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CAC/CAP: How to Earn the Champion (CH) or Premior (PR) Title in Pedigree Cats
Suggested meta description: What is the CAC/CAP in cat shows, the age requirement, minimum score, and rules for earning the Champion (CH) or Premior (PR) title. A complete guide with practical examples, updated to the new FIFe regulations.
Main keywords: CAC/CAP, Certificate of Ability to Champion, Certificate of Ability to Premior, CH cat title, PR cat title, cat show, open class cats, neuter class, EX score pedigree cat, FIFe 12 months rule
Anyone bringing their pedigree cat to a cat show for the first time will soon run into an acronym that looks like a riddle: CAC/CAP. Behind these four letters lies the official path that leads a pedigree cat to become a Champion (CH) or a Premior (PR) — one of the most sought-after achievements for breeders and exhibitors.
In this guide we walk through, step by step, what the CAC/CAP is, which requirements apply, how judging scores work, and what to do — with a few concrete examples — so you're never caught off guard on show day. This version is updated to reflect the new FIFe regulation, which raised the minimum age for CAC/CAP eligibility to 12 months.
What Is the CAC/CAP (Certificate of Ability to Champion/Premior)?
The CAC/CAP is the certificate a pedigree cat can earn during a cat show, as a required step toward the title of:
- CH – Champion, for entire (unaltered) cats competing in the Open Class (Class 9)
- PR – Premior, for neutered/spayed cats competing in the Neuter Class (Class 10)
Age Requirement to Enter the CAC/CAP
Under the current FIFe regulation, to be admitted to the certificate a cat must have turned 12 months of age on the very day of the show. The age requirement must be met on that specific date — not before, not after.
This also means that Class 11 (kittens, 8–12 months) now covers a wider age range than before: any cat that has not yet turned 12 months old still competes in this kitten class, rather than moving up to CAC/CAP eligibility.
Practical Example: Two-Day Shows
Cat shows can be organized in two different formats, each with different consequences for the age requirement:
- "Two days, one title" show (a single event spanning two days, with the title awarded only on Sunday): it is enough for the cat to have turned 12 months old by Sunday, since Saturday is considered preparatory to Sunday's Best in Show. This format is fairly rare nowadays.
- "Two days, two titles" show (in reality two separate one-day shows): this is the most common format. If the cat turns 12 months old exactly on Sunday, on Saturday it will still compete in Class 11 (kittens, 8–12 months), while on Sunday it will move up to the Open Class.
How to Earn the Champion or Premior Title (CH/PR)
To win the CH (Champion) or PR (Premior) title, a cat needs 3 CAC/CAP certificates, under these conditions:
- They must be awarded by three different judges
- At three different shows
- The shows can take place in any country (all in one country, all abroad, or a mix of both)
The Countersignature Rule
If the same judge awards the CAC/CAP to the same cat twice, the second judgment must be countersigned by another judge. It is the exhibitor's responsibility to inform the judge of this requirement.
Score and Qualification Needed for the CAC/CAP
To obtain the CAC/CAP, the cat must:
- First receive an Excellent (EX) qualification
- Reach a minimum score of 93 points
How Cats Are Grouped in Competition
Cats compete in homogeneous groups, divided by:
- Breed
- Sex
- Colour (or colour group, for breeds where this subdivision applies)
What Happens When Several Cats Are in the Same Class
If several cats are entered in the same CAC/CAP class (same breed, sex, and colour):
- Only the cat awarded EX 1 also receives the CAC/CAP Certificate
- The others are ranked EX 2, EX 3, EX 4 (from the fifth cat onward, simply EX, with no ranking number)
- These cats do not receive the CAC/CAP, even though they are qualified Excellent
Changing Class After Winning the Title: An Important Reminder for Exhibitors
In "two days, two certificates" shows, a cat may earn its third and final CAC/CAP on Saturday, thereby becoming CH (Champion) or PR (Premior) a day early.
In this case, it is the exhibitor's responsibility to promptly notify the show secretary: the following day the cat will need to compete in the higher class, the CACIB/CAPIB class.
Quick Summary: CAC/CAP and CH/PR Title Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 12 months completed on the day of the show |
| Competition class | Open Class (9) for CH / Neuter Class (10) for PR |
| Kitten class | Class 11, ages 8–12 months |
| Required qualification | Excellent (EX) |
| Minimum score | 93 points |
| CAC/CAP needed for the title | 3 |
| Judges required | 3 different (countersignature if repeated) |
| Shows required | 3 different, even in different countries |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I earn all 3 CAC/CAP in the same country? Yes — or you can combine shows in different countries: there is no territorial restriction.
What happens if the same judge awards me the CAC/CAP twice? The second judgment must be countersigned by another judge present at the show; it is the exhibitor's responsibility to flag this.
If I get EX 1 but don't reach 93 points, do I still get the CAC/CAP? No: both conditions are required — the EX qualification and the minimum score of 93 points.
My cat becomes a Champion during the show — what should I do? Notify the show secretary right away, since from the following day the cat will change class and compete for the CACIB/CAPIB.
Why was the age requirement changed from 10 to 12 months? Under the new FIFe regulation, the minimum age to enter CAC/CAP competition was raised to 12 months completed, and Class 11 (kittens) now covers the 8–12 month age range.
Ready to Enter Your Cat in a Show?
Understanding the CAC/CAP rules is the first step toward confidently pursuing the Champion or Premior title. If you have questions about the regulations, which class best suits your cat, or how to best prepare it for the ring, get in touch: our team of experienced breeders and exhibitors is here to guide you step by step toward your first CAC/CAP.