefore not reasonable that an EMS code should be created for this breed.
   
   It has come to the board's attention that in some registries an EMS code has been created for the Asian Leopard Cat and this is not acceptable. Neither would it be acceptable to have an EMS code for a Lion or a Tiger. The EMS codes apply to accepted breeds which FIFé either itself recognises or acknowledges to be a domesticated cat.
   
   

2. It is proposed that the Javanese be re-named as the Oriental Longhair and the Oriental be re-named as the Oriental Shorthair.
   
   Motivation:
   The board brought a similar proposal last year which, at the request of the Judges and LO Commission, was withdrawn as it was not complete. The motivation is to bring these two breeds into line with other major registries such as CFA and TICA and also including GCCF which has also recently changed their former 'Angora' into Oriental Longhair. The Australian registry ACF (Inc) also changed to this name last year. It is in the interest of mutual understanding to have, where possible, the same name describing the same breed.

b. Judges and LO Commission

1. The following rule to be inserted in the Breeding and Registration Rules:
   
   ACS/ACL (American Curl Longhair and Shorthair)
   a. ACS/ACL with straight ears will be registered as ACS/ACL x 71,
       which means as not recognized variety.
   b. ACS/ACL x 71 can only be registered in the RIEx pedigree book.
   c. ACS/ACL with straight ears can be used in the breeding
       programme for ACS/ACL.
   
   Motivation:
   The JLO cie studied the literature to make sure how ACS/ACL with straight ears shall be registered. As they are still American Curls and as an EMS code for the ears exists since 1-1-2003, the above mentioned rule shall be applied.
   
   

2. BEN (Bengal)
   
   a. All imported F1, F2, F3 generations Bengals must be inspected by 2 Int. FIFé judges together with the national breeding committee before they can be registered and used for breeding.
   b. Those imported Bengals, as mentioned in point a. must be registered in the RIEx pedigree book.
   c. The same procedure, as mentioned under point a. and b. must be applied for those Bengals, whether imported or not, who have outcrosses to other breeds (f.e. MAU or AMS non) in their 1., 2. and  or 3. generation.
   
   Breeding permission for all imported  F1, F2, F3 generations Bengals as well as for Bengals whic have other breeds registered in their pedigree can only be given, after having them inspected as mentioned above under the title Registration in point a.
   F1 up to F3 generations Bengals, resulting from outcrossings to wild cats, are considered to be wild cats.
   
   Motivation:
   The breeding rules and restrictions for the BEN, as incorporated in our currently valid FIFé Breeding and Registration Rules are valid for breeders of FIFé menbers.
   Therefore there is currently a problem with imported Bengals, which have not been bred by breeders of FIFé members, how to register them and if they can be used for breeding. The currently present situation is already the cause for different practices and sometimes also for misunderstandings.
   F1 up to F3 generations Bengals shall not be permitted to be shown in FIFé shows.

c. Show Commission

        New point scale. All articles concerned will be corrected accordingly.

        Less than 70 points - below standard, no qualification will be given.
         70 points - Very Good
         80 points - Excellent
         85 points - CAC/CAP
         87 points - CACIB/CAPIB
         90 points - CAGCIB/CAGPIB
         93 points - CACE/CAPE
         94 points - BIV
         95 points - NOM.

d. Disciplinary Commission

To be added to the Statutes (chapter II, article 10)

A FIFé member who is subject of legal procedures, shall be considered inactive until the final court decision and shall have no representation or voting right at the General Assembly(ies).

Motivation:

A few years ago, there was a 'hostile' take-over of one of our members. This was brought to court and now this take-over has been ruled illegal. For two GA's this member has thus been represented by persons without the legal right to represent the member.

The first part of this rule will secure that this will not happen in the future.
The second part is just to safeguard the member's members in their activities within FIFé, i.e. breeding, showing etc..

e. Health and Welfare Commission

1. To be included in the FIFé Breeding Rules.
   
   Genetic Diseases and tests.
   
   FIFé will not recognize any breed of cats showing as a breed characteristic:
   
   Achondroplasia: a dominant gene resulting in dwarfism, shortened limbs and legs and other physical defects.
   
   Osteochondrodysplasia: a dominant gene causing progressive joint, bone and cartilage deformation until thourough medical and scientific research will prove the unoffending character of the mutation.
   
   Until this research is done these cats will not be allowed to be shown at any FIFé show.
   
