Have you guys heard about the NAPCR - North American Purebred Cat Registry - a BOGUS cat registry?

Hmm, you have to wonder about a cat registration organization that sells handcrafted birdhouses on the side...

The North American Purebred Cat Registry is an offshoot of the North American Purebred Dog Registry, and operated by the same person, Ted Rule (who died this November; see link 1). The American Kennel Club specifically lists the NAPDR as an unacceptable registry for participation in AKC events:

" Dog registered with another organization ineligible for AKC registration such as:

* America’s Pet Registry (APRI)

* Continental Kennel Club (CKC)

* Canine Kennel Club (CKC)

* United All Breed Registry

* United Kennel Club (exceptions for Coonhounds & certain FSS breeds)

* North American Purebred Dog Registry "

(see link 2)

Presumably, this is because these organizations don't evaluate their registrars, or do so poorly. In the NAPDR/NAPCR's case, there's obviously no DNA testing or proof of breeding required. The questionable registers are also for-profit companies, in constrast to the more reputable breed clubs, which are non-profit.

The following site contains a good overview of pet registries, what they do, and what to look for when choosing one. Its focus is on dogs, but similar criteria applies to the cat registries:

http://www.wonderpuppy.net/kc.htm

Really there's no "legitimate registry" in the legal sense; they all, to some extent, trust in the breeder's word that their pet is purebred. To do otherwise would require stricter criteria and prove less profitable. But the more respected registers will often require DNA testing for the contested breeds, and will, if fraud is revealed, impose fines/suspensions on the breeder. (They also host competitions, which gets their name good publicity.) They're trying to distinguish themselves further from the less respected companies; in the case of the AKC, they've reportedly stiffened their requirements, which unfortunately sends more breeders toward these less demanding registers.

Aside from the scam factor, another area of concern here is that these implied pedigrees are often utilized by operators of puppy and kitten mills to "legitimize" their wares. (The NAPDR/NAPCR even offers a "professional breeder's refund" to encourage further use of their "services".) This allows a naive public to believe that they're buying their pet from an accredited seller, and that the exorbitant price they paid for it was warranted. This, in turn, enables breeding facilities to continue breeding their animals indiscriminantly and raising them in inhumane conditions.

Unfortunately, as long as these registers aren't misrepresenting their so-called 'services' as anything more than they are, they're within legal bounds. A "registry", after all, is just a collection of records. They aren't really committing fraud in the legal sense, but are playing upon owners' unrealistic perception that a registered pet provides them with proof of legit breeding, justifying high prices. So, until legislation is enacted to help keep breeders and registers in line, there's really nothing more you can do to stop this type of activity, aside from getting the word out.

In the meantime, the Yamster and I will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the North American Purebred Hamster Registry.

I would guess that the first step is to contact the Attorney General's office in the state where this fake registry is doing business.

I believe that it is fraud. You used to be able to get all kinds of bogus credentials via mail order ie "Be an Ordained Minister!" and I never see those ads anymore. Somehow those fake theological schools, medical schools and others got shut down. So there is a way to do it.

I just don't know what it is. But the AG does.

Legit: No, I am not in the cat world, and I have not heard of them. but this is just wrong.

Step 1 is to contact your local Prosecuting Attorney's Office, file a complaint of fraud on the company's name.......the DA will not disclose your name.

Step 2---file complaint with the Local and State Better Business Bureau, the complaint will be on file, for all to see and know that it is a bogus registry.

Step 3--file complaint with the State and US Attorney Generals office, do both not just the state, it will ge more action...

Step 4---File complaint with your State Representative's Office.

They are committing fraud by allowing cats to be registered that are not pure breeds, and you know they are not checking out the pedigree's before allowing the cats to be registered..

Good Luck.

I am writing a letter to the State and US Attorney General as well, thanks for all the address info on them.

So many little cats in shelters now, this will only promote more breeding and being sold as pure breeds and are not......this is a shame.....Money and greed is what it is all about....

First, If you try to contact them again and ask them this question IN A NICER FORM! jk, but you don't want them mad, You might get a good response. If you get a mean response, call your local government. If that doesn't work out, go to the Olney Illinois Gov. I REALLY HOPE THIS HELPS!!!!

PEOPLE LIKE THIS ARE JUST BOGUS!!!

Craigslist Olney Il

I have not heard of that group.I am angered due to the cats and kittens that are euthanized because losers like this encourage irresponsible breeding.I would like to check the Secretary of State and see if this business is incorporated then I would put pressure on the principals of the company to shut this bogus site down.

Why not? Another battle to fight.

I have heard of it. It's disgusting. I can't believe they said "pretty sure". I would think reputable breeders would be in fits over it. Just goes to show there's nothing money can't buy (even a heritage) :(