In the 1993-94 show season, CFA registered more than 75,000 cats from 36 different breeds. In CFA, individuals participate as members of clubs which are members of the association. Delegates from these clubs go to semi-annual or annual meetings to vote on proposals, amendments and other changes. A board of directors is elected annually. The American Cat Fanciers Association was developed by CFA members desiring a different structure.
Individuals are members with direct membership to the association.
They cast votes by mail to elect officers or to implement changes in rules. Clubs are formed to organize shows or to promote animal welfare activities. In 1979, another of the many breaches occurred in cat associations, this one within the ACFA and led to the formation of The International Cat Association. TICA is more flexible in allowing the registration of new breeds and colors. For this reason, new breeds are often first campaigned and registered in TICA, and, after achieving TICA championship status, go through the process in other associations.