page_title: The International Cat Association
section_title: Process
hierarchical_section_title: The International Cat Association / TICA cat shows / Process
caption_attribution_description: English: A TICA Judge evaluates a 2-year-old Birman Alter at a show in Albuquerque
context_page_description: The International Cat Association is considered the world's largest genetic cat registry. Originally a North American organization, it now has a worldwide presence. The organization has a genetic registry for pedigreed and household pet cats and is one of the world's largest sanctioning bodies for cat shows.
context_section_description: The cat show competition is structured like a pyramid. First, all of the entries are divided into their respective classes. Within each of these classes, cats are called to the judging ring according to breed, division and color/pattern.
  The judge handles each cat placed in the judging ring. Each cat is taken from their cage, placed on the judging table and evaluated against the written standard for the breed. Some judges will use toys to get a better look at a cat's eye shape, ear size and placement and overall balance.
  Although some associations make a cat's title known, the only information provided to a TICA judge about each cat is its: breed, color, sex and age. The judge has no way of knowing if it is the cat's first show or how it has performed in other rings.
caption: A TICA judge evaluates a 2-year-old Birman Alter at a show in Albuquerque, NM
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