Obituary Eric Reijers
The WCC board members awoke on Thursday 31 July 2025 to the news that Eric Reijers, WCC President had passed away. He was a past WCC Vice President and was elected in 2011 as President of the World Cat Congress, a position he held until his death. He was also dedicated to FIFe as General Secretary, an All-Breeds Judge, and a breeder of British Shorthairs, Siamese & Orientals, Maine Coons, and Cornish Rex. The meeting observed a minute’s silence to remember him, WCC extends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Vale Eric at rest with Peppa
World Cat Congress Statements
- KThe World Cat Congress, an organisation consisting of the nine (9) largest feline registries in the world, promotes the health and welfare of all cats and the responsible breeding and ownership of them.
- KThe World Cat Congress strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- KThe World Cat Congress does not support the new development of breeds based on mutations or characteristics that have a negative effect on the welfare of the cat.
- KThe World Cat Congress does not promote nor approve of the presence of wild feline species in connection with a cat show.
Royal Canin Encyclopedia
The World Cat Congress has collaborated with Royal Canin to produce a new Cat Encyclopaedia launched at the Royal Canin “International Cat Breeders Convention” in La Grande Motte, France in June 2017.
WCC Annual Meeting 2026 – Liverpool, United Kingdon
23 - 27 April 2026
Hosted by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Further detailed information when available.
WCC Annual Meeting 2025 – Hong Kong
30 July 2025 – 3 August 2025
The meeting was hosted by the Hong Kong Black Cat Club, a CFA club. Congratulations to Phebe Low and her team on their hospitality and professional and well-run event.
The minutes of the 2025 Annual Meeting will be published as soon as they are available.
WCC Annual Meeting 2025 Opening Ceremony
We are proud to announce the publication on our site of the Royal Canin WCC Blog.
Our long-term partner, Royal Canin, will be sharing a wealth of information regarding “all things cat”—from health & welfare to nutrition, to care ...and so much more.
The World Cat Congress does not support the new development of breeds
based on mutations or characteristics that have a negative effect on the welfare of the cat
Welcome to the World Cat Congress
The World Cat Congress was established to promote better understanding and co-operation among the world's major cat associations in matters of mutual interest and concern such as cat legislation and feline welfare which affects all cat lovers, from the pedigree breeder to the pet owner.
Here you will find the following:
- UAn introduction to the World Cat Congress
- UOur purpose and aim
- UDetails of the Member Organisations
- UDetails of the Governing Body and its officers
- UThe World Cat Congress Constitution
- UReports on annual World Cat Congress meetings
- UItems of general interest
- UMinutes of World Cat Congress Meetings
- ULinks to member organisations and general interest sites
We hope you will find the site interesting and informative, if you have any comments, please address these to our secretary.
The World Cat Congress does not promote nor approve
the presence of wild feline species in connection with a cat showWorld Cat Congress Members
The membership of the World Cat Congress is comprised of the world's major cat fancies.
World Cat Congress Officers
The Officers of the WCC shall be elected from among the delegates of the member organisations or shall be subject to appointment of suitably qualified persons by the delegates.
Jan van Rooyen
WCC PresidentJan is currently the Treasurer of the Southern African Cat Council (SACC) and a Judges Council Delegate. He is also a former President of SACC, having held that post from 2009 – 2012. Jan started his judging course in 1995 and became an all-breeds judge in 2001. His involvement in the cat fancy started in 1989 when he started breeding and showing Burmese, which he continues today under the cattery name Zion.
Annette Sjödin
WCC Vice-PresidentAnnette Sjödin is currently the President of the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). She is also the President of Sweden’s FIFe member, Sveriges Kattklubbars Riksförbund (SVERAK), a position she has held for several years and President of the Swedish club, Västsvenska Kattklubben. Annette has also been active on several commissions within SVERAK. She is a FIFe International all-breed judge and has bred Persians, Exotics and Burmese.
Robbie Walker
WCC Secretary/TreasurerRobbie is currently the Secretary of the Australian Cat Federation (ACF) and has been involved with the organisation since 1997. He holds various positions within the cat fancy.
.World Cat Congress
Annual Meeting 2026The 2026 meeting will be held in Liverpool, United Kingdom between 23 – 27 April 2026
The meeting will be hosted the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)
The venue for the 2026 WCC & show is the Liverpool Conference Centre, which is on the waterfront of the re-developed old Liverpool docks.
- U25 April 2026 – Seminar
- U26 April 2026 - GCCF Show
- U27 April 2026 WCC Business Meeting
For further information, please contact the WCC Secretary.