January 2005
MEDIUM HAIR BREEDS
Birman …………………………………………. Page M1
Maine Coon …………………………………… Page M4
Norwegian Forest Cat ……………………….. Page M6
Ragdoll ………………………………………… Page M7
Siberian ……………………………………….. Page M11
Turkish Van …………………………………… Page M13
M 1 January 2005 Birman
A cat of mystery and legend, the Birman is a colour pointed cat with a soft, sillky medium length coat and four pure white feet. It is strongly built, elongated and stocky, neither svelte nor cobby. The distinctive head has strong jaws and firm chin. There should be good width between the ears, which are medium in size. The blue, almost round eyes are set well apart, giving a sweet expression to the face. Slow to mature, the Birman does not reach full development in colour, growth and coat until its third year.
HEAD Strong, broad and rounded. Forehead sloped back leading to a rounded top head. Full cheeks with a somewhat rounded muzzle. Nose medium in length and slightly Roman in Shape (slightly convex). No stop, but a slight dip in profile. The chin is strong, with the lower jaw forming a perpendicular line with the upper lip.
EARS Medium in size and spaced well apart; set as much to the side as the top of the head and almost as wide at base as tall. Modified to a rounded tip.
EYES Almost round, but not bold and set wide apart.
BODY Long and sturdy, back level. Females may be proportionately smaller than males. Heavy boning, firm and muscular, low on legs.
LEGS Medium in length, strongly boned and well muscled.
PAWS Large, round and firm.
TAIL Medium in length, in proportion to body. Bushy.
COAT Medium to medium long in length and silken in texture, not as dense as the Persian coat and with little undercoat. Fur sometimes slightly curly on stomach. Although a ruff is desirable, seasonal changes to be considered when judging coat length.
EYE COLOUR Blue in colour, the deeper the blue the better
COAT COLOUR As for individual colour standards. The Birman coat has a golden glow, which is a faint golden beige cast on the back and sides. This is somewhat deeper in sealpoints and may be absent in kittens and dilute colours. Mask complete and (except in kittens) connecting to the ears by tracings.
Due to seasonal and hormonal changes, some allowances should be made for darker body shading in mature adults, especially entire cats, as long as contrast between points and body colour is not lost.
PAW PAD Pink, but may have dark spot(s) - relevant to point colour. COLOUR
GLOVES & Front Paws GAUNTLETS Pure white symmetrical gloves ending in an even line across paw, and not passing beyond the angle formed by paw and leg when standing.
Back Paws Pure white gloves covering the entire paw; gauntlets tapering halfway to 3/4 up the back of the foot. Higher or lower gauntlets acceptable but they should not be beyond the hock. Symmetry of gloves and gauntlets is desirable.
Note: Although symmetry of the gloves and gauntlets are desirable, faultlessly gloved cats are a rare exception and the Birman is to be judged in all its parts, as well as the gloves.
SCALE OF POINTS M 2 January 2005
Head and ears 20 Eyes 5 Body 20 Tail 10 Coat Colour 10 Point Colour 5 Gloves 5 Gauntlets 5 Coat texture 10 Condition 5 Temperament 5 100
Faults
Persian or Siamese head type. Delicate bone structure. Coloured toes. Grossly asymmetric / uneven foot markings White beyond the metacarpal pad - the highest up little paw pad located in the middle of the back of the front paw, above the third joint and just below the wrist bones - including “runners” or streaks of white running up the front legs beyond this pad. Any defects as listed in the Relevant to All Breed Section.
Withhold major awards for:
Complete lack of white gloves on any paw. Complete lack of gauntlets on one or both back paws. Area or spot of pure white in the points. (Note: Since the paw pads may be pink and / or coloured, an area of white on the front feet that is attached to a large pad which is itself coloured, should not be viewed as a spot.) Area of point colour in the gloves or gauntlets. White on back legs extending beyond the hock. White spots particularly on the chin or tail.
Birman Coat Colours:
Pointed colours Page G55
NOTE:
Seal, Seal Tortoiseshell, Seal Tabby Birmans: Shading if present, will be golden on back.
Although a ringed tail is desirable in a tabbypoint, a solid-top tailed ringed on the underside is also acceptable. Markings in kittens are less defined.
When assessing point colour in a Birman, it must be remembered that due to the length of the fur on the cat, Birman point colour (especially on the tail and legs) are not as intense as that of the Siamese.
