What Is the DM (Distinguished Merit)
The DM, or Distinguished Merit, is one of the merit titles provided for under FIFe regulations, distinct both from championship titles (CH, PR, IC, IP, GIC, GIP, SC, SP) and from show merit titles (DSM, DVM). Unlike those, which reward results the cat itself achieves at shows, the DM rewards the cat's quality as a breeding animal, based on the show success achieved by its offspring.
The title is reserved for adult breeding cats, or cats that have previously been used for breeding, both males and females.
How to Earn the Distinguished Merit Title (DM)
The requirements to earn the DM vary by sex, since the number of offspring required differs between males and females.
Requirements for Males
To earn the DM, a male must have sired at least 10 offspring (even with different females) that have achieved the IC/IP (International Champion/International Premior) title.
Requirements for Females
To earn the DM, a female must have produced at least 5 offspring (even with different males) that have achieved the IC/IP (International Champion/International Premior) title.
The lower threshold for females reflects the naturally smaller number of litters a female can produce over her reproductive lifetime, compared to a male.
How to Apply for the DM Title
To have the title officially recognized, for both males and females, complete documentation must be sent to the GO (Genealogical Office) for each offspring that has reached the IC/IP title:
- The judging report copies confirming the offspring's 3 CACIB/CAPIB certificates
- The offspring's pedigree, needed to confirm paternity (for males) or maternity (for females)
This documentation must be provided for each individual offspring counted toward the title (10 for males, 5 for females).
Where the DM Title Appears
Once approved, the DM title is added after the cat's name in the LO (Pedigree Register), alongside any other titles already earned.
Example: SC XXXXXXX di XXXX DM
Quick Summary: DM Title Requirements
| Requirement | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Breeding merit title | Breeding merit title |
| Offspring required | At least 10 | At least 5 |
| Title required of offspring | IC/IP (International Champion/International Premior) | IC/IP (International Champion/International Premior) |
| Documentation per offspring | 3 CACIB/CAPIB judging reports + pedigree | 3 CACIB/CAPIB judging reports + pedigree |
| Recipient body | GO (Genealogical Office) | GO (Genealogical Office) |
| Where the title appears | Added after the name in the LO | Added after the name in the LO |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the DM a championship title like CH or IC? No: the DM is a merit title, but unlike DSM and DVM it doesn't reward the cat's own show performance — it rewards the cat's value as a breeding animal, measured through its offspring's success.
Why is the number of required offspring different for males and females? Because over a reproductive lifetime a male can sire far more litters than a female can produce, which is why the threshold is 10 offspring for males and 5 for females.
Do the offspring need to have earned the IC/IP title specifically, or is a lower title enough? The IC/IP title is specifically required, meaning each offspring must have already earned the 3 CACIB/CAPIB certificates required for that title.
What do I need to send to the GO to apply for the DM? For each offspring that reached IC/IP, you need to send the judging report copies confirming their 3 CACIB/CAPIB certificates, along with their pedigree to prove paternity or maternity.
Where is the DM title shown once obtained? It is added after the cat's name in the Pedigree Register (LO), for example: "SC XXXXXXX di XXXX DM".