1. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA): This is the largest and arguably most influential cat registry in the world. They set breed standards, register cats, and host numerous cat shows.
2. The International Cat Association (TICA): TICA is another major registry with a strong focus on breed standards, cat shows, and the preservation of rare breeds.
3. The American Cat Fanciers' Association (ACFA): ACFA is a smaller registry that also offers breed standards, registration, and cat shows. They are known for their involvement in rescue and adoption programs.
4. The United Feline Organization (UFO): UFO is a smaller registry that emphasizes the overall health and well-being of cats and aims to promote responsible cat ownership.
5. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF): This organization is based in the UK and is responsible for the registration and standards of purebred cats in the UK.
Key differences from the AKC:
* Focus on Breed: While the AKC primarily focuses on dogs, the cat registries are all focused solely on cats.
* Breed Variety: The AKC has a wider variety of recognized dog breeds than any of the cat registries. However, cat registries generally recognize more breeds than many other livestock organizations.
* Breeding Practices: The AKC has a more stringent breeding process for dogs, which often emphasizes lineage and pedigree. Cat registries can have varying degrees of strictness in their breeding practices.
In essence, these cat organizations play similar roles to the AKC but focus specifically on felines, with their own unique practices and standards.