Show Cat Titles

 CH = champion

GRC = grand champion [may also be written GC or GCH or GrC]

RW = regional winner

NW = national winner

DM = distinguished merit

IC = international champion [sometimes written [CH or IntCH]

IGC = international grand champion

There are many different registries, and each one has slightly different requirements to obtain the honors that are bestowed. For example, with the ACFA [American Cat Fanciers Assn], a cat has to win 4 "winners" ribbons to make champion. He needs 16 winners ribbons, plus a specified number of finals placings, under a minimum number of different judges, in order to make grand champion. Of those finals placings, a specified number must be in the top 5. Other associations have different criteria that must be followed, but in every case, that cat has to earn his way to that lofty goal. In the CFA, the number of winners ribbons to make champion is 6. Grooming is of utmost importance, especially in the long haired breeds. If you show your cat with associations in 2 different countries, and the cat makes a title with both, his title becomes "international champion " etc. The show year runs May 1st - April 30. At the end of each year, each association totals up the points each cat has earned, and awards top honors to the cats with the highest score, as regional winner [RW]. For example, North America is divided into between 7 and 10 regions, depending on which registry you go to. As well, they add totals for a national award winner [NW]. The cat earns a distinguished merit award when they have sired a specified number of cats that achieve grand champion or better.