M 3 January 2005 Maine Coon
The Maine Coon was originally a working cat, developed through a natural selection process in the woods and farms of New England. The Maine Coon is solid and rugged, able to thrive in the rough, woody terrain and the extreme north-eastern US winter climates. The cat has a well proportioned and balanced appearance with no part of the cat being exaggerated. Quality should never be sacrificed for size. With an essentially amiable disposition, companionable and playful nature, it was adapted to many varied environments.
HEAD Medium in length, slightly longer than wide, with a gently curving forehead and high prominent cheekbones. The profile is slightly concave with no nose break. Nose is of uniform width. Muzzle is visibly square. Chin firm, in line with nose and upper lip. Bite level.
EARS Large, tall and wide at base. Set high on the head with a slight forward tilt, approximately one ear’s width apart. Ears to be well furnished. Lynx tips desirable.
EYES Large and widely set, slightly oval but not almond shaped. Appear round when wide open. Set at a slight slant.
NECK Medium in length. Males have a strong muscular neck.
BODY Large, long and rectangular. Broad chest, square rump. Muscular with substantial boning. Females are smaller than males.
LEGS Sturdily boned, medium length and in proportion to the body.
PAWS Large, round and well tufted.
TAIL Wide at base, and tapering. At least as long as the body from the shoulders to the base of the tail. Fur long and flowing.
COAT Heavy and shaggy. Undercoat soft and fine, covered by a substantial topcoat. Shorter on head, neck and shoulders; lengthening gradually down back, flanks and tail. Trousers and belly fur full and shaggy. Frontal ruff desirable. Texture silky, falling smoothly. Different coat colours may have different coat textures.
EYE COLOUR Any eye colour is permitted. Clear eye colour is desirable. Coat and eye colour may be unrelated.
COAT COLOUR All colours and patterns acceptable, excluding chocolate variations and all pointed patterns. Self Coloured Cats should conform to the standard as for All Breeds
M 4 January 2005
SCALE OF POINTS
Head 25 Ears 10 Eyes Including shape, size and set 5 Body, Tail, Legs 25 and Paws Coat texture Including length, texture and frontal ruff, ear 25 feathering and tufting; tail furnishings; paw furnishings Condition 5 Temperament 5 100
FAULTS
Allowances: The balance of the cat is of uppermost importance, with no single features taking preference. Shorter or less dense summer coat. Different coat colours may have different textured coats. Allowance should be made for jowls, broader and larger heads in older studs. Allowances should be made in size and weight for females and immature cats. Females generally are smaller than males.
Major awards withheld for: Bump in profile; Straight profile; Rounded or pointed muzzle; Woolly, cottony coat Definite nose break or stop. Cobby body. Fine bone structure. Overall even coat length. Untufted paws. Kinked tail. Incorrect number of toes. Any defects as listed in the Relevant to All Breeds Section.
Allowable outcross breeds: None
M 5 January 2005 Norwegian Forest Cat
A large, elegant, semi-longhaired cat, the most important features being type and coat quality. The breed originated as a working cat on Norwegian farms; the appearance of the Norwegian Forest Cat should reflect this natural heritage. The Norwegian Forest Cat matures slowly, and full development of the cat can take up to four years. A distinctive double coat is required. Coat colour is irrelevant. The cat should have an alert expression, in good condition and well presented. HEAD An equilateral triangle, with all sides of equal length when measured from the outer base of the ears to the chin, with a flat forehead and a gently rounded crown. Profile straight. The chin is firm and in line with the upper lip and nose leather. In profile, the chin is gently rounded and not to deep.
EARS Large, wide at base, arched forward as if listening. Slightly rounded tips with lynx tufts give a pointed appearance. The outer lower edge of the ears should continue the line of the wedge to the chin. The width between the ears should not be less than the width of one ear at its base. Lynx tufts and ear furnishing are desirable.
EYES Large and oval, well opened, set slightly obliquely. An alert expression. All colours acceptable, regardless of coat colour.
BODY Robust and strongly built, long and muscular with solid bone structure; not cobby or delicate.
LEGS Long powerful legs. Hind legs are longer than front legs.
PAWS Large and round with tufts between the toes.
TAIL Long and bushy; should reach at least to the shoulder blades, but preferable to the base of the neck. Guard hairs desirable.
COAT Semi-long. A smooth water-repellent overcoat over a wooly undercoat. Glossy hair over the back and sides. A full coated cat has a full ruff, shirtfront and trousers.
EYE COLOUR All colours allowed irrespective of coat colour.
