Their shows are photo shows...
"The Traditional Cat Association, Inc. welcomes you to participate in our Twenty-First Annual Purebred Traditional and Classic Cat Review. Entrants are requested to send a non-returnable photo for each class entered to the Show Secretary."
Most of the site comments had to do with the advertising they received, and how much easier they have found it to sell kittens now that they are registered with TCA.
One comment: "I thank you so much for doing this site. I now have what I realize is a Traditional kitten, when I thought that meant what I now know is a Classic!! I just didn't want one of these new weirdos. I am so sorry to see this type of distortion! I have known Siamese ever since the mid 50's, when my cousin was breeding them. They were so incredibly wonderful, and she GAVE us one to take home. We never recovered from that terrific introduction. I love these old timers so much! Why on earth would the CFA go for these distorted sad beasts and call them Siamese????" Gretchen.
Just like in the education field, there are various types of accreditation. In North America, CFA, TICA and ACFA are the 'official' and most respected registries. Honestly, anyone can make up a registry to represent just about anything but that doesn't mean a whole lot. It seems to me that the main focus of the TCA is to 'legitimize' the sale of 'purebred' cats that don't fit within the standards outlined in the other registries. As others have stated, the only reason to breed new kittens into this world is to produce better examples of the breed. This is done through showing cats in physical shows to judge their worth as breeding animals. Breeding cats outside of these registries seems to me to be little better than breeding household pets.
The disclaimer I have is that I know there are people who feel strongly that long-nosed persians and apple-headed siamese are the better way to go, but I just don't agree. I agree with sticking with approved standards as laid out by the three top registries.
