Candidate for

CFA Director-At-Large


It has been my privilege to serve on the CFA Board of Directors for 14 years and I am again asking for your support for re-election. Each of us brings a different background and perspective to the board table. As Chair of the CFA Legislative Committee, and for the last 4 years CFA Legislative Coordinator, I have concentrated my efforts on the serious threat of anti-breeding legislation. In addition to these outside pressures, we continuously struggle with divergent views from within. You deserve impartial and balanced reasoning from all CFA Board members to fairly resolve differences. For our association to remain strong and maintain its position as the largest and most respected registry of pedigreed cats in the world it is critical for CFA to devote more attention to long range planning and develop processes that bring issues to closure.

What do I add to the Board

Thirty years of involvement in the cat fancy gives me a sound history of the Association and a depth of knowledge. This enables me to face the important issues of today knowing the background of many previous challenges. My positions develop through thoughtful listening and analysis and my judgements are fair and unbiased. Because every change invariably involves some divisiveness, I realize that our most important goals will be accomplished in small increments through a climate of respectful debate. I hope my board contributions have lead to greater awareness and some positive resolutions. Every decision I make is based on what I believe will better the lives of all cats, help our Association grow and encourage the general public to value cats as much as we do.

The legislative battle

I am acutely aware of the consequences of coercive legislation on the cat fancy and CFA’s future. Unduly restrictive laws, such as limits on the number of cats per household, mandatory spay/neuter, cattery licensing/inspection, are detrimental to the hobby of pedigreed cat breeding and yet they do not solve community animal population problems. The CFA Legislative Group has developed an effective grassroots Legislative Liaison Network to fight these proposals and advocate for better alternatives; however, we are stretched to the limit in the scope of our activities. Continued adequate funding and support from the CFA Board and much more involvement on the part of cat fanciers is needed. My personal ability to interact with aligned organizations, state, local and federal legislators, humane groups and advocacy councils is enhanced by my position as a CFA board member.

Breed definition

Clear distinction between breeds is vital to the fundamental strength and future credibility of CFA. I believe maintaining the uniqueness of each of the breeds, protecting the parent breeds, as well as those later established, from overlapping characteristics remains our highest priority. Resolving breed issues through a partnership approach, with the Board and breed councils working together, can achieve satisfactory resolutions. My knowledge of genetics and breed history helps me evaluate the various positions presented.

CFA’s direction is positive

I am excited by the progress made in CFA’s growth and influence over recent years. CFA excels in the services it offers to member clubs and individual participants. We have initiated aggressive steps to attract new people, increase registrations, and to find other ways to expand revenue. Animal welfare and feline health has become an even higher priority. CFA's shows, both large and small, are a credit to the many hard working club members who give this Association its unmatched stature. The judging program has been entirely restructured and both application policies and training are improved. Our excellent public relations programs are better targeted to the portion of the general public that is still oblivious to pedigreed cats. CFA now has “Fanc-e-mews”, an online “ezine” for the public. Examining new communication methods that better reflect the changing needs and interests of both cat fanciers and the public should lead to redesigned publications and expanded web-site capabilities. It is essential to focus on and increase support of CFA’s International Division through “sister-club” assistance, encouraging qualified judges and other efforts.

My background

  • Chair of the CFA Legislative Committee, and CFA Legislative Coordinator: I helped determine the original strategy and positions for CFA; compiled the materials in the CFA Legislative Manual; wrote CFA Guidance on Issues; have represented CFA at national conferences, responded to the media and presented talks to students, animal control agencies, veterinary groups and others.
  • CFA judge for almost 20 years;
  • Winn Feline Foundation past President for 16 years; past Chair of the CFA Health Committee;
  • Breeder/exhibitor of 5 national award winning Abyssinians, numerous Grand Champions; past Abyssinian Breed Council secretary for 10 years; active club member;
  • Advisory Board member, University of California, Davis, Center for Companion Animal Health; past Advisory Board member for 10 years, Cornell University Feline Health Center;
  • Speaker/lecturer/writer on feline color/pattern genetics, cattery management, breed origins and history, breeding strategies for health and feral cat issues;
  • Presenter at two International Genetics conferences, University of Pennsylvania and UC Davis;
  • Speaker at the American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Forum 1995;
  • Co-coordinator of the first National Feral Cat Workshop, Denver 1996;
  • Author of two chapters in Feline Husbandry on breed history and cattery management.

I have the energy, desire and qualifications to help influence CFA’s future. I strive to represent your interests and will appreciate your confidence and vote.


You can contact me through e-mail at JMillerArt@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you!