Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
The Anatolian cat is an ancient breed that developed naturally in the regions of Asia Minor and Anatolia. It is considered an indigenous breed, descended from local domestic cat populations that have lived alongside humans for centuries while retaining their natural traits. Unlike the Turkish Angora, the Anatolian cat has preserved a more natural type, a strong physique, and a simple yet expressive appearance. In the 20th century, the breed gained recognition for its natural qualities, hardiness, and unique adaptation to the local environment. The Anatolian cat is valued for its health, harmony, and balanced temperament that have remained unchanged since ancient times.
General Appearance
The Anatolian cat gives the impression of a sturdy, medium-sized animal with a harmonious build and well-developed musculature. It combines natural strength, agility, and graceful movement. The body is moderately elongated, with a broad chest and strong back. The head is wedge-shaped with smooth lines and slightly rounded contours. The ears are medium-sized and set high; the eyes are large, almond-shaped, and expressive. The coat is short, glossy, and lies close to the body. The overall appearance should reflect natural balance and composure without signs of heaviness or refinement — pure harmony characteristic of an indigenous breed.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Anatolian cat must express harmony. The wedge-shaped head corresponds proportionally to the body. The eyes are set apart by the width of one eye. The ears are large at the base, high-set, and harmonize with the head shape. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the shoulders, giving the silhouette elegance and stability. Limbs are of medium length with strong, rounded paws. The tail equals the length of the body up to the shoulder, straight and tapering to a fine tip. The proportions should reflect balance, endurance, and the breed’s natural origin.
Behavior and Character
The Anatolian cat is lively, active, and naturally curious. It is energetic yet even-tempered, easily adapting to various living conditions. Independent but not aggressive, it maintains a good relationship with humans and enjoys attention while remaining self-sufficient. It gets along well with children and other pets, showing tolerance and friendliness. Playful and inquisitive, it often displays hunting instincts and has a clear, expressive voice, considered a hallmark of the breed. Its temperament is stable, intelligent, and confident.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, medium in size, with smooth lines and soft contours. The forehead is slightly rounded, transitioning into a straight nose of medium length and width. Cheekbones are moderate and not prominent. The chin is firm but not heavy. The overall head shape should appear balanced and natural, without signs of coarseness or refinement.
Facial Part
The muzzle is of medium length, tapering slightly toward the chin. Cheeks are moderate, fuller in mature males. The chin is strong and proportionate. The nose is straight, broad at the base, and smoothly connected to the forehead. The expression should be open, friendly, and alert, emphasizing the breed’s natural look and liveliness.
Eyes
Eyes are large, almond-shaped, wide-set, and slightly slanted, giving an expressive look. The color depends on the coat; rich green and amber shades are most valued. The gaze is bright, attentive, and full of life. The shape of the eyes enhances the harmony of the head, adding alertness and softness at the same time.
Ears
Ears are medium to large, wide at the base, high and upright. Tips are slightly rounded. The placement complements the wedge-shaped head. The inner surface is lightly furnished, and the outer edges are neat. The ears should be in balance with the overall head size, giving the cat a lively and alert expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, and muscular, connecting smoothly to the head and body. In males, it may appear more powerful but should never look coarse. The neck emphasizes the breed’s natural strength and balance, maintaining harmony in the overall silhouette.
Body
The body is medium-sized, strong, and muscular with graceful proportions. The chest is broad and deep; the back is straight and firm. The loin is stable, the abdomen slightly tucked, and the flanks gently curved. The bone structure is solid, the musculature well-developed but not heavy. The overall impression should reflect strength, endurance, and natural harmony.
Tail
The tail is medium in length, proportionate to the body, thick at the base, and tapering gradually to a rounded tip. It should be straight, flexible, and in line with the spine. No kinks, deformities, or excessive length are allowed. The tail completes the silhouette gracefully and harmoniously.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are of medium length, strong, and muscular with solid bones. Shoulders are powerful and blend smoothly into the chest. Paws are round, compact, with strong toes and firm pads. Limbs must be straight and parallel when viewed from the front, ensuring stability and strength.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, providing agility, balance, and grace. Thighs are muscular, joints are strong and well-formed. Paws are round and compact. The hindlimbs should appear straight and parallel from behind, ensuring smooth and confident movement.
Gait and Movement
The gait is light, flexible, and graceful, reflecting the cat’s natural agility. Movements are free and elastic, demonstrating endurance and coordination. The body remains straight in motion, the tail maintaining balance. Each step should appear soft, fluid, and natural.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, and evenly covering the body. It lies close to the skin, emphasizing the cat’s lines. The undercoat is minimal or moderate. The texture is smooth, elastic, and slightly glossy, showing adaptation to the regional climate. The coat should always appear clean, healthy, and natural.
Acceptable Colors
All traditional colors are accepted: solid, tabby in all variations, bicolor, van, harlequin, and tortoiseshell. Clear contrast and intensity of color are preferred. Colorpoint and Abyssinian-style ticking are disallowed. Eye color must harmonize with the coat and be pure and vivid. The diversity of patterns reflects the breed’s natural heritage.
Size
Males are medium to large, weighing between 5 and 7 kg, with a strong, balanced body. Females are more delicate, weighing between 3.5 and 5 kg. The height corresponds proportionally to body length. The breed should give an impression of strength and endurance without coarseness or thinness.
Faults
Faults include lack of body balance, weak musculature, overly narrow or elongated silhouette, disproportionate head or limbs, oversized or undersized ears, incorrect placement, small or dull eyes, weak chin, or uneven profile. Coat faults include dullness, lack of gloss, excessive or missing undercoat, and poor texture. Unclear tabby markings or faded color reduce evaluation. Shyness, fearfulness, or excessive timidity are also considered undesirable.
Disqualification
Disqualification under ICCF standards applies to serious deviations such as deformities of the head or body, asymmetrical skull, severe bite defects, missing teeth affecting function, strabismus, blindness, eyelid defects, limb deformities, or tail kinks. Abnormal movement, lameness, hereditary diseases, or disallowed colors such as colorpoint or Abyssinian ticking also lead to disqualification. Aggression, uncontrolled behavior, or total lack of response to the judge are grounds for exclusion.
Important Notes
The Anatolian cat is an indigenous breed shaped by natural evolution; therefore, its natural traits must be preserved. It is known for its health, endurance, and adaptability. Breeding under ICCF must focus on maintaining the breed type, proportional harmony, and natural temperament. Cats should show stable psychology, vitality, and social behavior. Crossbreeding is strictly prohibited to preserve its authenticity. The coat must remain short, shiny, and naturally textured. Only cats with ICCF documentation confirming origin may participate in shows or breeding programs.
Conclusion
The Anatolian cat is a unique natural breed that has preserved its ancient type, health, and harmony of strength and grace. It is valued for its natural origin, liveliness, stability, and friendly temperament. Within the ICCF system, the breed is regarded as a cultural heritage, and breeding must adhere to strict standards. Only cats with official ICCF documents confirming pedigree and standard compliance may participate in shows and breeding. Responsible breeding ensures healthy, well-balanced cats free from disqualifying defects. The ICCF’s mission is to preserve the breed’s authenticity, strengthen its genetic foundation, and secure its significance in global feline development.
