December 1999

For the purpose of exhibition in shows a household pet cat is defined as a "Domestic" cat or kitten which has ancestry consisting of:

(1) non pedigreed (mongrel parents; or
(2) one none pedigreed (mongrel) parent and one pedigreed parent; or
(3) parents of two different pedigreed breeds (an accidental cross-breed or one which, for instnace, may have been produced as part of an experimental pedigree breeding programme);or
(4) an unregistered pedigreed cat that is kept soley as a companion or pet.

* Household cats and kittens entered in pedigreed cat shows are judged by a Standard of points especially formulated for them, and not by any Standard as applied to pedigreed breeds and varieties.

* Household pets of apparent pedigreed backgrounds shall be judged on exactly the same basis as any other household pets. They shall be neither penalised nor rewarded solely on the basis of their resemblance to one of the recognised breeds.

* Household Cats and Kittens shall not bear the breeder's Cattery Prefix when exhibited.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

For the Household Cat the most important consideration is its overall condition, well being and temperament. No specific type, colour and pattern, or coat length is applicable. Friendliness, physical condition and balance are the main essentials. The cat should be of pleasing appearance, in proportion, well balanced, clean and well groomed.

PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT

The cat should be alert,friendly, preferably affectionate and easy to handle. Allowance may be made for nervousness due to unfamiliarity with Shows.

APPEARANCE/BEAUTY/COLOUR

The Household Pet comes in all colours and combinations of colours and patterns imaginable. The colour is irrelevant but the coat patterns and markings should be clearly defined.

EYES

Eyes size, shape and placement should suit the head type of the cat. Eye colour should compliment coat colour, but need not follow that laid down for purebred cats.

COAT

Coat length may be short and sleek, full and fluffy, any combination of those, or somewhere inbetween.

TAIL

Tails may be long, short, kinky or non-exsistent.
The points shall be assigned according to the taste of the individual judge. Many judges notice pleasing markings, colours and patterns. Overall grace and balance factors to be considered in the determination of beauty. Beauty is very definitely in the eye of the beholder.

CONDITION

The coat must be clean and free from mats and parasites.The cat must be well groomed and in good physical condition. Eyes, ears and nose must be clean and free of any matter.

BALANCE AND PROPORTION

The cat should display an overall proportion, thus a small head on a large cat or vice-versa would be somewhat disproportionate.
The cat should also be of proper weight for its size. Overweight and underweight shall both be considered undesirable. Muscle tone should be sound. Some allowance may be made for older cats.

SEXUAL STATUS

All adult Household Pets (9 months and older) must be desexed. Kittens should preferably be desexed by 5 - 7 months of age; female kittens at the lower age range as in the breeding season sexual maturity can be reached at 5 - 6 months of age.

CONSIDERATIONS

Physical anomalies not allowed by most standards shall be acceptable for the Household Pet. No penalties shall be attached for crossed eyes, kinked tails, extra toes or the like; so long as the health and welfare of the cat is not affected. As many Househols Pets are redeemed strays, there shall be no penalties attached to such physical damage as torn or missing ears unless it appears that the problem is an ongoing one indicating lack of care.

WITHHOLD ALL AWARD

No award shall be made to a cat which is obviously dirty or in poor condition.

SCALE OF POINTS

Personality/Temperamant--- 35
Appearance/Beaty---------- 25
Condition----------------- 25
Balance and Proportion---- 15
TOTAL--------------------- 100 points

DEFINITION OF LONGHAIR OR SHORTHAIR

Where there is a question as to the proper class of any entry, the length of fur on the tail shall be the determining factor. Fur of 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters or more shall be considered longhair (length may be slightly less in young kittens). If there is still some question, notice should be paid to such details as long ear and toe tufts.

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