Unrecognised Breeds

Amber – Breeds that may not be recognised are those based on a physical anomaly that may cause problems to some breed members, and/or could be detrimental to welfare. It will be for the applicant(s) to produce evidence of little/no deleterious impact.

Red Status – Breeds that are most unlikely to be recognised, without new information, are those where scientific evidence exists of links to serious health problems.

* For further information on ineligibility see the GCCF Breeding Policy https://www.gccfcats.org/Portals/0/BreedingPolicy.2015.pdf (first version approved in Council in 2010)

Or contact the Genetics Committee and/or the Veterinary Advisory Committee at info@gccfcats.org

For additional breed detail, and illustrations of the breeds listed, visit the websites of the organisations that recognise them.

This list is subject to change. Other new breeds will come along, and more information will be provided about existing breeds.

Other recognised breeds known of include Anatoli, Arabian Mau, Brazilian Shorthair, Chinese Li Hau, Kanaani, Tasman, Ural Rex.

All of these are minority breeds which are experimental or rare and not present in the UK.

Please read the notes below for extra information

Notes:

1. Cats that are a non-recognised eye colour, coat colour, pattern or hair length/ structure of an existing GCCF breed may be shown as Pedigree Pets, whether the BAC plans recognition or not. Like all Household Pets they must be neutered if aged over six months.
   For example:   Charcoal Bengal, Bengal LH (Cashmere), Silver Birman, Spotted Maine Coon, Tasman Rex (Rexed Manx), Longhaired Tonkinese (Tibetan)
2. There are some breeds currently with name recognition, but no active interest by GCCF breeders, such Khao Manee and Turkish Angora. They may be shown as Pedigree Pets as may other colours of the same breed (e.g. Maew Boran non-white Khao Manees) (Cats in both of the above two categories may also be on exhibition (entire or neutered.))
3. Cats of breeds without GCCF recognition are NOT eligible to be present at GCCF-licensed cat shows, including being shown in exhibition classes or entered as pedigree/non-pedigree pets.
4. If you want to bring a cat of a breed without GCCF recognition to a show, first request name recognition from the Genetics Committee/Board. If this is granted, cats can be registered with the GCCF and shown on exhibition (entire or neutered) or as Pedigree Pets (neutered). However, if a breed is granted name recognition, there is no guarantee that it will subsequently progress.
   See Page 2, Section 1 of the Breed Recognition Summary for how to do this. The Genetics Committee and the Office will advise.
   (Current breeds with name recognition, which are permitted to be present at GCCF shows: American Curl, Cymric (Manx Longhair), German Longhair, Khao Manee/Maew Boran, Kurilian Bobtail, Transylvanian and Turkish Angora.)

Breeds that are most unlikely to be recognised, without new information, are those where scientific evidence exists of links to serious health problems. Red Status

Breeds that may not be recognised are those based on a physical anomaly that may cause problems to some breed members, and/or could be detrimental to welfare.  It will be for the applicant(s) to produce evidence of little/no deleterious impact. Amber Status

Outcrossing to wild species cats brings risks (to the wild and domestic animals used for breeding, to inexperienced owners of early generations, and to the environment of the wild breed). There is no benefit to the domestic or wild cat species concerned.  

Therefore, GCCF does not recognise new breeds derived from wild species. Red Status