COAT COLOUR Excluding chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn and pointed patterns, all colours and patterns are acceptable, including any amount of white. SCALE OF POINTS Head 25 Ears 10 Eyes 5 Body and legs 20 Coat 25 Tail 5 Condition 5 Temperament 5 100 FAULTS Cobby, small or finely built cats. Break (stop) in profile. Round or square head. Low set ears. Short tail (Not reaching the shoulder blades) Short legs. Square muzzle Whisker pinch. Any defects as listed in the Relevant to All Breeds Section.
M 6 January 2005 Ragdoll
In appearance, the Ragdoll is a well-balanced cat with no one feature overpowering another. Females are noticeably smaller than males. Full maturity of colour in Pointed Ragdolls is not achieved until two years of age and full size and weight is not expected for at least five years. Ragdolls are renowned for their sweet and gentle natures. Ragdolls should be lifted and carried with two hands and never dangled.
The ideal Ragdoll is a large, imposing, strongly built cat with an elongated body, moderately long legs and plumed tail in proportion to the body. Type, size and conformation are the three most important attributes to be assessed.
HEAD Size in proportion to body. Broad modified wedge with slightly rounded contours. Fur creates an appearance of a flat plane between the ears. Full cheeks in line with the wedge, tapering to a rounded strong muzzle. Strong jaw and chin. Forehead slightly rounded, merging into a gentle concave curve that ends in a straight medium length nose. A slightly retrousse tip to the nose is required.
EARS Medium in size, wide set and slightly flared. Wide at base with rounded tips and tilting slightly forward. It is desirable for the outer edge of the ear to follow the line of the wedge.
EYES Large, oval in shape, slightly oblique and set wide apart.
NECK Short and strong.
BODY Large and long, solid, muscular and broad chested with substantial boning. Equally massive across the shoulders and hindquarters. May have fat pad on lower abdomen.
LEGS Legs are medium to long with substantial boning. Hind legs slightly longer than front legs.
PAWS Proportionately large, Round and tufted.
TAIL Long, in proportion to body, tapering slightly to tip. Plumed.
COAT Silky, dense and of medium length. Ruff and trousers preferred. Allowances to be made for entire animals and seasonal variations.
SCALE OF POINTS
Type Head 20 Ears 5 Eyes 10 Body and neck 20 Legs and paws 10 Tail 5 Coat length and texture 10 Colour and markings 15 Temperament 5 100
M 7 January 2005
FAULTS Narrow head. Pinched or narrow muzzle. Pronounced nose break. Round or oriental eyes. Fine boned or short legs. Badly off centre "V" on bicolour face. Colour on stomach or any designated white area in Bi-colours, excluding the occasional coloured spots on legs. Any defects as listed in the Relevant to All Breeds Section.
Withhold major awards for: Roman nose. Eyes other than blue in pointed Ragdolls. Orange Eyes. Any white patching or spots, or lockets on colour pointed, self, smoke, shaded or tabby Ragdolls. Lack of white chin in Mitted Ragdolls. Any coloured markings on white area on the face in Bicolour Ragdolls.
Ragdoll coat colours:
Pointed colours Page G55
Pointed Ragdoll patterns:
EYE COLOUR Blue
COAT COLOUR Note: Ragdolls may not reach full maturity until five years of age and therefore allowances should be made for shading. Points colour (mask, ears, legs, feet and tail) to be well-defined and showing contrast between points and body colour. Stomach pad may have darker shading on Colour pointed Pattern only.
Colourpoint Ragdoll Ragdolls may not reach full maturity until five years of age and therefore allowances should be made for shading. Points colour (mask, ears, legs, feet and tail) to be well-defined and showing contrast between points and body colour. Stomach pad may have darker shading. No white whatsoever permissible. Nose leather & pads: Appropriate to the points colour Mitted Colourpoint Ragdoll A white blaze on the forehead and/ or nose is permitted. The blaze may be broken or unbroken. The nose leather colour should be appropriate to the points colour. The chin is white. White to extend from the bib to the under body from chest to tail and may be interrupted by areas of body colour. The two front paws should have white mittens that are evenly matched and not extending beyond the angle formed by the paw and leg. The hind legs should be white from to a minimum level of the hock, but preferably up to the level of the under body. Legs may show coin sized coloured spots. Nose leather: Appropriate to the points colour. Pads: Pink, but pink mottled with colour appropriate to the points is acceptable.
M 8 January 2005
Bi-colour Colourpoint Ragdoll The mask should have a balanced inverted "V" of white starting on the forehead and extending down towards the nose, whisker pads and chin. The white should not extend beyond the outer aperture of the eye. The back may have patches of white, which may vary in size, but should not exceed one third of back area. The bib, chest and entire under body should be white. The front legs should be all white. It is desirable that the back legs should be white to the level of the under body. Legs may show coin sized coloured spots. Nose leather: Pink Pads: Pink, but pink mottled with colour appropriate to the points is acceptable.
