Kitten Registration, Pedigree and Ownership Transfer: A WCA Document Guide

A kitten’s registration record, pedigree and ownership transfer serve different purposes. World Cat Association (WCA) explains how these documents fit together, which details owners should compare and when to contact the issuing club.

Start with the identity of the individual cat

Before comparing document names, check that every record refers to the same animal. The registered name, date of birth, breed, colour, sex and registration number should be consistent wherever those details appear. A home nickname may be different from the official registered name.

If a record uses an abbreviation, an unfamiliar colour code or a different spelling, ask the issuing club to explain it. Do not alter an official document yourself. Keeping the original record and the club’s written clarification together helps prevent the same discrepancy from reappearing in future applications.

What is a kitten registration record or metric?

In WCA documentation, a kitten metric is an initial registration document associated with the kitten’s recorded litter information. It identifies the kitten and provides a starting point for requesting a pedigree through the club.

A metric and a multi-generation pedigree are different documents. When a breeder gives you a metric, ask which club issued it and what information that club requires to process the pedigree. Follow the issuing organisation’s procedure rather than assuming that another association’s rules apply.

What does a cat pedigree show?

A pedigree records a cat’s documented ancestry. It connects the individual animal with its parents and the ancestors included in that particular document. For breeders, accurate names and registration numbers help maintain a consistent family history across generations.

A pedigree should be read alongside the other records relevant to the cat. It does not by itself establish current health, guarantee future breeding results or replace the agreed terms of a sale. Those questions need their own evidence and, where appropriate, professional advice.

What is an ownership transfer?

An ownership transfer is used to record a change of owner in the registration system. It concerns the ownership entry rather than changing the animal’s ancestry. Ask the club whether a separate transfer application is needed for your situation and which supporting documents it requires.

Before submitting an application, compare the cat’s full registered name and number against the pedigree. Check the new owner’s full name and contact information carefully. For any printed documents being posted, confirm the complete delivery address and postal code.

Use the WCA public checks for the question they answer

The WCA cattery registry allows visitors to search for a cattery by its name, registration number and other available details. The WCA pedigree search accepts a pedigree number or an owner’s surname.

A matching registry result confirms that an entry is present in that public database. It is not a replacement for the original document or a complete assessment of a breeder, animal or transaction. If several animals or owners share similar names, compare the full registration number rather than relying on a surname alone.

If a search returns no result, first check the spelling and number. Then contact WCA with a clear copy of the document. An absent search result alone does not establish why a record was not found.

A practical checklist for new kitten owners

1. Keep clear copies of the documents received from the breeder.
2. Identify the issuing club and the registration system.
3. Match the kitten’s registered details across its records.
4. Clarify whether you received a metric, pedigree, transfer or a combination of documents.
5. Check the relevant public registry using the full number when available.
6. Resolve discrepancies with the issuing club before requesting new documents.

Where to request WCA documents

The WCA Online services page brings together the available application routes. You can also consult WCA breed standards and explore breeder education at catcourses.ru.

Need help identifying your document or preparing an application? Contact WCA at bestcatsclub@gmail.com. Include the animal’s registered name and document number, and attach readable copies when requesting an individual document check.