   Motivation:
   
   Both these characteristics are unwanted traits that impair the quality of life. Causing distress and pain for the animals  involved and are not in accordance with the rules promoting the healthy and responsible breeding of cats from FIFé's point of view. 
   
   

2. EXO/PER breeding program regarding PKD.
   
   To be included in the FIFé Breeding Rules.
   
   Special restrictions for some breeds:
   
   EXO/PER (Exotic/Persian)
   
   Mating together two PKD(+) positive cats is not to be allowed.
   - Certificate of the Eco test (Ultrasound) performed at least at 10
     months old must be presented in order to be bred.
   
   - Microchipping is recommended
   
   Motivation:
   
   Studies made on this disease show that the incidence of this hereditary disease can be as high as 30-50 %. The use of only PKD(-) negative cats for breeding will take these breeds into a high risk of reducing the genetic pool with its consequences. Still there are many other good attributes in PKD(+) positive cats. As an autosomical dominant gene it will be easier to be controlled and slowly eliminate the problem in these breeds. This strategy may not be the best for a different disease.
   

PROPUESTAS DE LOS MIEMBROS:

01. The Cat Association of Britain (GB)

02. Kynjakettir (IS)

• We would like to propose the following changes to the FIFé Breeding Rules 4.4.4:
  
  It is not possible to impose further breeding and/or registration rules to the above mentioned articles except for national health circumstances.
  
  Motivation:  
  
  Within FIFé, the Member clubs have over the years, imposed a lot of different rules concerning breeding and registration. As FIFé is an international organisation the same rules and regulations should apply in all the Member countries.
  In the present situation a Persian cat, for example, with an LO pedigree from one Member club would only be given a RIEx pedigree by another and not even qualify for registration at all by a third Member with stricter national rules.
  All the clubs should strive to make their breeding and registration rules in accordance with the FIFé rules, anything less is not acceptable within an international organisation.
  
  

• Special Amendment for Iceland
  
  We are kindly asking for a Special Amendment for Iceland, that the title 'Junior Winner' may be given to the Kittens and Juniors that have won 'Best in Show'3 (three) times instead of 5 (five) times.
  
  
  Motivation:
  
  In these very special circumstances, it seems only fair that our exhibitors should be able to benefit from and enjoy these new titles but due to our only having 2 x 2 CERT shows a year in Iceland and the impossibility of our exhibitors travelling to other countries to show their cats due to our national quarantine laws, we would find it very difficult indeed to attain these titles at 5(five) shows within the age limit of the classes.
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03. NRR (N)

1. Additional text to art 54 in the show rules:
   
   FIFé members must notify the Board of the FIFé of any violation of the rules demonstrated during a show in a detailed, accurate report
   within two months after the show in question.
   
   Complaints against judges and student judges must be forwarded in writing with a justification to the Board of the FIFé within two months after the show in question.
   
   The FIFé Board will decide according to the statutes.
   
   Motivation:  
   
   The rule today does not set any time limit. To take care of the rights and interests of everybody involved, complaints must be subject to a limited period of time.
   
   

2. Proposal for the budget 2003
   
   A remuneration as compensation for the President's loss of income should be included in the budget for 2003.
   
   Motivation:
   
   Article 26 of the FIFé statutes states: Ïn principle, all offices shall be honorary". The office of the President of the FIFé has, however, developed to be far more extensive during recent years. It can no longer be considered an office that can be attended to in addition to full time paid work. Thus, NRR is of the opinion that the President should receive some compensation for loss of income. Otherwise, only candidates who are economically independent or retired can afford to run for the presidency.
   

04. Mundikat (NL)

• Mundikat proposes:
  
  the recognition of the Bi-Colour variety of the Oriental Shorthair and the Javanese in Category IV in the patterns 01 Van, 02 Harlequin and 03 Bi-Colour in all recognized colours for this Category.
  
  

• To add to the appropiate parts of the FIFé Health and Welfare Chapter and to the general chapter on breeds (disqualifying faults):
  
  Cats of any breed displaying Achondroplasy (a dominant gene resulting in dwarfism causing shortened limbs, legs and other physcal defects and mobility limitations) and/or Osteochondrodysplasia ( a dominant gene causing progressive joint/extremities bone and cartilage deformation) are not registerable or showable within FIFé.
  
  Motivation:
  
  Both these defects are unwanted traits (genetic defects, occasionally randomly occurring in cats [and other mammals] in general) that impair the life quality and vitality and cause distress and pain for the animals involved. These traits are thus not in accordance with the rules of FIFé promoting healthy and responsible breeding of pedigreed cats.
  