Other Ragdoll Coat Colours :
Self colours [black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream and tortoiseshell] Page G22 Shaded colours Page G26 Smoke colours Page G30 Patterned colours [Tabbies] Page G37
Note: No white whatsoever permissible.
Self: Eye colours: White, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Green to yellow green, the greener the better. Cream, Black Tortoiseshell, Blue Tortoiseshell, Chocolate Tortoiseshell, Lilac Tortoiseshell Blue or odd eyes permissible in white cats. Smoke: Black Smoke, Blue Smoke Chocolate Smoke , Green to yellow green, the greener the better. Lilac Smoke , Red Smoke , Cream Smoke Black Tortoiseshell Smoke, Blue Tortoiseshell Smoke, Chocolate Tortoiseshell Smoke, Lilac Tortoiseshell Smoke Shaded: Black Shaded, Blue Shaded, Chocolate Green to yellow green, the greener the better. Shaded, Lilac Shaded, Red Cameo, Cream Cameo, Black Tortoiseshell Cameo, Blue Tortoiseshell Cameo, Chocolate Tortoiseshell Cameo, Lilac Tortoiseshell Cameo Patterned (Tabby) Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Cream, Green to yellow green, the greener the better. Black Tortoiseshell, Blue Tortoiseshell, Chocolate Tortoiseshell, Lilac Tortoiseshell Mitted / Bicolour Ragdolls: The above colours can be combined with white to create Mitted or Bicolour Ragdolls.
Note: Tortoiseshell cats with white are to be called tortoiseshell and white Mitted or Bicolour Ragdolls, NOT Calico’s
M 9 January 2005 Other Ragdoll patterns:
Mitted Ragdoll A white blaze on the forehead and/ or nose is permitted. The blaze may be broken or unbroken. The nose leather colour should be appropriate to the coat colour. The chin is white. White to extend from the bib to the under body from chest to tail and may be interrupted by areas of body colour. The two front paws should have white mittens that are evenly matched and not extending beyond the angle formed by the paw and leg. The hind legs should be white from to a minimum level of the hock, but preferably up to the level of the under body. Legs may show coin sized coloured spots. Nose leather: Appropriate to the coat colour. Pads: Pink, but pink mottled with colour appropriate to the coat is acceptable.
Bi-colour Ragdoll The face should have a balanced inverted "V" of white starting on the forehead and extending down towards the nose, whisker pads and chin. The white should not extend beyond the outer aperture of the eye. The back may have patches of white, which may vary in size, but should not exceed one third of back area. The bib, chest and entire under body should be white. The front legs should be all white. It is desirable that the back legs should be white to the level of the under body. Legs may show coin sized coloured spots. Nose leather: Pink. Pads: Pink, but pink mottled with colour appropriate to the coat is acceptable.
M 10 January 2005 Siberian
The Siberian is a large, strong cat which takes takes 5 years to mature. The females may weigh less than the males. They are extremely agile and great leapers. Their muscles are mighty, outstanding and powerful. The back is long and very slightly curved or arched, but appears horizontal when in motion. Convex muscular waist and round, compact belly develop with age. The hind legs, when straightened, are slightly longer than the forelegs. The paws are round, big and quite powerful. The overall appearance should be one of great strength, force and size with an excellent physical condition and alertness; the facial expression is quite sweet. The general impression is one of roundness and circles, rather than the rectangles and triangles of similar breeds. The head is a modified wedge of medium size with rounded contours, broader at the skull and narrowing slightly to a full rounded muzzle with well-rounded chin. There may be a slight muzzle curvature, but the transition between the side of the head and the muzzle is gentle and inconspicuous. The cheek bones are neither high set nor prominent. There should be a good distance between the ears and eyes. The top of the head is flat, with a slight nose curvature of a gentle slope from the forehead to the nose and a slight concave curvature before the tip. The neck is medium-long, rounded, substantial and well- muscled.
HEAD Broad, modified wedge of medium size with gently rounded contours. Moderately long, rounded muzzle. Muzzle break with a slight curvature. Flat top of head with a slightly curved forehead. Nose has a slight curvature and the lower portion to the tip of the nose is slightly concave rather than straight. Nose broad between the eyes, narrowing towards the end of the nose. Cheeks not pronounced. Whiskers long.
