Cat breed standard

A formal description of the appearance and other traits required for recognition of a cat breed. Breed standards guide judging and registration, but their criteria vary among cat registries.

Cat breed: A recognized group of domestic cats sharing inherited traits and a defined identity. A standard specifies which traits distinguish a recognized breed.
Cat conformation: The structure and proportions of a cat’s body, assessed in relation to a breed’s ideal form. Many standard criteria describe body shape, proportions, and structure.
The International Cat Association: An international feline organization that registers cats and sanctions cat shows. Its breed criteria can differ from those of other major registries.
Selective breeding: Breeding organisms to increase the likelihood that offspring inherit chosen traits. Breeders use standards to guide selection toward specified appearances.
Cat registry: An organization that records pedigreed cats and sets rules for breed recognition and competition. Registries publish standards and decide which breeds they recognize.
Cat show judge: A trained official who evaluates cats at shows under an organization’s rules. Judges compare each entry with its breed’s written standard.
Cat Fanciers' Association: A United States organization that registers pedigreed cats and organizes cat shows. Its standards offer a prominent comparison with other registry rules.
Cat health: The physical and behavioral well-being of domestic cats across their lives. A standard can affect health when it rewards extreme physical traits.
Pedigree cat: A domestic cat whose ancestry is recorded through a recognized breeding organization. Standards govern how pedigree cats are identified and evaluated.
Cat show class: A division in a cat show that groups entries by factors such as breed, age, or status. Class placement determines which cats are compared under a standard.

Linked from 10 pages