Ever wonder what is the purpose of a cat club? Have you ask yourself about this question?
Are you a member of a cat club? What does your cat club do and what do you benefit from it to be their privileged members?
Is a cat club’s main function is to organize competitions or shows for their members? Well, that is entire depends on the Objective(s) of the cat club. When a club was formed, they must have an objective(s) that act as a guideline and it is entirely depends on the club committee to uphold these objectives. Some clubs I personally knew exist in just doing competitions for members although they have other objectives.
So, what else do a cat club do besides holding competition? A lot!! To name a few; activities such as education to the public which in my opinion it’s very important. Educating the public about cat care, hygiene, their medical requirements, food, vaccinations etc so that the public would know how to take care a cat. Besides that, it would be great to have a cat club that actually approach schools to educate the younger generations. As they say, educate the youngs to benefit the future…
Is that all, if you may ask?
1. Working hand in hand with Non-Government Organization (NGO)s such as SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) , PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society), MNAWF (Malaysia National Animal Welfare Foundation) etc in their effort to protect the welfare of our feline friends.
2. Educating those who intend to breed their cats in a responsible and ethical manner
3. Spread the words on the benefits of neutering cats
So, what are the criterias when looking for a cat club? Well, that depends. If there is only 1 cat club in your area or country, then you don’t have any choice of comparison. But if there is more than 1 cat club, you can ask members of each club. What are the objectives of their cat club, what are the benefits being a member of their cat club and most of all, how can a member able to contribute their services to the club.
Is it alright to ask a fellow club A member what he/she think about club B? Hmmm….. Some clubs do have some sort of rivaly with other club(s) and you may ended up hear all negative remarks instead of positives. A cat club (or any other club) should cultivate a positive environment instead of spreading hatred. I do not see any benefit at all by showing hatred towards another club. There were times, we cannot run away from low-level thinking people. What you need to do is to look at the committee members themselves. If the root of hatred coming from there, then do you think you want to join such club? I had seen and dealt with such people and it is best to stay away.
Next, some committee members may have personal agendas and they’d run activities for their own or certain individual benefits. In the end, members work hard just to benefit some individuals instead to the club.
When you join a cat club (or any other club), what you want is what you would benefit from being their member and most of all, you are enjoying yourself being their member. You may or may not choose the right club at first but the most important is that you learn something along the way. Get as much knowledge as possible and perhaps you’ll need to ignore the politics involve.
Question now is what it takes to be a committee member of a cat club?
Well, there would be an election of committee members during their club’s Annual General Meeting and you would need to gain support from members in order to be part of the committee. The members would know best your ability whether you can lead or represent their club.
(I personally do not think that a walk over election would benefit the club. Members should give a chance to elect their representative. Don’t be surprised that chances that a walk over committee may had been planned in the first place.)
Elect someone who is trustworthy and able to lead the club. Never elect someone out of desperation just because there is no suitable candidate. The future of the club lies at the hands of the committee. The last thing that you want is a President who are incapable to lead, a Secretary who only follows instructions blindly without thinking and a manipulative Treasurer. Plus, on a personal note, try and refrain to elect someone who involves in politics. The last thing you want is a storm in a tea cup!!.
