FIFE BREEDING RULES 1. General The health and welfare of each individual cat or kitten should be the foremost concern for all breeders and owners of cats and kittens.Responsible breeding based on genetic principles, disease prevention and an environment of love and comfort must be encouraged.Accurate records regarding the health and breeding of cats and kittens must be kept. 2. Breeding Rules 2.1 General A cat suffering from a congenital abormality must not be used for breeding or sold as a breeding cat. A breeder selling such a kitten must send a request to their national breeding committee for a "breeding restriction" to be put on the registration document. Cats of all breeds, which are used for breeding purposes, must have whiskers. 2.2 Studs Before being used as a stud, a male cat shall have a veterinary certificate confirming that the testicles are normal and are both descended into the scrotal sac. 2.3 Queens Queens must not have more than three litters in twenty-four months except with the prior written approval of a veterinarian and/or the National Breeding Committee. A queen which requires repeated caesarian sections must not be used for further breeding. A queen may not be allowed to be mated by a second male within 3 weeks of the previous mating. 2.4 Microchip and Tattoo All breeding cats should be identified by either microchip (preferred) or tattoo and the identifying code of both parents shall be documented in the pedigree. Exception is granted for males which are not registered with FIFe. This practice should be established as soon as possible but not later than 1st January 2007. 2.5 Cats not allowed for breeding - deaf white cats - an adult cat with a visible umbilical hernia 2.6. Special Restrictions for some breeds 2.6.1 BEN (Bengal) - Novice cats are not permitted. - It is not allowed to cross the Bengals with any other breed. 2.6.2. BRI (British) The FIFe shall not recognize the BRI with any other coat length than shorthaired. 2.6.3. KOR (Korat) The FIFe shall not recognize any other colour variety than blue in the Korat. The FIFe will not encourage any person or federation to produce colours other than blue in the Korat. When breeding Korats: - only blue KOR shall be used, and only blue offsprings from blue KOR parents can be registered as Korat (KOR). - Offspring in a colour variety other than blue shall be registered as XSH/XLH. When breeding Korats: - Korat cats used in breeding must have a DNA-test for GM, unless both parents are proven to be free from GM. - These breeding principles are to be followed: xxxxxGM-free x GM-freexxxxxNon-carrier x carrier ­ provided that all offspring are GM-tested.- If a desired mating is not completely covered by points above, the National Breeding Council must approve such a mating in advance after having received a well-founded application. The Breeding Council states all conditions if the application is granted. - The cats that will need to be tested according to this rule must be identifiable by microchip or by tattoo. - The seller must inform buyers of Korat cats about the GM-diseases and the registration policy. A certified veterinarian certificate regarding the GM-status must be attached to the pedigree. 2.6.4 MAU (Egyptian Mau) Novice cats are not permitted. 2.6.5 OCI (Ocicat) No reds, creams or torbies are allowed. Very rufous cinnamon and fawns may resemble red or cream, but never produce female torbies. 2.6.6. RUS (Russian Blue) The FIFe shall not recognize any colour variety other than blue in the Russian Blue. The FIFe will not encourage any person or federation to produce colours other than blue in the Russian Blue. When breeding Russian Blues: - only blue RUS shall be used, and only blue offsprings from blue RUS parents can be registered as Russian Blue (RUS).- Offspring in a colour variety other than blue shall be registered as XSH/XLH. 2.6.7 SIA (Siamese) and BAL (Balinese) Crosses of Siamese and Balinese of all varieties with silvers of any variety are to be prohibited. At the breeder's request, exceptions may be allowed by the national LO Commission. In such cases the LO Commission will be responsible for the determination of the colours of the offspring. Crosses of Siamese and Balinese of all varieties with white spotted cats of any variety (patterns 01, 02, 03, 04, 09) are to be prohibited. At the breeder's request exceptions may be allowed by the national LO Commission. 2.6.8 SIB (Siberian Cat) Novice class only accepted for cats born in Central Europe (previous USSR).Any crossing with other breeds is prohibited. 2.6.9 SOK (Sokoke) Only Sokoke cats imported from the Sokoke district in Kenya (Africa) may be entered in the Novice class for recognition. Their origin must be officially proved by documentation. 