Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Background
The Asian cat, also known as the Asian Tabby, is a relatively young breed that originated in the second half of the 20th century. Its development began in the United Kingdom as part of a purposeful breeding program that crossed Burmese cats with other breeds to achieve animals with a harmonious physique, expressive coat patterns, and a gentle disposition. The breed quickly gained popularity thanks to its unusual appearance and lively temperament. Cats with a classic tabby pattern were especially valued for their individuality and distinct charm. Today, the Asian cat continues to develop actively within breeding programs and is officially recognized by ICCF as an independent breed combining elegance, robust health, and a sociable nature.
General Appearance
The Asian cat is a medium-sized, elegant animal with a strong bone structure and well-developed musculature. The body is lean yet firm, with harmonious proportions, a straight topline, and a rounded ribcage. The breed gives an impression of balanced grace and power combined with lightness. The head is wedge-shaped with smooth lines, featuring large, expressive eyes that give the face a vivid and intelligent expression. The tail is of medium length, proportionate to the body, flexible, and mobile. The coat is short or medium in length, silky, close-lying, and glossy. The overall impression is that of an active, graceful, and affectionate cat with fluid movement and alert expression.
Important Proportions
In ICCF evaluation, balance and harmony are key in the Asian cat. The head should be in proportion to the body, wedge-shaped with a gentle curve from forehead to nose. The body is medium in length—neither elongated nor compact. The limbs are slender yet strong, with the hind legs slightly longer than the forelegs, emphasizing the breed’s dynamic outline. The tail is of medium length, tapering slightly toward the tip and proportionate to the body. The eyes are relatively large, wide-set, and enhance the cat’s expressive appearance. All parts must create a unified, balanced impression of an animal designed for movement and vitality.
Behavior and Character
The Asian cat has a calm yet lively temperament. It is an affectionate, intelligent, and people-oriented breed. These cats easily adapt to new environments, show keen curiosity, and love to play and participate in family life. They are friendly with children and coexist peacefully with other pets, making them ideal companions. Despite their energy and curiosity, they are not aggressive and quickly establish bonds with their owners. They are emotionally attached to humans and often seek companionship. Intelligent and trainable, they easily learn simple commands and household routines.
Head
The head of the Asian cat is medium-sized, wedge-shaped, and proportionate to the body, with smooth lines. The forehead is slightly rounded, the cheekbones gently contoured. The cheeks are moderately full, more developed in adult males. The chin is firm and well-defined, not protruding or receding. The profile is straight and harmonious, with a smooth transition from the forehead to the nose. The head should give an impression of refinement and completeness of form.
Facial Part
The muzzle is moderately long, slightly rounded while retaining the wedge shape. The nose is straight, of medium length and width, neither short nor elongated. The transition from forehead to nose is smooth and continuous. The chin is strong and well-defined, with a correct bite. The expression is lively and intelligent, emphasizing the breed’s balance and refinement.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and slightly slanted toward the nose, creating an expressive and alert look. They are wide-set, with bright, saturated colors ranging from gold to green, with amber shades also seen. Eye rims are dark, enhancing their shape. The expression is vivid, intelligent, and inquisitive, reflecting the breed’s friendly disposition and charm.
Ears
The ears are medium to large, broad at the base, with rounded tips. They are set wide apart and slightly forward, emphasizing the wedge shape of the head. The inner surface is well furnished with fine hair, creating a neat outline. The ears should harmonize with the head and not appear too large or too small, maintaining overall balance and symmetry.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, muscular yet elegant, proportionate to the body. In males it is stronger and more robust; in females, finer and more graceful. It connects smoothly to the shoulders, neither short nor overly long. The neck enhances the impression of lightness and balance in the breed’s outline.
Body
The body is medium in length, muscular and firm, with a light bone structure. The back is straight, the chest rounded and deep, the loin strong. The body should not be overly long or compact. The overall type is balanced and athletic, conveying both elegance and strength in equal measure.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, flexible and mobile, evenly covered with hair. It is moderately thick at the base and tapers smoothly to a rounded tip. The tail should be proportional to the body, without kinks, deformities, or irregularities. It complements the silhouette and enhances the elegance of the breed.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are of medium length, slender but strong, with a firm bone structure. The shoulders are smooth and well integrated with the chest. Paws are round, compact, and neat, with strong pads. The forelegs must be proportionate to the body, providing lightness and stability in movement.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the silhouette a dynamic, forward-moving appearance. Thighs are strong and muscular, smoothly joining rounded paws. The paws are oval, compact, and firm. The limbs should be elegant and balanced, maintaining proportion and flexibility.
Gait and Movement
The gait is light, elastic, and springy. Movements are graceful, smooth, and flexible. The cat moves with confidence, demonstrating coordination, balance, and energy. The movement should convey agility, vitality, and the breed’s natural elegance.
Coat
The coat is short or medium in length, silky, and lies close to the body. The undercoat is minimal, giving a smooth appearance. The fur has a natural sheen and should always appear glossy, soft, and well-groomed.
Acceptable Colors
All tabby patterns are accepted: mackerel, classic (blotched), spotted, and ticked. Basic colors include black, chocolate, blue, lilac, and their variations. Bicolor and tricolor patterns with distinct tabby markings are permitted.
Size
Males are medium to large, weighing 4–6 kg, with strong musculature and a firm frame. Females are lighter, 3–4.5 kg, more refined and graceful. Sexual dimorphism is clear: males are more powerful, females more delicate and elegant.
Faults
Faults include deviations from standard that reduce show quality but do not necessarily disqualify the cat from breeding. These include a body that is too light or overly heavy, imbalance of proportions, excessively long or short torso, flat or shallow chest, incorrect ear size or placement, pale or dull eye color, weak chin, coarse or overly soft facial lines, or poor nose proportions. A dull, harsh, or lifeless coat, weak musculature, thin body, or tail of incorrect length or shape are also considered faults.
Disqualification
Disqualification applies to defects that make exhibition or breeding impossible. These include serious tail deformities (kinks, stiffness, fused vertebrae), malocclusion (undershot, overshot, jaw asymmetry), strabismus, small or deformed eyes, incorrect almond shape, and coat patterns with large white patches not allowed by the standard. Cats with signs of hereditary diseases, locomotor abnormalities, or severe congenital deformities are disqualified. Behavioral issues such as aggression, fearfulness, or lack of response to human contact also lead to disqualification.
mportant Notes
The ICCF system establishes strict rules for the breeding of Asian cats. All cats must have official ICCF documentation confirming their origin, health, and standard compliance. Breeders must avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity. Regular veterinary examinations, genetic testing, and temperament assessments are mandatory. Special attention is paid to preserving the breed’s signature features—expressive tabby coat, silky texture, almond-shaped eyes, and wedge-shaped head. Cats with disqualifying faults must not be used in breeding. ICCF judges evaluate not only physical appearance but also temperament: the cat should be calm, social, and friendly.
Conclusion
The Asian cat is a unique breed that combines elegance of form with a gentle, affectionate temperament, making it an exceptional companion and a show-class representative. The ICCF standard strictly regulates its type, behavior, and breeding requirements, ensuring preservation of the breed’s quality and genetic stability. Participation in ICCF exhibitions is permitted only for cats with official documentation confirming pedigree and health. Breeding is allowed exclusively under approved ICCF programs and expert supervision. Thus, the Asian cat within the ICCF system preserves its unique phenotype and high breeding culture, serving as an example of refined balance between beauty, character, and sound genetics.
