Breeding Policies
The GCCF Breeding Policy states:
"This policy applies to all breeds recognised by the GCCF and is intended to provide guidelines to
ensure healthy breeding practice.
The GCCF is committed to the breeding of healthy pedigree cats of whatever registered breed,
type or conformation. Our policy is to recognise only breeds that are able to live a healthy, contented
and “normal” life – able to jump, climb and pursue normal cat behaviour, physically able to mate
unaided and to give birth normally, without relying on major medical intervention (unless exceptional
and unforeseen complications occur), and without genetic anomalies that impair the cat’s ability to live
and behave in accordance with a cat’s nature .
Code of Ethics
Registered owners of all GCCF registered cats/kittens accept the jurisdiction of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy and undertake to abide by this general code of ethics. The GCCF's Code of Ethics can be seen here
A Breeding Policy for the Somali (2014):
This breeding policy accompanies and supplements the Somali Registration Policy and should be read in conjunction with that document. The aim of the breeding policy is to give advice and guidance to ensure breeders observe what is considered “best practice” in breeding Somalis. The over-riding objective is to improve the Somali cat, working to meet all aspects of the Somali Standard of Points, which describes the ideal for each of the five recognised varieties in the Somali Group.
Download the Somali Group Breeding Policy (2014) here (PDF 1.5MB)
Download the Somali Group Breed Evaluation Sheet (PDF 78kB)
The DEFRA Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats
This document is published by the department of Environment, Food and Rural Affiars. The Code of Practice (COP) is based on the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and provides practical guidance to help owners of cats to comply with the provision of the Act.
The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats in Wales
This document is published by the Welsh Assembly Government giving guidance on the legal responsibilities to ensure welfare meeds of cats are met.
View a copy of Part 1 here (PDF 1.2MB)
View a copy of Part 2 here (PDF 2.4MB)
The Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Act can be viewed here (PDF 240kB)