About US

Why We Aren’t Registered with a Registry

At Le Royaume du Lynx, our primary focus is on the health, well-being, and ethical breeding of our cats. While being “registered” with an organization like TICA (The International Cat Association) or similar registries might seem like a mark of credibility, the reality is that these organizations do not monitor or regulate breeders. Registration primarily serves as a pedigree record and does not necessarily reflect the quality, ethics, or health standards of a breeder’s practices.

Controversy Surrounding Registries

Registries like TICA have faced significant criticism for recognizing controversial breeds, such as the Munchkin cat. The official recognition of the Munchkin in 1994 came amidst heated debates over the ethics of breeding cats with genetic mutations that could compromise their health. Critics, including respected voices in the feline community, argued that prioritizing exaggerated physical traits over the cat’s long-term well-being was irresponsible.

What makes this case particularly troubling is the role of Solveig Pflueger, a TICA show judge, geneticist, and chairperson of TICA’s Genetics Committee. Pflueger not only strongly advocated for the recognition of the Munchkin breed but was also a Munchkin breeder herself, having acquired cats directly from the breed’s foundation lines. This dual role—both as an advocate for the breed’s recognition and a breeder benefiting from it—represents a clear conflict of interest. Her position of authority within TICA, combined with her vested interest in the breed, raises serious ethical questions about the decision-making process and the integrity of the registry.

This situation highlights a broader issue within registries: the lack of accountability and oversight when it comes to ethical breeding practices. In fact, Katherine Crawford, a veteran TICA show judge, resigned in protest, calling the recognition of the Munchkin breed an affront to ethical breeders. Such controversies demonstrate that decisions within registries can sometimes prioritize personal or organizational interests over the well-being of the animals.

The Reality of Registration

Anyone can join TICA or similar registries with minimal effort. Membership is open to virtually anyone willing to pay the fee, without thorough vetting of their breeding practices or facilities. Even breeders with poor reputations or questionable practices can claim membership and use it as a marketing tool. Unfortunately, this lack of oversight means that registration does not provide the assurances many potential pet owners might assume it does.

Additionally, registries do not hold authority to take meaningful action against unethical breeders. Reports of abuse or neglect are often outside their scope, further underscoring their limited role in promoting responsible breeding practices.

Our Ethical Approach

Rather than relying on a registry’s name for credibility, we choose to let our practices, transparency, and commitment to the well-being of our cats speak for themselves. At Le Royaume du Lynx, we:

• Prioritize the health and happiness of our cats over physical traits or breed standards.
• Provide loving, attentive care to every kitten, ensuring they are well-socialized and healthy.
• Avoid breeding practices that promote harmful genetic traits or compromise the overall well-being of our cats.
• Uphold ethical standards that reflect our responsibility as caregivers and breeders.

By choosing not to register with an organization that offers little to no oversight, we are making a deliberate choice to focus on what truly matters: the health, happiness, and ethical treatment of our feline companions.

What Matters Most

We believe that potential adopters should look beyond labels like “registered” and instead focus on the breeder’s reputation, transparency, and commitment to ethical practices. When you adopt from Le Royaume du Lynx, you can trust that you’re welcoming a happy, healthy kitten into your home—one that has been raised with care, love, and integrity. For us, those values matter far more than a membership with any registry or any piece of paper/certification.