Cat Breed Standards: Understanding Show Criteria & Health

At cat shows, cats are judged according to a particular standard. While non-pedigree cats are evaluated on presentation, temperament, and personality, each pedigree cat must conform to a specific breed standard. If you plan to show a pedigree cat, understanding these standards is essential. This guide explains what cat breed standards are, how they are decided, and how they operate.

What Are Breed Standards?

Cat breed standards are detailed descriptions that define the ideal characteristics and appearance of specific breeds, mainly used for judging in cat shows and preserving breed integrity. Unlike working dogs, which have been bred for specific tasks influencing their physical traits, the primary requirement for pedigree cats has traditionally been aesthetic beauty. As such, cat breed standards focus mainly on what is considered beautiful and breed-typical.

The standards cover various aspects including body structure, coat type, colour varieties, eye colour, and distinctive breed traits.

The General Rules of Cat Beauty

Breed standards share some common rules across associations worldwide. Certain features disqualify cats: in male cats, undescended testicles; polydactyly (an abnormal number of toes); kinked tails; and crossed eyes. Some registries such as the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) prohibit white lockets or buttons in particular breeds.

Standards allocate points to different physical traits, adding up to a total score out of 100. The importance of traits varies by breed. Traits are dissected under categories such as head, eyes, ears, body, legs, colour, and tail. The descriptions may be quite lyrical but are becoming more precise to reduce subjective interpretation.

The Place of Health Issues in Breed Standards

Genetic health and physical soundness are increasingly integral to breed standards. Judges expect cleanliness of eyes, ears, and nose, aiming to ensure only healthy cats win prizes and contribute to breeding. Standards also aim to eliminate genetic defects by disallowing abnormalities like polydactyly and kinked tails.

Breeds with traits potentially harmful to their welfare prompt debate. For example, the Manx cat, especially the tailless variety, is prone to serious congenital defects. Although established for centuries, were it a new breed today, it might fail health criteria. Similarly, breeds like the Scottish Fold and Munchkin cats face acceptance issues in some registries due to inherent health concerns.

An Example of Breed Standards – the Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a popular and increasing breed in the UK. The breed standard describes it as a semi-longhaired cat of medium foreign type, noted for its large size, strong bone structure, rectangular appearance, and flowing coat.

The Maine Coon evolved as a working cat in a rural environment, reflected in its muscular build, rugged outdoor look, weatherproof coat, and alert, hunter-like demeanour.

Points are awarded out of 100, split as follows:

• Head (shape, ear set, eyes, nose profile, muzzle, chin): 35 points
• Body (size, bone structure, musculature, legs, paws, tail): 30 points
• Coat (length, texture, ear tufting, ruff, tail furnishings): 20 points
• Colour and Pattern: 15 points

Disqualifications and faults include wrongly registered cats, blue or odd eyes in non-white cats, incorrect patterns, and coat texture faults.

All other cat breeds have similarly detailed breed standards with slight variations. Judges adhere to these standards at shows.

Why Knowing Breed Standards Matters

If you want to show your cat, familiarising yourself with the breed standard helps understand how judges evaluate your cat and what improvements might be desired. However, if you keep a cat purely as a pet, the breed standard has limited relevance and does not affect the cat's worth or companionship value.

Ultimately, responsible ownership and ethical breeding, focused on health and temperament along with appearance, are the foundation for happy cats and fulfilling relationships.