Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Ceylon cat is a rare breed originating from the island of Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon. Local cats with distinctive ticked coats and expressive features lived alongside humans for centuries, valued for their agility and hunting ability. In the 1980s, Italian feline experts took interest in these unique native cats and began selective breeding programs aimed at preserving their natural characteristics. The foundation stock consisted of indigenous Ceylon cats, with selective crossings to European Shorthairs to strengthen genetic stability. The breed gained official recognition in the late 20th century and remains rare in international feline registries today. The Ceylon cat is admired for its natural harmony, compact size, expressive ticking pattern, and friendly temperament.
General Appearance
The Ceylon cat is a medium-sized, well-proportioned animal that combines strength and grace. Its body is compact and muscular, yet not heavy, with a straight back and a slightly tucked abdomen. The head is rounded with smooth contours, expressive cheekbones, and a gentle transition from the forehead to the muzzle. Ears are medium-sized, rounded at the tips, and set well apart. Eyes are large, round, and bright, giving a lively and intelligent expression. The short, close-lying coat with pronounced ticking adds to the breed’s distinctive elegance. The overall appearance reflects its natural origin—balanced, refined, and friendly.
Important Proportions
The Ceylon cat is characterized by well-balanced proportions. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, forming a harmonious silhouette. The head is round, neither too broad nor elongated, with soft curves. Ears make up roughly one-third the length of the head, standing vertically and evenly spaced. Eyes are large, with a distance between them equal to the width of one eye. Legs are of medium length, proportional to the body, with compact oval paws. The tail is of medium length, tapering gently toward a rounded tip. There should be no signs of heaviness or excessive refinement—the body must appear natural and cohesive. Balance and proportion are the breed’s defining features.
Temperament and Character
Ceylon cats are gentle, affectionate, and well-balanced in temperament. They are sociable and devoted to their owners, seeking attention but never being intrusive. Active and playful, they adapt well to family life and coexist peacefully with children and other pets. Intelligent and curious, they quickly learn routines and enjoy interactive play. Their behavior reflects an even temper—lively yet calm, affectionate yet confident. Ceylon cats make ideal companions, combining friendliness, intelligence, and emotional balance.
Head
The head is medium-sized and rounded, with smooth contours that create a harmonious and pleasing impression. The forehead is slightly convex and broad, with a gentle slope to a straight, moderately short nose. Cheeks are well-defined but not coarse, emphasizing expressiveness. The muzzle is short, rounded, and proportional, neither pointed nor elongated. The chin is strong and aligned with the nose, giving balance to the profile. Overall, the head conveys natural elegance, intelligence, and refinement, consistent with the ICCF standard.
Facial Features
The facial structure of the Ceylon cat highlights the breed’s natural charm. The nose is of medium length, broad at the base, tapering smoothly to a rounded tip. Whisker pads are full and prominent, enhancing the rounded shape of the face. Cheeks are soft and slightly rounded, with smooth transitions. Lips are neat and well-defined, contributing to an overall balanced look. The face must appear harmonious and proportionate, with an expression of gentleness, alertness, and kindness characteristic of the breed.
Eyes
Eyes are large, round, slightly almond-shaped, and set wide apart, giving the cat an open, friendly expression. The space between the eyes equals the width of one eye. Eye color ranges from deep yellow to green, with amber tones also permitted. The color must be vivid, pure, and uniform, without dullness. Blue or very pale eyes are considered faults. The gaze should be lively, intelligent, and inquisitive, reflecting the cat’s gentle and curious nature.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, broad at the base, with rounded tips. They are set upright and evenly spaced, maintaining harmony with the rounded shape of the head. The inner ear has fine, short hair, while the outer surface is smooth. Ears that are too small, large, sharply pointed, or set too high or low are considered faults. Proper ear placement enhances the overall balance and gentle expression of the Ceylon cat.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, well-muscled yet graceful, smoothly connecting the head and body. It should be strong enough to support the head but remain elegant in outline. Males tend to have thicker, more powerful necks, while females have slender, refined ones. The neck must blend seamlessly into the shoulders, maintaining a smooth and balanced silhouette that enhances the breed’s natural poise.