05. Sverak (S)

1. Sverak proposes.
   
   FIFé standard ABY/SOM Sorrel & sorrel silver (Change of text)
   
   Present text:
   Paw pads: cinnamon to chocolate, back of feet, toe tufts:red-brown
   
   New Text:
   Paw pads: pale brick red, back of feet, toe tufts:red-brown.
   
   
   Motivation:
   
   The colour of the paw pads has gotten an erroneous description in the FIFé standard. A sorrel/sorrel silver cat can not have paws coloured cinnamon to chocolate. An Abyssinian or Somali with paws coloured like this is rather chocoloate than sorrel. Chocolate is not a recognized colour variety within the FIFé.
   
   

2. Show Rules 14.2 (Change of Text)
   
   Present text:
   Cats must have the tips of the nails cut when presented to the judge.
   
   New Text:
   Cats must have the tips of the nails cut upon arrival at the show hall.
   
   Motivation:
   
   The need for cut tips of nails is not only there upon presentation to the judge, since the cats are handled by veterinarians and stewards before arriving in the judge's ring.
   

06. ZFDS (SI)

• ZDFS proposes.
  
  Modify Article 5.1 of the FIFé Breeding and Registration Rules and Article 34 of FIFé Show Rules as follows (changese highlighted and underlined):
  
  
  5.1 Distinguished Merit(DM)
  A female cat with 5 or more offspring which have been awarded the minimum title IC/IP or DM will be awarded the title Distinguished Merit(DM).
  A male cat with 10 or more offspring which have been awarded the minimum title IC/IP or DM will be awarded the title Distinguished Merit(DM).
  
  Article 34
  In order to obtain the Title Distinguished Merit(DM), a female cat must have produced at least 5 cats which gained the title Int.Ch./Int.Pr. or DM and a male cat must have produced at least 10 cats which gained the title Int.Ch./Int.Pr. or DM.
  Only FIFé registered titles are valid. The 'DM' will be placed after the cats full name.
  
  Motivation:
  
  The purpose of the title DM is to recognise the breeding value of a cat. If a cat's descendent reaches the title DM, then surely this descendant proves the breeding value of its parent even if it does not reach the title IC/IP.
  

07. KKÖ (A)

08. Övek (A)

Addition to the FIFé Breeding and Registration Rules 2.6.7.

Siamese offspring that are the product of matings with Oriental Bicolour must be registered under genotype SIA x..... and the relevant phenotype. The same applies for Balinese.


Reason:

This ensures that there is no obstacle to a show career for these animals, the animals compete at shows according to phenotype - see point 4.4.1. of the FIFé Breeding and Registration Rules.
However, for breeding, the genotype of the cat is what counts and here the 'x' refers to the white in the Siamese/Balinese.

09. Asociacion Feline Argentina (ARG)

As you may know Argentina is facing a terrible financial and social period, after three different presidents in a single week, we came across a country socially and economically devastated.

It has been impossible for us to do the corresponding payments to the FIFé, as, because of the crisis, the amount of the debt has increased more than three times what it was: one dollar equal one argentine peso, turned to be: one dollar equal three argenine pesos.

Nowadays the situation hasn't changed, although we are trying; it's impossible for us to collect the money as everything is three times more expensive than in the past, unluckily salaries haven't increased in the same way.

What we are proposing is

To do our payments considering as if one euro were equal one argentine peso; at least until we can organize our financial situation. If this is not possible we would accept any reduction suggested by treasury.

10. FFH (CH)

The FFH will submit the following proposal:

The colours of the British Shorthair have all to be recognized analogously to the colours of the Exotics and Persians. This proposal refers to the colours who are already recognized in the EXO/PER and are missing in the BRI. New colours have to continue to be handled according to the usual principle of the recognition of colours.

Motivation:

By the recognition of new colours, the colours of EXO/PER/BRI have always been recognized simultaneously. By comparison the list of varieties of the colours for EXO/PER and BRI, it stands out that you don't have any Van and Harlequin in the BRI. and also all the Van/Harlequin/ Bicolour Tabby (with and without silver) are missing.

11. Cesky Svav Chovatelu (CZ)

That all breeds be judged according to their EMS code and that no breeds shall be judged in groups. The standards of all breeds that are judged in groups until now will be changed, allocating 5 points for colour and/or pattern to be taken from coat-texture or curling. The breeds, which require this change of standard, are: MCO / NFO / SIB / TUA / ACL / ACS / CRX / DRX / GRX.