2.7 Genetic Diseases and Tests 2.7.1 Test Programmes Cats in breeds which bear a risk of a genetic disease and which satisfy the following criteria: - the disease is fatal or causes chronic distress - the disease occurs in a significant proportion of the breed - a reliable test is available, and the disease could be eliminatedshould be tested for that disease. Each FIFe member must develope appropriate programmes. Information on genetic diseases and advice on testing, will be researched and provided by The Health and Welfare Commission.The Health and Welfare Commission is able to help and advise FIFe Members or their national Breeding Committees with information on genetic diseases and testing programmes. The Judges and LO-Commission and the other Commissions will be consulted if necessary. 2.7.2 Tests for specific diseases Where pathological conditions that are known to have some hereditary (genetic) basis, such as Amyloidosis, PKD, PRA, exist and whenever a reliable test is available, this should be performed and the results certified by a veterinarian or equivalent before the cat should be used for breeding.Exceptions are made where there are existing FIFe rules giving restrictions for specific breeds. This rule applies from 01.06.01 ­ 31.05.02 3. Husbandry and Environment 3.1 General Care Adult cats or kittens must have their vaccinations updated regularly. Sick cats and kittens must receive veterinary attention as soon as possible. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal worms, heart worms etc, are sometimes unavoidable, but all cats must be regularly examined and treated. Special measures must be taken for the prevention or spread of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases, including the use of vaccinations where available. 3.2 Accommodation 3.2.1 General Conditions . Living accommodation, bedding, dishes, litter trays etc, must be kept clean at all times. Cats must have waterbowls with fresh water at all times, the right food when required or prescribed, comfortable bedding, play and activity items and climbing poles or similar.Cats must have adequate space in which to move and play and should enjoy domestic living. For cats unused to extreme temperatures, a range between 10º C to 35º C ( 50º F to 95ºF ) is acceptable but temperatures either below or above these averages necessitate either heating or cooling assistance.Ventilation facilities to be provided with fresh air (windows, doors, air conditioning ) in order to minimize odours, moisture and drafts. Natural and artificial lighting must be provided. Cleaning and disinfecting facilities for floors, walls and furniture must be always available. Although individual cats enjoy the company of other cats, overcrowding is to be avoided as this can lead to stress and aggression and, more importantly, can increase the risk of diseases. Every cat or kitten must be given daily individual attention; this should include handling which allows for a check of the general health. 3.2.2 Separated Accommodation Where accommodation is separate from a domestic environment, facilities must be for the cat's best management and maintenance.Under these conditions: - a minimum of 6 square meters of floor space with a height of at least 1.80 m per cat is required. More than one level must exist and a sleeping and/or refuge area must be included. - All areas must be suitable for human access and weatherproof. With outdoor facilities: - cats must be provided with sufficient shade to give them protection from direct sunlight. - In these cases, cats must be allowed access inside in order to remain dry if it rains or snows. Areas must be constructed to facilitate easy drainage. 3.3 Re-homing of cats 3.3.1 Agreements Any agreements or limitations with purchasers of kittens or users of stud cats must be in writing to avoid misunderstandings 3.3.2 Pet Shops or research facilities forbidden It is not allowed to sell or hand over cats with FIFe pedigrees to pet shops or similar organisations nor for any experimental research or testing.It is also not allowed for members of FIFe clubs to offer/trade cats or services, such as stud services, by auction or similar actions be it on electronic or actual events. 3.3.3 Kittens Kittens must not go to a new owner ( home ) before they are 12 weeks old and have been fully vaccinated against Panleucopenia and 'cat flu', unless otherwise advised by a veterinarian. 3.4 Studs Stud cats, which have to live in enclosed accommodation must have:- a minimum of six square metres of floor space with a minimum height of 1.80 m available to them, at least two square metres must be enclosed and weatherproof. If this accommodation is shared, then the available surface must be larger.- In all accommodation there must be more than one level and a sleeping or refuge area should be included. - All areas must be suitable for human access. 