How to Register a Cat Without Papers?
If you have lost your documents or adopted an undocumented cat, you may be trying to figure out how to register a cat without papers. Is this even possible? And, if so, are their limitations to the registration?
Well, this is where you can find your answers to these questions and more!
Keep reading to discover just what your options are for registering a cat without the appropriate document
What Papers Do Cats Receive?
The first thing you need to appreciate is what the papers for your cat actually are. There are two kinds – pedigree papers and registration papers.
Pedigree documents are provided by breeders. They identify your cat as belonging to a specific pedigree. Thus, it proves to various associations that your cats’ lineage can be traced back to three generations.
Registration papers, on the other hand, are provided by cat registries. These documents contain more detailed information on your cat. This includes their markings, ownership, microchip numbers, etc. You will require this information should you want to breed or show your cat at a later date.
Can You Register a Cat Without Papers?
Now, what if you don’t have your pedigree papers? This may happen if you have lost your papers. Or, it could be that you have adopted a cat, but the cat bears a stark resemblance to a certain pedigree. Is it possible for you to register your cat under such circumstances?
Here is a breakdown of each situation:
Lost Pedigree Papers
If you have just lost your pedigree papers, there is no need to worry. Simply contact your breeder and provide the relevant information to prove ownership. Then, the breeder will apply for pedigree papers on your behalf or provide them to you if it is within their possession.
In some instances, this may incur a fee. You may also have to wait a while for the papers as they may not be immediately available. Once you have been given the pedigree papers, you will be free to register your cat in the traditional manner.
Adopted Cat
Now, what if you have an adopted cat? Well, if you know that the cat is pedigree and that he or she can be traced back to a particular breeder, then you may be able to get this breeder to provide you with the necessary papers. After this, you can apply for registration papers.
However, if you simply think that your cat looks like he or she should belong to a particular breed, unfortunately, you don’t have too many options. Cat genetic testing hasn’t evolved enough to prove that your pet belongs to a particular breed. As such, you may not be able to prove much.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t register your cat with some associations. Nevertheless, there will be limitations. For instance, you will have to register your cat as a household pet rather than any specific breed. This is regardless of their markings or other characteristics.
Some organizations may allow you to show your cat, while others will not. In most cases, you will not be able to breed your cat as a pedigreed individual. Some institutions may require you to spay or neuter your cat before they are registered.
To know exactly what to expect, always contact the organization that you wish to register your cat with. They will be able to provide exact and complete guidelines and expectations so that you know precisely what to do and expect.
Registering a Cat Without Papers
It is important to remember that the exact process will differ from one organization to another. Thus, once again, you should contact the organization directly. This way, you will be aware of the precise procedure that you need to follow.
In most instances, though, the registration process will be as follows:
- Provide detailed information about yourself
- Provide detailed information about your cat
- Make payment for registration
- Wait for registration approval
In case you have simply lost the papers for your cat, then you may be able to provide a signed sales agreement along with receipts or canceled checks as a form of proof. Whether or not the organization will accept this will depend on the breeder’s cooperation with the process.
Tips for Registering Your Cat Without Papers
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when registering your cats without papers:
Choose a Reputable Organization
The first and most important thing to do is to make sure that you are registering your cat with a legitimate organization. There are a lot of shady agencies online that may claim to give your cat pedigree status, but are actually a scam.
To stay on the safe side, stick with renowned agencies such as TICA. They have a long history of accepting all kinds of cats. Not to mention, they have the reputation and credentials to back them up.
Keep in mind, if you didn’t get your cat from a breeder, then your cat will not be provided with pedigree documents or traditional registration documents. Instead, they will only be given papers as household cats, which can limit how they are shown or even bred.
Collect Relevant Details
Prior to beginning the registration process, make sure to collect any and all documentation that you may have. If you adopted your cat from a shelter, then have those papers ready. You should also gather any documents provided to you by the vet, especially vaccination records. Make sure that all the information that you have is accurate and up-to-date.
Ensuring this will help the process to go much more smoothly. It can also help to speed up the process so that your cat is registered far more quickly. Furthermore, you will not have to keep resending information.
This is what you need to be aware of when registering your cat without papers. It is possible, but remember that not all organizations will accept the documents that you do have. As long as you follow the necessary guidelines, you should have your household cat all set up in no time at all.
