Most feline associations are put together for the purpose of recording pedigrees and conducting shows. Although they may (and often do) have organizations within or affiliated to them that deal with health, welfare, and research, these is not their primary purpose.

As a part of pedigree registration, these associations determine the criteria for both recognizing a breed and what cats may claim to be a member of that breed. Some are based strictly on genetic linage (a minimum number of generations behind a cat are recorded as being a member of that breed). Others require only that specified number of judges feel that it meets the criteria to a member of a certain breed.

As a means of developing, evaluating, and advancing a breed, associations often sponsor cat shows held in accordance to specified rules and procedures and limited to those breeds which the association recognizes.

Well-known associations in the United States include The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the American Cat Fanciers' Assocation (ACFA). In the UK, the best known is The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and Europe has the Feline Internationale Federation (FIFe). Within Australia exists The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Australia and Victoria and the Waratah National Cat Alliance.