Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Highland Straight is a long-haired variety of the Scottish cat breed with straight ears, recognized as a distinct type in the 1970s. It originated from Scottish Straight cats and represents the longhaired counterpart of the Scottish Shorthair. The breed inherited the rounded features and sturdy build of its Scottish lineage, combined with a fuller, flowing coat. The Highland Straight quickly gained popularity among cat lovers for its charming appearance and affectionate temperament. The ICCF recognizes the breed with detailed standards for shows and breeding programs.
General Appearance
The Highland Straight is a medium-sized cat with a compact, muscular body and softly rounded contours. The head is round with smooth lines and well-developed cheekbones, giving a sweet, friendly expression. The ears are upright with rounded tips and tufts of fur. The eyes are large, round, and expressive, their color corresponding to the coat shade. The coat is long, dense, and soft with a thick undercoat—flowing but resistant to matting. The tail is long, fluffy, and tapering, in proportion to the body.
Important Proportions
The breed is characterized by harmony and balance: a medium body with even width from shoulders to hips and rounded lines. The head is round with a broad forehead and pronounced cheeks. Ears are medium-sized, straight, with rounded tips, set wide apart. Limbs are sturdy and proportional, with rounded paws and tightly closed toes. The tail reaches about the middle of the shoulder blades and ends with a rounded tip. Balanced proportions give the breed elegance, strength, and a steady appearance.
Temperament and Character
The Highland Straight is a friendly, social breed with a calm and balanced disposition. These cats are curious and active but not overly energetic. They adapt easily to family life, get along with children and other pets, and show intelligence and gentleness. The breed is affectionate yet respectful of personal space. Aggression is uncharacteristic. ICCF emphasizes a stable temperament and adaptability as essential breed qualities.
Head
The head is round with a high forehead and smooth, curved lines. Cheekbones are well developed, adding fullness to the face. The transition from forehead to nose is gentle. The nose is short, broad, and straight in profile. The chin is strong and square, completing the rounded head shape. The muzzle is full with well-developed whisker pads. The overall expression is kind, open, and gentle, as required by ICCF standards.
Facial Part
The face is neat and well-proportioned. The nose is medium in length and width, straight and balanced. Cheeks are rounded, creating a soft, friendly look. The chin is well-defined, and the jaws are even. Whiskers are long, fine, and light-colored. The face conveys calmness and harmony, aligning with ICCF’s emphasis on proportion and softness.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, and widely set. Their color varies with coat pattern—commonly green, amber, blue, or copper. The expression is lively, intelligent, and affectionate. The eyelids are smooth and clean, without folds or puffiness. The eyes are considered a key feature in ICCF evaluations, reflecting both health and character.
Ears
The ears are straight, medium-sized, with rounded tips, set wide apart and fully upright. They are well-furred with noticeable tufts on the tips. The ears are mobile, expressing the cat’s mood and attentiveness. In ICCF standards, correct ear shape and placement are essential; folded or low-set ears are considered faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, muscular yet elegant, forming a smooth transition between head and torso. The skin is tight, and the fur is dense. The neck should enhance the cat’s balanced silhouette, connecting strength with grace. ICCF values a proportionate, natural neckline consistent with the body’s overall form.
Body
The body is medium-sized, strong, and compact, with rounded contours. The shoulders and hips are of equal width. The back is straight and solid, with a deep, broad chest and slightly tucked abdomen. Limbs are proportional, with strong paws and tightly grouped toes. The overall impression is one of balance, stability, and power without heaviness—meeting ICCF’s requirements for symmetry and proportion.
Tail
The tail is long, fluffy, and evenly tapering toward the rounded tip. It reaches approximately to the middle of the shoulder blades and is flexible with no kinks or thickening. The tail’s dense, flowing fur complements the overall elegance of the breed. ICCF standards consider the tail an important feature for overall harmony and balance.
Forelegs
The forelegs are straight, of medium length, with solid bone structure and well-developed muscles. Elbows are close to the body and properly aligned. Paws are oval, compact, and stable with firm pads. The forelegs support smooth and balanced movement. Strong, light-colored claws are typical. Faults include bowed or weak legs.
Hind Legs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, muscular, and strong, giving the cat its agility. The joints are well-formed, providing excellent flexibility. Paws are oval and sturdy with firm pads and claws. The hindquarters contribute to the breed’s strength and balance, important for active movement and jumping. ICCF standards highlight correct leg proportion and mobility.
Gait and Movement
The Highland Straight moves freely, gracefully, and with balance. Movements are soft and coordinated, demonstrating good posture and agility. The gait is smooth, neither stiff nor heavy. The cat can change direction or speed effortlessly, showing health and natural athleticism. According to ICCF, gait reflects overall well-being and structural correctness.
Coat
The coat is long, thick, and silky, with a plush undercoat. It lies smoothly along the body and resists tangling. The texture is soft and luxurious, providing good protection from cold and moisture. Acceptable patterns include solid, tabby, bicolor, and colorpoint varieties. ICCF values density, quality, and shine of the coat as indicators of health and grooming.
Allowed Colors
All typical Scottish colors are permitted: solid, tabby, spotted, bicolor, and colorpoint in shades of black, blue, silver, cream, red, chocolate, and lilac. The colors should be bright, clear, and well-defined. Glossy, well-maintained fur is highly valued in ICCF evaluations.
Size
The Highland Straight is a medium-sized cat. Males weigh between 4 and 6.5 kg, females between 3 and 5 kg. Height at the withers averages 25–30 cm. The body is compact yet muscular, with well-proportioned limbs. The size contributes to endurance and agility while maintaining an elegant appearance. ICCF prioritizes proportionality and overall harmony over absolute size.
Faults
Faults include imbalance in proportions, excessive thinness or obesity, angular or flat head shape, poorly defined cheeks, or incorrect ear placement. Small, asymmetrical, or incorrectly shaped eyes reduce evaluation. Sparse undercoat, matted fur, or dull texture are considered flaws. Behavioral issues—aggressiveness or excessive shyness—also negatively impact show scores and breeding suitability.
Disqualification
Disqualification under ICCF standards applies to severe deviations: deformities of the head or body, incorrect ear shape or absence of tufts, improper eye shape (round instead of oval), abnormal tail or limbs, or incorrect coat type (too short, sparse, or matted). Cats with severe behavioral disorders, physical impairments, or without valid ICCF documentation confirming pedigree are disqualified from shows and breeding.
Important Notes
ICCF pays particular attention to maintaining the genetic health of the Highland Straight and preventing hereditary disorders. Regular grooming is essential to avoid tangles and maintain coat quality. The breed benefits from active play and mental engagement. The Highland Straight makes an excellent family pet—gentle, sociable, and affectionate. Participation in ICCF shows and breeding programs requires verified pedigree documentation, ensuring breed purity and quality.
Conclusion
According to ICCF standards, the Highland Straight is a beautiful, harmonious breed that combines a gentle nature, elegant appearance, and robust health. Its well-balanced proportions, expressive eyes, and dense, flowing coat make it a favorite among cat enthusiasts and show judges. Breeding and exhibition are permitted only with official ICCF documentation verifying origin and conformity. ICCF’s strict standards and breeder responsibility ensure the preservation and international recognition of the Highland Straight as a graceful and enduring breed.