3.5 Queens All births must be attended in case problems occur. Queens about to give birth or unweaned kittens msut have the possibility to be kept in a separate area/room. 4.1 List of recognized breeds with recommended outcross EMS-code Name Sister Breed Recommended Outcross ABY Abyssinian SOM None BAL Balinese JAV,ORI,SIA None BEN Bengal None None BML Burmilla None BUR BRI British None None BUR Burmese None None CHA Chartreux None None CRX Cornish Rex None None DRX Devon Rex None None EUR European None None EXO Exotic PER None GRX German Rex None None JAV Javanese BAL, ORI, SIA None JBT Japanese Bobtail None None KOR Korat None None MAN Manx None None MAU Egyptian Mau None None MCO Maine Coon None None NFO Norwegian Forest Cat None None OCI Ocicat None None ORI Oriental BAL, JAV, SIA None PER Persian EXO None RAG Ragdoll None None RUS Russian Blue None None SBI Sacred Birman None None SIA Siamese BAL,JAV,ORI None SIB Siberian Cat None None SOK Sokoke None None SOM Somali ABY None SPH Sphynx None None TUA Turkish Angora None None TUA Turkish Van None None Sister Breeds are breeds which share the same standards except for coat length and/or pattern. 4.2 Pedigree books. 4.2.1 Description of the pedigree book «LO» (Livrè d'Origine) The LO register contains cats that have a pedigree of pure breeding of at least 3 generations prior to the actual cat. Pure breeding refers to the above list of breeds recognized by the FIFe. The colour varieties must be among those listed in the EMS-list as recognized by the FIFe for the actual breed. Full information concerning the cats is required; i.e. the name of the cat, the pedigree name,the complete registration number included the identity of the registration body, sex, complete EMS code and date of birth. 4.2.2 Description of the experimental pedigree book «RIEX» (Registre Initial et Experimental) The RIEX is a register where cats are entered: - which result from cross-breeding or - which do not meet the requirements laid down for the LO register. 4.2.3 Transcription It is possible to automatically transfer a cat from the RIEX to the LO register if the requirements for the LO register are respected. 4.3 Transfer and Import 4.3.1 Import from another FIFe Member The original pedigree of an imported cat must be respected. However, the national breeding committee of the importing FIFe member may decide to upgrade the cat to the LO register or downgrade the cat to the RIEX register according to their own regulations, see article "National registration". A confirmed transfer declaration must be issued by the exporting member. 4.3.2 Transfer of pedigrees from organisations/clubs not members of the FIFe Concerning the registering of cats imported from outside the FIFe, the importing FIFe member decides upon the reliability of the independent organisation and how to register the cat. Official pedigrees from independent organisations may be accepted in the LO or RIEX registers, providing they conform with the previous requirements, and after having been controlled with regard to genetic principles. If the exporting organisation uses transfer declarations, such a declaration must be provided then the imported cat is to be registered in the LO or RIEX registers. Imported cats will not retain their titles. Titles of forbears may be retained on the pedigree. 4.3.3 Original name of an imported cat to be retained It is forbidden for any FIFe member to deliberately register a cat, which is imported either from a FIFe member or from another organisation, with anything other than its original name. The original issued official pedigree of a cat may never be destroyed when the cat is imported into a FIFe club. 4.4 Registration 4.4.1 General principles All kittens bred by a FIFe member's member must be registeered first in FIFe. Registration of a cat in the LO or RIEX register must be done according to the EMS system and genetical principles. A cat whose phenotype differs from its genotype must be transferred according to genotype after this has been proven by - the genetics of the parents - its progeny. A cat may compete at shows according to phenotype if this differs from its known genotype. In these cases not only the known genotype, but even the cat's phenotype must be noted in the pedigree. The phenotype must be in accordance with the description in the EMS and must be written in brackets. If a cat obtains a title under a mistaken identity, it will loose this title on transfer to its true identity. 4.4.2 Var(iant) The term VAR may be added to the EMS code to indicate that a shorthair cat carries or may carry the gene for longhair. 