Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Kanaani cat breed originated in Israel at the end of the 20th century through deliberate breeding work aimed at domesticating and preserving the features of the wild desert cat native to the Middle East. The foundation of the breed was the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which was crossed with domestic short-haired cats to soften its temperament and create a stable phenotype. The goal of the selection program was to develop a unique breed that retained the wild majesty and appearance of its ancestors while possessing a balanced temperament suitable for home life. As a result, a harmonious cat type was formed — medium-sized, with a strong body, distinctive wild coloration, and well-developed musculature. The breed was officially recognized and accepted by international feline organizations, gaining attention for its rarity, exotic appeal, and inherited natural resilience.
General Appearance
The Kanaani cat is a medium-sized animal with an elongated body, well-developed musculature, and elegant yet powerful lines. Its appearance retains the wild essence: an elongated muzzle, long limbs, firm body, and coloration reminiscent of its desert ancestors. The head is slightly wedge-shaped with smooth transitions, the ears are large and set high, giving an alert expression. The eyes are almond-shaped and expressive, with shades ranging from yellow to green. The tail is proportional, tapering toward the tip and flexible. The coat is short, dense, and close-lying, with a clearly defined tabby pattern. Overall, the Kanaani gives the impression of a strong, harmonious animal with natural grace and fluidity of movement, combining the elegance of a domestic cat with the wild beauty of its forebears.
Important Proportions
The breed is characterized by harmonious yet elongated proportions. The head should be slightly longer than it is wide, with a smooth transition from forehead to muzzle. The body is long and firm but not coarse, its length exceeding the height at the withers. The limbs are long and slender, the hind legs slightly higher than the front, giving the breed its characteristic rising back line. The tail must be long and proportional, without shortening. The ears take up a significant portion of the head, their base width approximately one-third the width of the muzzle. The eyes are spaced at about one eye’s width apart and slightly slanted. The coat is short and evenly distributed, with a well-defined pattern. The essential quality is the balance between natural strength and elegance, without signs of heaviness or fragility.
Behavior and Temperament
The Kanaani combines the independence and vigor of its wild ancestor with the friendliness of a domestic cat. It is energetic, curious, and highly active, preferring open spaces and opportunities for physical play. Despite its natural independence, the Kanaani forms a strong bond with its owner, showing loyalty and sociability. These cats are not aggressive but remain cautious around strangers, displaying a protective instinct inherited from their wild relatives. Their temperament is calm and stable, without nervousness or hysteria. When properly socialized, they coexist well with children and other pets. The breed is valued for its intelligence, independence, and trainability. Retaining a strong hunting instinct, the Kanaani is an excellent hunter and observer.
Head
The head of the Kanaani cat has a slightly elongated wedge shape with balanced proportions, a moderately broad top, and smooth contour lines. The forehead is gently rounded without sharp angles. The profile is straight, the nose long and straight with a subtle dip at the bridge. Cheekbones are moderately defined, creating a smooth contour without heaviness. The chin is firm but not protruding, aligned with the nose. The muzzle is elongated but not pointed, with soft outlines emphasizing the breed’s natural wild expression. The overall head shape must reflect a balance of strength and elegance.
Facial Part
The facial part of the Kanaani is distinguished by an elongated muzzle with defined but soft lines. The nose is straight and long, of medium width, gradually widening toward the base. The cheeks are moderate, neither heavy nor flat. The cheekbones are slightly raised, enhancing the feline’s wild yet refined expression. The chin is even and strong, harmoniously aligned with the nose. Whiskers are long and thick, reinforcing the natural look of the breed. The facial structure gives the Kanaani its characteristic alert expression, combining wilderness with elegance. All lines should remain smooth yet expressive, consistent with the breed’s refined type.
Eyes
The Kanaani’s eyes are large, almond-shaped, and slightly slanted, giving a distinctly wild look. They are widely set, spaced approximately one eye’s width apart. Eye color ranges from bright yellow to rich green, with all intermediate shades acceptable, though pure, intense hues are preferred. The gaze is lively, expressive, and alert. The dark eye rim accentuates the almond shape, creating contrast with the coat color. The eyes must be symmetrical and well integrated into the overall head contour.
Ears
The ears are large, broad at the base, and slightly pointed at the tips. They are set high and upright, enhancing the alert and wild expression. The interior of the ear is lightly furred, without pronounced tufts, though a fine covering is acceptable. The distance between the ears is small, but they must not be too close together. The size of the ear corresponds to roughly one-third the head’s length. The ears should be mobile and responsive to sounds and surroundings. Their size and placement give the Kanaani its distinctive alert, expressive look, emphasizing its desert-cat ancestry.
Neck
The Kanaani’s neck is of medium length, strong and muscular, smoothly merging into the shoulders and body. It should neither appear short nor excessively long but harmonize with overall proportions. Visually, the neck gives the cat both elegance and strength, underlining its natural grace. The skin fits closely without folds. Males may have a slightly thicker neck than females, which is normal. The neck plays an important role in maintaining balance and contributes to the breed’s characteristic flexibility and wild bearing.
