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| Abbreviation | GCCF |
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| Formation | 1910; 116 years ago (1910) |
| Purpose | Cat fancy registry |
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Region served | United Kingdom |
Official language | English |
| Website | www |
TheGoverning Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) is acat registry, established in 1910 and the largest organisation that registerspedigree cats in theUnited Kingdom. It was formed from a small number of cat clubs which were registering cats at the time when the moderncat fancy was in its first stages, meaning that the GCCF's register itself dates back to the formation of the National Cat Club in 1887.[1] It is considered to be the original prototype for cat fancy registries. It is an independent body with around 150 member clubs, including specialist breed clubs and area clubs covering particular regions. The GCCF became an incorporated company on 5 November 2010.[2]
The GCCF licensescat shows put on by its affiliated clubs with about 135 shows per year.[3] Pedigree cats shown at these shows can gain the titlesChampion, Grand Champion, Imperial Grand Champion and Olympian. The latter having three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold. The word Champion is replaced by Premier for neutered cats, and Master Cat for cats competing in household pets. The showing of non-pedigree cats (often referred to asDomestic shorthair andDomestic longhair) and Pedigree Pets is also popular at GCCF shows. In April 2025, the GCCF introduced Kitten Champion (KC) and Kitten Master Cat (KMC) titles, allowing kittens to earn recognition in the show world.[4]
The GCCF also co-ordinates its own show: theSupreme Cat Show, which is famous for being the world's largest cat show and often referred to as the feline equivalent ofCrufts. Special awards of UK and Supreme Champion can be gained at this show only.
The GCCF offices are based inBridgwater and are staffed by people who deal with registrations, publications, show processing & title claims, agendas & minutes and correspondence from breeders, exhibitors, Clubs, Breed Advisory Committees and the general public. They also deal with complaints and breaches of rules, which can sometimes result in disciplinary action and even suspension from Cat Fancy activities. The GCCF is a member ofThe Cat Group[5] and theWorld Cat Congress[6]
The GCCF has set up its own charity: The Cat Welfare Trust, which uses funds raised through the GCCF to find ways of improving the welfare of cats. To date the trust has granted thousands of pounds into key research projects inringworm vaccination, the felinegenome and chronic gingivo-stomatitis in cats.
The top three most popular cat breeds registered in the GCCF are the British Shorthair, the Ragdoll and the Maine Coon.[7] The GCCF registers around 20,000 pedigree cats each year, and currently recognises the following breeds:
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