Body
The Ceylon cat has a compact, medium-sized body with a solid bone structure and well-developed muscles. The back is straight, with a slightly raised loin. The chest is rounded and deep but not excessively broad, maintaining the cat’s refined proportions. The abdomen is tight and firm, highlighting the cat’s agility. The overall impression is one of balance and natural athleticism—neither heavy nor delicate. The body reflects its aboriginal origins, combining strength, flexibility, and grace.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, straight, and proportional to the body. It is of even thickness at the base, tapering gently toward a rounded tip. The coat on the tail is short and close-lying, sometimes showing faint ring patterns that accentuate the ticking. The tail should be flexible and well-balanced, without kinks, deformities, or excessive length. It completes the cat’s elegant silhouette.
Forelegs
Forelegs are of medium length, straight, and muscular, with strong yet refined bone structure. The elbows are aligned close to the body without turning inward or outward. Paws are compact and oval, with firm pads and strong claws. The limbs provide stability, agility, and smooth movement. Proportional forelegs emphasize the breed’s balance and athletic appearance.
Hind Legs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the body a gentle upward slope from shoulders to croup. The thighs are muscular and strong, with well-formed joints. Hocks are firm and well-set, providing stability and power for jumping. Paws are oval and resilient, matching the forelegs in shape and proportion. Proper hind leg structure ensures balance, agility, and strength, which are hallmarks of the breed.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the Ceylon cat is light, elastic, and graceful. Movements are smooth, coordinated, and confident. The cat walks with even, direct steps, demonstrating balance and control. When running, its movements are springy and flexible, showing natural athleticism and energy. The gait should always appear effortless and natural, emphasizing the cat’s lively yet composed temperament.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, close-lying, and glossy. The texture is fine and silky, with moderate undercoat providing volume and softness. Each hair is ticked with multiple color bands, giving the coat depth and a shimmering effect. The ticking should be even and distinct across the body. The coat requires minimal grooming and should always appear healthy and lustrous.
Approved Colors
Only ticked coat patterns are permitted. Typical colors include warm golden-sand tabby with rich tones, silver tabby with clear contrast, and warm beige-brown with intense ticking. Each hair must display multiple color zones to achieve the breed’s characteristic iridescence. Solid, color-point, blue, chocolate, or white colors are not permitted. Emphasis is placed on warm natural tones with rich contrast and sheen.
Size
Ceylon cats are medium-sized but compact and well-built. Adult males weigh between 4.5–6 kg, with strong, muscular individuals reaching up to 7 kg. Females are smaller and more refined, weighing 3.5–4.5 kg. The average height is 28–32 cm, and body length is about 40–50 cm. The tail is proportional to the body length. The ideal cat should appear balanced, athletic, and elegant, without excessive heaviness or thinness.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from breed harmony and type: a head that is too large or too small, lack of roundness, elongated muzzle, or incorrect ear shape or position. Eyes that are small, narrow, pale, or uneven in color reduce the evaluation. A weak or sagging abdomen, poor muscle tone, or disproportionate limbs are also undesirable. Coats lacking defined ticking, appearing dull or overly fluffy, are considered faults. Behavioral issues such as shyness, anxiety, or aggression can also affect judging. While not disqualifying, such traits significantly lower show scores.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults under ICCF standards include serious structural or genetic defects: marked cranial asymmetry, malocclusion, deformities of the ears or tail, or total absence of ticking. Unacceptable coat colors include solid white, blue, chocolate, color-point, or any unlisted shades. Blue or odd-colored eyes, limb deformities, tail kinks, or obvious lameness result in disqualification. Severe behavioral problems such as unprovoked aggression or extreme fearfulness also lead to exclusion. Participation in shows and breeding is only permitted for registered ICCF cats with verified pedigrees.
Important Notes
The Ceylon cat remains a rare and valuable breed requiring careful preservation. Breeders must prioritize maintaining its natural characteristics—rounded head, expressive eyes, proportional body, and distinctive ticking. Crossbreeding with other breeds is strictly prohibited. All breeding and show cats must have ICCF registration and pedigree documentation. Due to their intelligence and energy, Ceylon cats require an enriching environment with climbing and play opportunities. The breed is generally healthy but requires responsible breeding practices to maintain genetic diversity. Only cats fully conforming to ICCF standards are eligible for breeding and show participation.
Conclusion
The Ceylon cat is a rare and harmonious breed that combines natural beauty, elegance, and a gentle temperament. Preserving its Sri Lankan heritage, it stands out for its compact form, vivid ticking, and intelligent expression. Under ICCF standards, participation in shows and breeding is limited to cats with official pedigree documentation, ensuring breed purity and quality. These cats embody the balance of strength, grace, and character—making them an exceptional companion and a distinguished representative of their native lineage in the international feline community.