Body
The Kanaani’s body is elongated, flexible, and muscular, with a solid bone structure. The chest is deep but not broad, with slightly rounded ribs. The back is straight, rising gently toward the croup, giving the silhouette its distinctive dynamic line. The abdomen is tight and never sagging. The body lines are smooth, balancing power and elegance. The overall impression should be that of a strong and resilient animal with natural refinement, retaining the grace of its wild ancestors. The balance between musculature and flexibility is essential to the breed.
Tail
The tail is long and proportionate to the body, tapering toward the tip and highly flexible. It is an important tool for balance during movement, jumping, and hunting. The base is broad, gradually narrowing toward the end, forming a smooth outline. The fur is short and close-lying, matching the texture of the body coat. The color and pattern follow the body markings, often ringed, reinforcing the resemblance to wild cats. The tail must be free of kinks, breaks, or deformities. Its correct shape completes the balanced and harmonious look of the breed.
Exterior Description
Forelimbs
The forelimbs are long, slender, and strong, with dry, well-developed musculature. The shoulder blades are slanted, allowing freedom of motion and agility in jumps. The elbows point straight back and must not turn inward or outward. Bones are strong but not coarse. The paws are oval, compact, with flexible, strong toes. Pads are firm and rounded; claws are sharp and mobile. The forelimbs should convey both lightness and strength, remaining proportional to the body and ensuring agility and stability in movement.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs are longer than the front, giving the silhouette a slightly elevated rear line. Thighs are muscular, knees well defined, and the joint angles provide excellent jumping power and acceleration. Lower legs are lean, strong, with smooth curvature. Hocks are low and parallel when viewed from behind. Paws are oval, compact, with tough pads and strong claws. Hind limbs must blend harmoniously with the front, forming a unified, strong, and elastic structure. Their design reflects the breed’s natural agility and endurance.
Gait and Movement
The Kanaani’s gait is light, springy, and fluid, expressing the grace of a wild predator. Movements are free and effortless, the body maintaining a smooth, gliding line. At a walk, elasticity is noticeable; at a run, powerful thrusts of the hind legs and soft cushioning of the forelegs are evident. Its stride is confident and rhythmic, giving an impression of hidden strength. The cat moves silently and smoothly, demonstrating excellent hunting skills. Movements must be coordinated and harmonious; stiffness, imbalance, or poor coordination are considered faults.
Coat
The Kanaani’s coat is short, dense, and close-lying, with a fine yet resilient texture. It has a natural sheen and elasticity that reflect good health. The undercoat is thin but sufficient to maintain density, especially in cooler seasons. The coat is evenly distributed, with the same texture on the tail and limbs. To the touch, it should feel smooth and firm. Acceptable colors include tabby variations with a distinct pattern — from warm sandy-golden tones to deeper brown and gray shades. Both spotted and striped patterns are permitted. Solid colors or lack of tabby markings are disqualifying.
Size
The Kanaani cat belongs to medium-sized breeds. Females are generally lighter and more refined, weighing 3.5–5 kg, with a solid frame and developed muscles. Males are larger, weighing 5–7 kg, with a more robust build and stronger musculature. Height at the withers is about 30 cm in females and up to 35 cm in males. Cats must appear balanced, neither too thin nor heavy. The proportions emphasize the breed’s natural elegance and strength.
Faults
Faults include deviations from balanced proportions: overly short or massive body, weak musculature, excessive thinness or heaviness of bone. Head faults include overly round shapes, too short or broad a nose, weak chin, or overly pronounced cheekbones. Eyes that are too small, round, or close-set are undesirable. Ears that are small, low-set, or wide apart are also faults. A neck that is too short or long, a sagging or narrow body, or a slanted back are disqualifying features. Coat faults include dullness, sparsity, or lack of distinct tabby markings. Behavioral faults such as fearfulness, aggression, or apathy reduce exhibition evaluation.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations from the ICCF standard: tail kinks, strabismus, incorrect bite, missing or excessive teeth. Genetic disorders causing deformities or movement impairment exclude a cat from breeding. Absence of tabby markings, solid coloring, or presence of white patches disrupting the pattern are disqualifying. Short tails, weak bones, or structural deformities of ears or eyes are unacceptable. Aggressive or extremely fearful behavior preventing examination is grounds for disqualification. Any artificial alteration—such as dyeing the coat or surgical modification of body shape—leads to automatic exclusion.
Important Notes
In ICCF evaluations, particular attention is given to harmony of proportions, natural type, and adherence to the standard. Minor deviations are permissible if they do not affect health or the overall impression. Given the breed’s natural origin, individual variations inherited from wild ancestors may occur. Breeding is allowed only with verified ICCF documentation ensuring pedigree purity. Show cats must display a healthy appearance, balanced temperament, and natural wild charm. Proper care for this breed includes adequate space, a high-quality diet, and opportunities for active behavior.
Conclusion
The Kanaani cat is a unique breed combining wild ancestry with domestic balance. The ICCF standard emphasizes the preservation of natural appearance, proportional harmony, and distinct tabby markings. Participation in shows and breeding is permitted only for cats with official ICCF documents confirming lineage and compliance with the established requirements. Only such cats can be recognized as true representatives of the breed and approved for breeding. The ICCF system strictly monitors breed quality, ensuring the preservation of the Kanaani’s uniqueness and stability. Thus, the Kanaani is a rare and valuable cat whose participation is reserved for officially recognized ICCF programs.