EARS Medium-large, wide at base with rounded tips. Wide set, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 ear widths apart and set almost as much on the sides as on top of head. Tilted forward. Hair over the back of the ears is short and thin, merging at the base with facial hair in front and ruff on the back. From the middle of the ear the furnishings become longer, covering the base of the ear completely.
EYES Large and almost round, wide set with the outer corner slightly angled toward the lower base of the ear. There is no relationship between eye colour and coat colour/pattern, however, the typical adult colour is yellow-green.
NECK Medium-long, rounded, substantial, thick and well muscled.
BODY Moderately long and substantial. Back slightly curved or arched. Compact, tight belly and convex torso appear with age. Boning large. Chest well rounded. Hips substantial. Musculature substantial.
LEGS Moderately long. Hind legs slightly longer than the front legs; not noticeable when the cat is in motion. Heavy boning and substantial musculature.
PAWS Round, large and toe tufts desirable.
TAIL Medium in length, wide at the base and blunt at the tip.
COAT Moderately long to long on body; slightly shorter on shoulder blades and part of the chest; lower coat long. Allowances for shorter coats should be made in warm weather. Full ruff. Coat texture with oily guard hairs for a water resistant coat; drier following grooming. Coat thicker on shoulder blades and lower part of chest, may be waved on belly and britches. Tail-fur even and think. Long hairs draping down from top side of the tail.
EYE COLOUR All colours acceptable. Coat and eye colour may be unrelated.
COAT COLOUR All colours and patterns acceptable.
M 11 January 2005 SCALE OF POINTS
Head and ears Including shape (10), size (5), profile (4), ears (4) 25 and muzzle (2) Eyes 5 Body, legs and Including shape (5), size (15), boning (5) and 35 tail musculature (5); neck (5) Legs and feet 5 Coat texture Including length (10), texture (5) and undercoat 20 (5) Condition 5 Temperament 5 100
FAULTS
Major awards withheld for: Adult cats not having substantial weight. Straight profile. Narrow or fox-like muzzle. Almond shaped eyes. Very long legs. Any defects as listed in the Relevant to All Breeds Section.
Allowable outcrosses:
None
M 12 January 2005 Turkish Van
HEAD Moderately short wedge. Nose long, straight but with a barely perceptible dip in profile. High prominent cheekbones.
EARS Medium to large, well feathered, set high and well apart, height equal to separation width.
EYES Large and expressive with a wide almond shape.
NECK Neck fairly short and muscular.
BODY Long and sturdy, full chested and particularly muscular. Shoulders should be at least as broad as the head. Males are larger and more imposing than females. Kittens do not have the hard muscular feel of adults.
LEGS Medium in length, hind legs slightly longer, set wide apart.
PAWS Neat, well rounded and tufted.
TAIL Full brush, medium length to balance body.
COAT Semi-long, soft and silky to the roots. Individual hair is fine, waterproof and has a slight stand away quality. No woolly undercoat. Winter coat is fuller, longer and softer. Summer coat is short except for tail, breeches and under parts. A frontal ruff becomes more prominent with age and attains full development in a mature male (3-5 years). Allowances should be made in this regard for immature cats and kittens.
PATTERN Coat chalk white with no trace of yellow. Colour markings on the face but not below the level of the eyes or beyond the base of the rear of the ears. The colour on the face should be separated by a vertical blaze. White nose. Ears should be predominantly white with a delicate pink inside. The brush is coloured and faintly ringed and the colour may extend a very short distance up the back. The rings are more distinct in kittens.
Nose leather pink.
Paw pads – pink for Auburn and Cream Turkish Vans - pink or black for black and black tortoiseshell and white - pink or blue for blue and blue tortoiseshell and white
Note: The foregoing description is of the ideal. Occasional small coloured “thumbprints” irregularly placed on the cat are undesirable but should not necessarily disqualify an otherwise good specimen.
COAT COLOUR Auburn and white; cream and white; black and white; blue and white; black tortoiseshell and white or blue tortoiseshell and white.
EYE COLOUR Light amber to green with amber preferred OR blue OR one eye blue and one light amber to green. Pink rims.
M 13 January 2005
SCALE OF POINTS
Head and ears 25 Eyes 10 Body and Tail 25 Colour and coat 30 Condition 5 Temperament 5 100
FAULTS
Major awards withheld for: Severe nose break. Siamese, Persian or British type. Squints or Kink. Small size in adult. Bi-colour patterning. Weakness in hindquarters. Any defects listed in the Relevant to all Breeds Section.
M 14 January 2005
M 15