I – BODY/CONFORMATION (25)

(15) BODY – The goal is to achieve a balance between the American and Oriental types. The rib cage is rounded. The back is slightly arched when the cat is standing. The abdomen should be level. (4) LEGS – Legs should be long and proportional to the length of the body. (3) FEET – Feet are well-defined, compact, oval, and proportional to the body. (3) TAIL – When measured along the back, the tail should reach the shoulder blade. It is broad at the base and tapers to a fine point.

II – HEAD (25)

(15) HEAD – FRONT VIEW – Triangular in shape, the head has rounded contours with no straight lines. The muzzle should not be pointed or show an exaggerated pinch behind the whisker pads.

PROFILE – The transition between the forehead, brow, and muzzle should show a gentle curve. There should be no break. The chin is strong.

(5) EARS – Broad and moderately pointed. Ideally with tufts of hair at the tips. Cup-shaped with a wide base. Pointed forward as if the cat is listening. Hair is short and dense.

(5) EYES – Almond-shaped, large, bright, and expressive.

III – COAT/LENGTH (10)

The fur is soft, supple to the touch, and glossy. It should be long enough to show 4 to 6 alternating bands of dark and light color. The ideal hair returns to place when brushed backward. Hair is longer along the spine and gradually shorter on the flanks, legs, and head.

IV – COLORS (35)

TOLERATED (UP TO EIGHT MONTHS) – Slight markings on legs, neck, and shoulders, as well as dark roots.

(15) COLOR – The base of the hair is light and solid-colored without gray or black (ruddy) or ashy (sorrel). In the presence of the silver pattern (i), the lighter color between the base bands is replaced by the most silvery shade possible. Reddish shadows (rufism) are undesirable but should not be heavily penalized, especially if located along the spine. The color of the ears, nose leather, paw pads, and belly must conform to the color description.

(5) FACIAL MARKINGS – Symmetrical and wild-looking. Eyes are accentuated by dark eyelids surrounded by pale color. An “M” shaped or darker mark appears vertically on the forehead. A dark line extends from the outer corner of each eye. The upper throat, lips, and nostrils are lighter in color, eggshell preferred over white.

(15) TICKING – Uniform with 4 to 6 alternating bands of light and dark color. The tip of the hair is dark and the base is pale. Belly hair is unticked and softer than on the back and sides. Extremities are covered with shorter hair with at least 2 bands of color. There should be no spots or irregular areas in the ticking except for the darker ticking line running from the head to the base of the tail.

(5) EYE COLOR – Accepted colors: Gold, green, hazel, or copper. The richest and deepest color possible is desired.

V – BALANCE AND WELL-BEING (5)

The breed must show strong muscular development.

DISQUALIFICATIONS (NO TITLE AWARDED)

Closed necklace
White hairs anywhere other than chin and mouth
Incorrect paw pad color
Black hairs on sorrel cats
Reversed ticking
Rings on the tail
Any other disqualifying criteria as described in the General Preface

RECOGNIZED COLORS

Ruddy, sorrel (cinnamon), blue, fawn

BREED ORIGIN: Natural REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: No foundation allowed Unregistered Abyssinians with the CCC: Owners must provide an 8-generation pedigree from a recognized association. Exception possible with DNA test. Please contact headquarters.
SHOW REQUIREMENTS: Abyssinian, AOV not allowed
PERMITTED ANCESTORS: Abyssinian, AOV not allowed
PERMITTED MATINGS: Abyssinian, AOV not allowed

Adopted on 2022-12-10
Adopted by the Abyssinian and Somali Club of Canada by referendum on 2022-11-22