For over four decades, I dedicated my life to my passion for cats, developing and nurturing a unique breed. However, since 2019, my attempts to become part of a Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) club have been met with unexplained rejections. It’s both frustrating and disheartening to be denied membership from clubs such as the Lincoln State Cat Club and the Illini State Cat Club without any reasoning. Despite reaching out to the highest levels of CFA, including the President and the organization's attorney, the silence and lack of resolution continue to persist.

The core issue is simple yet profound: the CFA does not mandate its affiliated clubs to maintain open membership policies. This oversight fosters an environment where discrimination can occur, preventing enthusiastic and qualified individuals from contributing to the mission of these clubs, which are rooted in the spirit of community and shared passion for felines. The very ethos of non-profit organizations is to welcome, include, and serve all interested parties, not to shut doors.

This petition calls for the CFA to implement a policy requiring all its clubs to accept any person wishing to join, provided they meet reasonable and transparent membership criteria. Opening memberships will not only align with equitable practices but also enrich the clubs with diverse voices and talents, propelling them toward more robust and inclusive growth.

The reality is that without a clear mandate from the CFA, club memberships can become exclusive, missing out on opportunities to grow and evolve with the times. This elitism effectively limits the potential for positive change and stifles creativity and progress within the community.

It's time to hold the Cat Fanciers Association accountable for endorsing practices that, whether intentionally or not, result in exclusion and discrimination. We urge the CFA to take concrete steps to ensure that anyone passionate about cat breeding and care can become a part of this community. Everyone deserves a fair and legal path to success, and your support can help make this a reality. Sign the petition today to demand open membership in all Cat Fanciers Association clubs.