4.4.3 Registration Numbers From 01.01.97 all new entries in the LO or RIEX registers must be done according to the following principle: (Country Code) + (Abbreviation of FIFe Member) + (LO or RX) + (no.) For example a cat registered in the LO in Sweden will be registered as(S) SVERAK LO nnnn, and a cat entered in the Riex in France will be registered as(F) FFF RX nnnn. If a pedigree is established (LO or RIEX), all and only the original registration numbers from the ancestors must be maintained absolutely. It is not allowed to give cats other than those imported, a new FIFe-number. The first and original registration number of each cat must be visibly kept on its pedigree whenever imported cats are concerned. 4.4.4 National Registration Each national breeding committee is free to impose further restrictions to the above articles according to national circumstances. 4.4.5 Registration in the RIEX 4.4.5.1 Cats resulting from cross breeding Cats resulting from the crossing of two breeds with reference to article "Description of the experimental pedigree book "RIEX", will be registered in the RIEX register providing the breeding committee of the FIFe member has granted permission to the cross breeding. These cats are registered as: - XLH * Longhair progeny - XSH * Shorthair progeny Subsequently these cats may be re-registered in their corresponding recognized breed by meeting one of the following requirements: - being exhibited at the minimum age of 10 months during an international cat show in the «Novice Class» - being judged by at least two international judges, who are aware of the circumstances xand under control of the national breeding committee - by obtaining the qualification «Excellent» from both the judges, or - being evaluated at the minimum age of 10 months by at least two international FUFe judges who are aware of the circumstancess and under control of the national breeding committee, by obtaining the qualification "Excellent" from both the judges The rules mentioned in this article do not apply to matings within sister breeds, which offspring will be entered directly in the LO or RIEX in accordance with article 4.2. 4.4.5.2 Novices Novices are cats where the parents are unknown or cats without a pedigree. Cats with unknown background may be registered in the RIEX register providing the breeding committee of the FIFe member has granted permission to the registration. These cats are registered as: - XLH * Longhair progeny - XSH * Shorthair progeny Subsequently these cats may be re-registered in their corresponding recognized breed by meeting the following requirements: - being exhibited at the minimum age of 10 months during an international cat show in xthe «Novice xClass» - being judged by at least two international judges, who are aware of the circumstances xand under xcontrol of the national breeding committee - by obtaining the qualification «Excellent» from both the judges. 4.4.5.3 Novice class A cat may only be entered once in the novice class. 4.4.5.4 Progeny of cats entered in the RIEX register as XSH * or XLH * The progeny of such a mating may be registered in the RIEX register by fulfilling the following requirements: - being exhibited at an international show at a minimum age of 10 months - being judged by at least two international judges who are aware of the circumstances xand under control of the national breeding committee - by obtaining the qualification «Excellent» from both judges. 4.4.6 Registration of non-recognized breeds with preliminary abbreviations For registration purposes use the following list of abbreviations ABL non* ABL non* ACL non* ACS non* AMS non * AMW non * ASL non * ASS non * BOL non * BOS non * BRX non * CBL non * CBS non * CEY non * CLS non * CYM non * MCK non * NEB non* SFL non* SFS non * SIN non * SNO non * SRL non * SRS non * STE non * SYL non * SYS non * THA non * TIF non * TOL non * TOS non * American Bobtail Longhair American Bobtail Shorthair American Curl Longhair American Curl Shorthair American Shorthair American Wirehair Asian Longhair Asian Shorthair Bombay Longhair Bombay Shorthair Bohemian Rex Carelian Bobtail Longhair Carelian Bobtail Shorthair Ceylon California Spangled Cymric Munchkin Nebelung Scottish Fold Longhair Scottish Fold Shorthair Singapura Snowshoe Selkirk Rex Longhair Selkirk Rex Shorthair Sterling Seychellois Longhair Seychellois Shorthair Thai Tiffany Tonkinese Longhair Tonkinese Shorthair * means additional information following the EMS-system; i.e. lower case basic colour letter etc. For recommended allowable outcross, see appendix I 4.4.7 Special registration rules for certain breeds 4.4.7.1 MAN (Manx) A Manx having at least three generations of MAN (man 51, 52, 53 AND 54) prior to himself, will be registered in the pedigree book of LO 4.5 Colour Variety A colour is a group of colours which are related to each other through a certain common characteristic, which can be either a common genetic characteristic or a common pattern. For instance piebald spotting (a common genetic characteristic and pattern, which includes Van, harlequin, Bicolour), or tabby pattern (a common pattern and genetic characteristic which includes blotched, mackerel, spotted, ticked), or black colour (a common genetic characteristic which includes also the alleles chocolate and cinnamon). Colour variety is used as a conception covering the different possibilities for expression of colour and pattern of the coat. That means a colour, pointed pattern, tabby pattern or distribution of white. 