Motivation:

With this proposal we wish to enhance the uniformity of the judging of cats in general. Up until now, two parallel systems are in existence, group judging and judging on the basis of the EMS code. Controversially enough, the judging groups are organized on colour and/or pattern but within these groups colour and/or pattern has zero points. We wish to emphasize that all cats have an EMS code on their pedigrees and in our opinion they should be judged accordingly. In order not to exclude too many cats from competing at shows or breeding, we suggest to keep the EMS code '09'for an unspecified amount of white in use for a period of 5 years for the above mentioned breeds.

12. Felis Danica (DK)

Felis Danica would like to present the following proposal:

Proposal - Rules for Breed Councils

Delete the following sentence:
FIFé judges who are licensed for the respective breed are allowed to be a member without conditions.

Motivation:

The requirements for being a member in FIFé Breeding Councils should be the same for judges as for breeders. The whole idea of creating the Breeding Councils will disappear if the judges could become member without fulfilling the same requirements as the breeders. The Breed Councils were created to give the BREEDERS a special forum to discuss and work with breed questions.

The judges are welcome to join the FIFé Breeding Councils at the same conditions as the breeders, i.e. fulfilling the exact same requirements as the breeders who want to become members.

If the Breed Councils need specific help or advice from judges they may contact the FIFé Judges & LO Commission which is already in existence.

13. Felix (EE)

• EKL Felix suggests the recognition of Kuril Bobtail Shorthair and Semilonghair, which shall be put into category III, with the following standard.
  
  Breed index: KBS shorthair        KBL longhair
  
  History: Breed is created on the base of aboriginal short-tailed cats occur on the Kuril Islands. Breeding program began at 1992 ( by L. Ivanova, T. Bocharova and O. Mironov).
  
  Standard:
  
  General: large or medium sized muscled animals. Compact powerful body with short, pompon shaped tail.
  
  Head: large, in shape of trapezium, rounded in contours, wide at the checkbone level. A gentle dip from the forehead to the broad, medium long, straight nose, without definitive stop. Well developed wide chin. A bit rounded in profile.
  
  Eyes: rounded. Set far apart and slightly slanted. Any color from yellow to green. White cats, vans and harlequins can have blue or odd eyes.
  
  Ears: medium sized, wide at the base, slightly pricked forward. Set wide apart and medium high. Distance among the ears is equal to ear size. Ears are rounded at the tips and open at base.
  
  Body: compact, muscled, well-boned. Back shows delicate arch-like line from the shoulder to the higher rump. Legs medium in length, strong, sturdy, with rounded paws. Hind legs are longer than forelegs.
  
  Tail: Composed of one or more kinks or curves or any combination thereof. May be rigid or flexible. The direction of curves is not important. Visible length of the tail (without the fur) from 3 to 8 cm. Size and shape of the tail should harmonize with the common appearance of the cat.
  
  Coat: dense, rather fine in texture.
  SH  variety: short, with well developed guard hair, firm awn hair and moderate undercoat.
  SLH variety: medium long, with slight guard hair, well developed awn hair and slight undercoat.
  The decorative coat is desirable (ruff, frill, 'britches' and ear furnishing).
  
  Color: all with the exception of colorpoints, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, lilac and the same combined with white.
  
  Penalize: Tail length from 8 to 12 cm or less than 3 cm. One vertebrate tail.
  Delayed bobtal effect. Extreme arch-like back disharmonizing appearance of the cat. Slender type. Types likes the Japanese or Thai Bobtail.
  
  Disqualify: Absence of the tail bone. Deformations of the spinal vertebrate. Short straight tail without kinks and curves. tail longer then 12 cm.
  
  Outcross with other breeds: none
  Novices: accepted only as certified imports from Kuril islands.
  
  

  Point	Score
  Head, eyes, ears	20
  Body and legs	30
  Coat and color	15
  Tail	30
  Condition	5
  total	100

  
  

14. Lux Cat Club (L)

Article 9

Members of the FIFé may only admit as members of their clubs, individuals domiciled in their country or those who are temporarily living out of the country.

However, they may accept for admission individuals who are living in a country where there is no FIFé member. FIFé members may retain, as members of their club, those individuals who have taken up a new residence abroad, provided however that there is no FIFé member in the new country of residence.

Addition:

With the permission from the FIFé Board, members of the FIFé in the 'European Community' may admit as member of their clubs,persons who lives in the 'European Community' and this out of their country.

