Pedigree Interpreting Tips |
Perhaps you arent familiar with the typical CFA pedigree, or registry codes. I am only going to cover CFA oriented information, since my database is mostly CFA cats. Other registry information is likely as foreign to me as it may be for you. |
Registration Numbers CFA uses a 4 digit prefix, and then a variable length suffix. The Prefix identifies the breed. Possibly even the color and variety can be determined from the prefix. Depending on how old the number is. Newer numbers are more descriptive, especially where the LH & SH differentiation are concerned. Along with the 4 digit prefix you may also see a "S", "M", or "T". These indicate, when the cat is a tabby, which form of tabby pattern is represented. You will not see this with the "tabby & white", just solid tabby. On official CFA records, if you don't see a letter, then it is assumes the tabby is classic pattern. You cannot trust this on hand written pedigrees, as many people do not include the letter when supplying pedigree information. The variable length suffix is just a unique "counter" of sorts and has no special code. So far we have to special code in the reg numbers that identify straight-ears or folded-ears, in case you were wondering. |
Unknowns On my database if you see "Unknown Sire" or "Unknown Dam" that means officially that the sire or dam is unknown as far as CFA is concerned. I only use that in specific cases. This crops up mostly in American Shorthairs, in my database. It is from when "Foundation registry" or open registry was allowed. When breeds are young many times they are allowed to bring in domestic outcrosses that meet the standard, in order to provide a good diverse genetic base for the breed. If I have left the loose-end of the pedigree blank, that just means I don't have the information. If the "unknown" is actually input, then, to the best of my knowledge, the parent(s) are officially unknown. |
Copyright 1999, Robin Bary. All Rights Reserved. |
This page was last updated on: January 5, 2000
If you have any other questions, please email me. |