4.6 Recognition of new breeds and new varieties 4.6.1 Recognition of a new variety To recognize a new variety to a breed listed by the FIFe, the following conditions must be met: - Exhibition of 15 different cats at a minimum age of 6 months. This exhibition must take place during one or two international cat shows, in the presence of the majority of the members of the Judges and LO-Commission.If the presentation is to be held at two different shows, this must be effected within 6 months. 4.6.2 Application for recognition When an application for recognition - of new colour varieties within an established breed, or - of colour varieties within a new breed to be recognised by the FIFe has been forwarded to the FIFe as a proposal, the General Assembly is only allowed to make a decision on the actual colour varieties mentioned in the proposal. Other varieties than the ones applied for can only be dealt with and recognised if the Judges and LO-Commission has recommended to do so. By new colour variety is meant a colour which - has not been recognised before, or which - has not been recognised for the actual breed mentioned in the proposal. Remark: When applying for recognition of a new colour variety according to this article it is therefore of utmost important for the FIFe member to clarify which colour varieties are applied for. - If the recognition is only for solid black cats, then only black cats will be examined. - If recognition even includes blue cats, then both black and blue cats must be presented. This principle should also be reflected in the porposed standard for the colour varieties applied for. 4.6.3 Recognition of a new breed To recognize a new breed, i.e. a breed not listed by the FIFe as a recognized breed, the following conditions must be met: - Exhibition of 3 different cats with 5 consecutive generations of the breed for recognition, - In addition, exhibition of 15 different cats showing 3 different generations of the same breed for xrecognition. This presentation must be made at one or two international shows in the presence of the majority of the members of the Judges and LO-Commission.If the presentation is to be held at two different shows, this must be effected within 6 months. To be able to recognize a breed, which previously is recognized by another large organization and when official registration of a minimum of 3 cats in 5 consecutive generations of that breed (or sibling breed) has been done, it should not be necessary that 15 cats out of a minimum of 3 different generations be presented, before recognition by the FIFe is possible. 5. Titles 5.1 Distinguished Merit (DM) 5.2 List of FIFe titles Champion CH Premier PR International Champion IC International Premier IP Grand International Champion GIC Grand International Premier GIP European Champion EC European Premier EP Scandinavian Winner SW World Winner WW FIFe American Champion FAC FIFe American Premier FAP Distinguished Merit DM* Distinguished Show Merit DSM* Junior Winner JW* * The titles are placed after the full name of the cat. 6. Appendix I 6.1 Table of recommended outcrosses for non-recognized breedswith preliminary abbreviations ABL non* ABL non* ACL non* ACS non* AMS non * AMW non * ASL non * ASS non * BOL non * BOS non * BRX non * CBL non * CBS non * CEY non * CLS non * CYM non * MCK non * NEB non* SFL non* SFS non * SIN non * SNO non * SRL non * SRS non * STE non * SYL non * SYS non * THA non * TIF non * TOL non * TOS non * American Bobtail Longhair American Bobtail Shorthair American Curl Longhair American Curl Shorthair American Shorthair American Wirehair Asian Longhair Asian Shorthair Bombay Longhair Bombay Shorthair Bohemian Rex Carelian Bobtail Longhair Carelian Bobtail Shorthair Ceylon California Spangled Cymric Munchkin Nebelung Scottish Fold Longhair Scottish Fold Shorthair Singapura Snowshoe Selkirk Rex Longhair Selkirk Rex Shorthair Sterling Seychellois Longhair Seychellois Shorthair Thai Tiffany Tonkinese Longhair Tonkinese Shorthair ABS non * ABL non * ACS non * ACL non * EUR AMS non *, EUR BOL non *, BOS non *, BML, BUR, BOL non *, BOS non *, BML, BUR, BOS non *, BUR, TIF non * BOL non *, BUR, TIF non * EXO/PER CBS non * CBL non * None None MAN None RUS AMS non *, BRI, EUR AMS non *, BRI, EUR None RAG, SBI EXO/PER EXO/PER EXO/PER/BRI BAL, JAV, ORI, SIA BAL, JAV, ORI, SIA None BOL non *, BOS non *, BUR TOS non * TOL non * xxxxxx*means additional information according to the EMS-system; i.e. lower case, basic colour letter etc.,