What Is the DVM (Distinguished Variety Merit)
The DVM, or Distinguished Variety Merit, is one of the merit titles provided for under FIFe regulations, distinct from championship titles (CH, PR, IC, IP, GIC, GIP, SC, SP) and from the DSM. Unlike the DSM, which rewards a cat's overall beauty, the DVM rewards the cat's beauty within its own breed and colour variety, recognizing excellence within that specific category.
The title is reserved for cats of officially recognized breeds, including neuters, competing in Classes 1–12.
How to Earn the Distinguished Variety Merit Title (DVM)
The DVM can be earned by participating in FIFe International Shows. To obtain it, a cat must have won BIV (Best in Variety) at at least 10 shows (10 BIVs).
The Minimum Time Period Required
Accumulating 10 BIVs in a short time is not enough: the regulations require a minimum period of 2 years and one day between the first and the last BIV obtained. This rule exists to prevent the title from being achieved too quickly, ensuring that the DVM truly reflects consistent excellence over time within the cat's variety, rather than a one-off result.
How to Apply for the DVM Title
Once the 10 BIVs have been achieved within the required minimum time period, the application process is as follows:
- Gather the full judging report copies for the 10 BIVs obtained
- Send the copies to the GO (Genealogical Office)
- Submit a formal request for the title
Once approved, the DVM title is added after the cat's name in the LO (Pedigree Register).
DSM vs. DVM at a Glance
Although both belong to the category of merit titles and share the same mechanism (10 results over at least 2 years and one day), the two qualifications reward different things:
| Title | What it rewards | Required result | Eligible classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSM | Overall beauty of the cat | 10 BIS or BOS | Classes 1–10 and Class 14 |
| DVM | Beauty within its own breed/variety | 10 BIV | Classes 1–12 |
Quick Summary: DVM Title Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Merit title (not a championship title) |
| Eligible cats | Cats of officially recognized breeds, including neuters |
| Eligible classes | Classes 1–12 |
| Results required | 10 BIV (Best in Variety) |
| Minimum time period | 2 years and one day between the first and last BIV |
| Application process | Send full judging report copies to the GO |
| Where the title appears | Added after the cat's name in the LO |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the DVM a championship title like CH or IC? No: the DVM is a merit title, separate from the championship path (CH, PR, IC, IP, GIC, GIP, SC, SP), and specifically rewards a cat's excellence within its own breed and colour variety.
Can neutered cats earn the DVM? Yes, the DVM is open to cats of officially recognized breeds, including neuters, in Classes 1–12.
Is it enough to get 10 BIVs in just a few weeks? No: at least 2 years and one day must pass between the first and the last BIV obtained.
What's the difference between DSM and DVM? The DSM rewards a cat's overall beauty (via BIS or BOS), while the DVM rewards the cat's beauty specifically within its own breed and colour variety (via BIV).
How do I officially apply for the title once I've reached 10 BIVs? You need to send the full judging report copies to the GO (Genealogical Office), which will add the DVM title to the cat's name in the LO after verification.