Remark:

It is absolutely necessary to vote for this proposal, according with the article 29 from the General Rules and the free circulation in the European Community.

* INFORMACIÓN FACILITADA POR MUNDIKAT, organizador de la AG FIFe 2003

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La Asociación Felina Española (ASFE), afiliada a FIFe, ha emitido el siguiente comunicado:

Os ofrecemos un breve resumen de lo aprobado en la Asamblea de ASFE del pasado 12 y 13 de Abril y de la reunión de Junta del 25 de Mayo. En un plazo máximo de 15 días estarán disponibles en Internet el contenido íntegro de la Asamblea y todos los documentos aprobrados.

- El proyecto de Reestructuración de ASFE fue ratificado por Unanimidad.

- La Junta Gestora presentó su dimisión.

- Se crea la Junta de Reestructuración, que será la responsable de desarrollar el Proyecto de Reestructuración de ASFE con un plazo fijo de tiempo ( hasta finales de este año 2003 ). La primera quincena de Enero convocarán Elecciones a celebrase la última semana de Marzo o la primera de Abril. La Junta está compuesta por:

Presidente, Rafael Fernández. Responsable de redacción de la nueva Nomativa de la Comisión de Exposiciones. Portavoz de ASFE. Actua como representante de la antigua Junta Gestora.

Vicepresidente, Antonio Silvente. Responsable de la modificación de Estatutos, redacción de la nueva Normativa electotal y de la redacción de la Normativa de la nueva Comisión de Jueces y alumnos Jueces. Actua como representante de la Asociación Felina Aragonesa

Secretario, Julio Pasamon. Actua como representante de la antigua Junta Gestora.

Tesorero, Joaquim Font. Responsable de la redacción del Proyecto de viabilidad económica de ASFE.- Actua como representante de la ACG.

Vocal, Agustín Abellan. Responsable de la redacción de la nueva Normativa del Comité de Disciplina. Actua como representante de CFCL.

Vocal, Paco Panea. Responsable de redacción de la nueva Nomativa de la Comisión de Exposiciones. Actua como representante de ASFEMA's.

Vocal, Mª Angeles Gomez. Actua como representante de Asociación Felina Andaluza.

Vocal, Isabel Escrivá. Responsable de redacción de la nueva Nomativa de la Comisión de Razas. Actua como representante de los Club de Razas.

Vocal, Ignacio Salmerón. Responsable de redacción de la nueva Nomativa de la Comisión de Salud y Bienestar Felino. Actua como representante de los socios.

Vocal, Joaquín Pueche. Responsable de las actualizaciones de la página web de ASFE. Actua como representante de los socios.

Entre algunas de las propuestas presentadas por los socios en relación al proyecto de Reestructuración quisieramos destacar algunas de las más importantes que ya han sido aprobadas:

- Creación de la Comisión de Jueces.

- Elecciones directas a cargos de la futura ASFE. Candidaturas individuales.

- Puertas abiertas a los socios de los Club World Cat Federation en las Exposiciones ASFE-FIFe España.

- Se acuerda declarar personas "non gratas" a Manel Borraz, Montserrat Lamas, Daniel Sánchez Mauri y a los dirigentes de Galicia. Esta declaración prescribirá cuando liquiden la deuda que los Club que dirigen mantienen con ASFE.

Comunicado Oficial de ASFE, Secretaría General de ASFE, 29 de Mayo de 2003.

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Los Ragdoll en FIFe se reconocen en cuatro colores (seal, blue, chocolate y lilac) y tres dibujos (colourpoint, mitted y bicolor).

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* Bicolor: vista superior * Bicolor: vista inferior * Mitted: vista superior * Mitted: vista inferior * Colourpoint: vista superior * Colourpoint: vista inferior   Dibujos originales de Ragdoll Club France

* Van Boots Stevie, Bicolor Seal	* CH DollValley Pacha, Mitted Seal
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* SCH Villaroyal Orión, Bicolor Blue	* CH DollValley Sofía, Mitted Blue
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* Bicolor Chocolate (los 2 de la izq.)	* Ragvagg Eskino Pie, Mitted Chocolate
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* Dancingmist Luv'N Us, Bicolor Lilac	* Lonerock Hope, Colourpoint Lilac
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* Las diferencias de color en las colas: lilac, chocolate y seal (Dancingmist Cattery, Australia)
* Las diferencias de color en las colas: blue y lilac (Dancingmist Cattery, Australia)

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