Rene Knapp for TICA Vice-President 2026

08/17/2026

This is on the Candidates Campaign page but I wanted to share here too.

RENE KNAPP-CANDIDATE FOR TICA VICE-PRESIDENT

I’ve been looking at the impressive posts from some of the candidates about their International Wins and Lifetime Achievement awards, and they made me think about our own journey in the cat fancy over the past thirty years.

We have a few IWs, including some earned by people who purchased kittens from us, and we have always loved showing and titling our cats. But our path in the cat fancy took us in a different direction.

When Clint and I started our 501(c)(3) in 1996, we knew that if we were going to make a difference, our focus needed to be on two things that have always been important to us: education and rescue.

We were fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers in Connecticut. We produced a public television program called Pet Talk, which featured a rescue from a local shelter each week along with educational segments. For 15 years, I wrote a weekly pet column for two city newspapers, and our therapy cats visited schools, assisted living facilities and hospitals. When we began producing cat shows as fundraisers, we always included an educational booth for exhibitors and spectators.

And then there was the rescue work.

Some of you may remember the InCats shows at Madison Square Garden. The day before the show, there was a huge adoption event at the Garden. Clint and I coordinated ten New York City rescue groups, and together we would place 300–350 cats into homes in a single day. It was amazing.

We conducted large breed rescues to help breeders who were in danger of losing their cats to authorities. We also facilitated three scientific laboratory rescues at the request of my first Allbreed sponsor, the late Dr. Solveig Pflueger.

And then there was 9/11.

We brought approximately 100 cats back from New York whose owners had been lost in the Twin Towers.

When we retired to Florida, we donated our group’s 43 acres in Ashford, Connecticut, to a wonderful young organization that went on to create Our Companions Animal Sanctuary.

After moving to Florida, we eventually realized we could no longer be the people going into the trenches. So our role changed. We concentrated more on fundraising for local rescues and on education.

Over the years, I’ve had a pet advice column in the TICA Trend, written numerous articles for cat publications, and today there are approximately 40 of my articles among TICA’s website blog posts. I’ve also written and published two books about cats.

We may do things on a smaller scale these days, but the passion has never changed.

And that is one reason the future of TICA’s Feline Welfare Committee matters so much to me. I would love to see it develop into a strong combination of education and meaningful, hands-on assistance—giving our members the knowledge and resources to help when help is needed.

There are many ways to contribute to the cat fancy. This has been ours.

I believe my years of working with cats, combined with the experience of building and successfully operating a rescue organization, give me a unique perspective to bring to TICA leadership.

I’m very proud of the cats we have bred and shown over the years.

But I’m equally proud of the cats whose names I never knew, who never earned a title, and who simply got the chance to go home.

08/03/2026

06/04/2026

The Junior Exhibitor Program represents the future of our cat fancy. It is our responsibility to encourage, support, and nurture the young people who choose to become involved in our organization.

When I served as Southeast Regional Director, I had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated group of individuals who shared my belief in the importance of our Junior Exhibitors. Together, we transformed the program into something much more than a competition. We developed individualized activities based on each Junior’s interests, organized fundraisers that allowed them to take annual trips together, and created special end-of-season celebrations that recognized their accomplishments and friendships.

One of the achievements I am most proud of was establishing a scholarship fund for every Junior who completed the program in memory of Stephanie Smith, one of our beloved Southeast judges, whether their next step was college, vocational training, or another educational path. Several regions reached out to learn from and incorporate some of the ideas we developed.

I believe there is still room to grow. I would like to see the Junior Exhibitor Program continue to evolve in ways that keep young people engaged in our hobby, teach responsible cat ownership, encourage leadership and sportsmanship, and provide opportunities for Juniors to earn recognition through a meaningful merit-based system.

While each Regional Director must determine what works best within their own region, as Vice President I would be committed to working with Regional Directors, mentors, and Junior Exhibitor coordinators to share ideas, support successful programs, and continue strengthening what is already one of TICA’s greatest investments—our youth.

06/03/2026

I believe the role of the TICA Vice President is twofold. First and foremost, the Vice President must support the President in advancing the goals, initiatives, and vision of the organization. While the President provides leadership and direction, the Vice President serves as a trusted partner, helping turn those goals into reality while ensuring continuity and stability within TICA.

Equally important, the Vice President serves as a public face of TICA—representing our organization with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Whether interacting with members, exhibitors, breeders, clubs, sponsors, or the general public, the Vice President should help promote a positive image of TICA and strengthen the relationships that support our future.

TICA members will choose our next President, and I respect that decision. I am confident that regardless of who is elected, I will be able to fulfill my responsibilities as Vice President. My focus will be on supporting the President, serving our members, and working collaboratively to move TICA forward in a positive and productive manner.

06/03/2026

I believe the Feline Welfare Committee is important on two levels, and neither level is more important than the other.

The first level is education. Education for cat owners, breeders, rescuers, and the general public. Good education helps people make informed decisions, provides resources before problems arise, and, hopefully, prevents many welfare situations from ever developing.

But even with education, life happens.

Sometimes a person becomes overwhelmed. Sometimes someone experiences a devastating loss and suddenly cannot afford to care for their cats financially or emotionally. Sometimes depression, illness, or other hardships make it impossible to keep up with daily responsibilities. People shut down, and when they do, their cats often suffer alongside them.

That is where the second level of feline welfare comes in.

I am not talking about simply handing out money, although there may be times when assistance with food, litter, or basic necessities is needed. I envision something more comprehensive.

I would like to see a network of volunteers throughout TICA—people who understand the importance of confidentiality and are willing to help when a crisis occurs. Individuals who can assist with cleaning a home, making minor repairs, coordinating resources, helping place some cats when necessary, and providing practical support to help someone get back on their feet.

Two levels. One Feline Welfare Committee.

Education to prevent problems whenever possible, and compassionate intervention when prevention is no longer enough.

This is one of the projects I would like to see developed throughout TICA, and it is something I would work hard to make a reality if elected Vice President.

06/01/2026

Do you have a dream? Do you want something changed? Do you have something to give to your organization? Whether it’s as President, Vice-President, or a member of a breed committee - it’s time to step up! Today I’ve declared my candidacy to run for TICA Vice-President.