Running a global cat association is running a global business. We purchased TOES outright as our official entry-clerking system and integrated it directly into TFMS and the website. Your cats are pulled straight from TFMS when you enter a show, so you're not re-typing information we already have — it makes entering that much easier. We're always looking at ways to improve it further for our members and clients.
TFMS and TOES, working as one connected system for every member.
TICA's website has been substantially rebuilt during this presidency, and it's already a genuine member resource, not just an information page. Client Corner — organized by Breeders, Exhibitors, and Members — brings together the tools people actually use: registering a cattery, showing a cat, ordering a pedigree, renewing membership, and more, all in one place. With TOES integrated directly into it, your cats pull straight from TFMS when you enter a show, so entering is quick and doesn't mean re-typing information we already have. The next phase is building out even more of the site as a resource for members, beyond entries. We are always looking at ways to improve the website, and that work never really stops.
We have made quite a bit of progress getting TICA's brand and message out to the world through social media, but the work is nowhere near being done. We need to expand our reach with our message. This will help bring in cat lovers of all ages, as well as possible corporate partners and sponsors.
Instagram and TikTok in particular are reaching a younger generation of cat lovers — people who may never have come across TICA through a show hall or a club, but who are finding us first through a video on their phone.
We are just beginning a campaign to help clubs advertise their shows at a local level as part of our message — one more way TICA will be assisting clubs as they work to put on successful, profitable shows.
So many of our breeds are being threatened by the governments of some countries. This is happening mostly in European countries, but not exclusively. Our legislative committee has been trying to keep up with all the anti-breeding and animal welfare laws being put in place in countries around the world — and it's very difficult work.
TICA partnered with CFA to present a proposal at the World Cat Congress.
A WCC Legislative Commission and a Feline Health & Welfare Commission, created.
Actively participating in both commission groups, right now.
Breeder and public education, first two items in development.
"The most important item of unfinished business is the health and welfare of our cats."
— Vicki Jo Harrison
Within TICA, we have begun a Feline Health and Welfare project. Breeder and public education are the first two items that will be developed. The Feline Welfare Committee is being reactivated with an updated purpose statement. The membership voted to require each breed section to develop a breeding plan for their breed, and to require each breed committee to produce an annual newsletter to be shared with their breed section — both of these will also be included in the Feline Health and Welfare project.
The purpose of the breeder education portion of this project is to create and share educational information for breeders to use as a resource and guide when making decisions about breeding. The purpose of the public education portion is to not only showcase the history, beauty and uniqueness of all of our pedigree breeds, but to share the importance of the health and welfare of all cats.
It's very important to me that all work being done on these initiatives continue.