Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Colorpoint cat breed originated in the mid-20th century as the result of selective breeding that combined the refined appearance of Siamese cats with a wider range of coat colors. The breed was developed through crosses between Siamese, Persian, and other cats to stabilize the characteristic pointed pattern and the soft texture of the coat. The first Colorpoints appeared in the United Kingdom and the United States, where breeders sought to preserve the elegance typical of oriental breeds while expanding the color palette. Gradually, the Colorpoint gained wide recognition worldwide as a breed noted for its expressive coloration, harmonious body, and balanced temperament.
General Appearance
The Colorpoint is a harmoniously built, medium-sized cat combining refined lines with striking coloration. The body is elongated yet muscular, with smooth contours and good balance accentuated by long legs and a proportionate head, forming an elegant silhouette. A distinctive feature is the strong contrast between the light body color and the darker points on the face, ears, legs, and tail. These darker zones emphasize the oriental character of the breed. The coat is soft, dense, and close-lying, enhancing the impression of grace and grooming.
Important Proportions
The breed’s proportions must be harmonious. The head should flow smoothly into the long, slender neck and body. Height at the withers should be close to the length of the body, creating balance. The tail’s length should be proportional to the torso, reaching at least the shoulder line. Limbs are long and slim but not overly fine, ending in oval paws that provide stability. The skull is smooth and wedge-shaped, without abrupt transitions. The muzzle length and head width should be approximately equal (1:1 ratio), ensuring symmetry. The overall mass-to-bone ratio should convey elegance without heaviness or frailty.
Behavior and Temperament
Colorpoints have a friendly and even temperament. They are active but not demanding, affectionate, playful, and strongly bonded to their owners. The breed adapts easily to various living conditions, remaining lively and curious without being overly vocal. Colorpoints get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent companions for families. Intelligent and gentle, they exhibit both calmness and playfulness. Their emotional stability allows them to adjust smoothly to environmental changes.
Head
The head is of medium size, proportionate to the body, with smooth, symmetrical lines. The shape is wedge-like with slightly rounded contours, never heavy. The forehead is moderately broad with a gentle transition to the muzzle, and the profile line is unbroken. Cheekbones are defined but not coarse, the chin firm and aligned with the nose. The muzzle is slightly elongated and refined, maintaining harmony with the body’s proportions and the breed’s oriental elegance.
Facial Part
The facial features are harmonious and well-defined. The nose is straight, of medium length, and free of bumps. The chin is strong and well-developed, complementing the profile. Cheeks are moderately filled, giving the face softness without heaviness. Whisker pads should not be overly pronounced. The entire face should maintain symmetry and refinement, forming the signature elegant and expressive look characteristic of the breed.
Eyes
Eyes are large, almond-shaped, and wide-set, giving the breed its distinctive expressiveness. The color must be blue, ranging from light to deep sapphire, with bright, pure shades preferred. The gaze is lively, intelligent, and gentle, with a slightly slanted placement accentuating the oriental type. Eye rims should be well-defined and contrast sharply with the point markings. The eyes’ expression should convey calmness, attentiveness, and nobility—an essential trait of the Colorpoint.
Ears
The ears are large, broad at the base, and pointed at the tips, set high and slightly forward. Their placement continues the lines of the wedge-shaped head. The inner surface may have light hair without excessive tufts. The ears must not be too wide or too low, as that disrupts balance. Together with the expressive eyes, the ears create a refined, alert oriental expression.
Neck
The neck is medium in length, slender, and elegant, smoothly connecting the head and body. It should be muscular but not thick or coarse. The curved neckline enhances the cat’s refined silhouette. In males, the neck may appear slightly more robust while retaining proper proportion. The elegant neck visually lengthens the outline and contributes to the breed’s graceful appearance.
Body
The Colorpoint’s body is medium-sized, long, and flexible, with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles. The form must remain smooth and harmonious, avoiding heaviness. The chest is moderately wide and rounded, the abdomen firm and tucked up, the back straight and elegant. The overall impression is one of refinement, strength, and endurance combined.
Tail
The tail is long, slender, and tapering toward the tip, continuing the body’s line and completing its elegant silhouette. The fur is short, smooth, and close-lying. The tail must not be short, thick, or kinked. A well-shaped tail is a key element of balance and proportion in the breed.
Forelimbs
Forelegs are long, slim, and straight, proportional to the body, giving balance and grace. The bones are fine but strong, muscles lean and firm. Shoulders are smooth, well set, without prominence. Paws are oval, compact, with neat pads. The stance should be straight and stable, emphasizing elegance.
Hindlimbs
Hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving the body a gentle rise toward the rump. They are muscular and well-developed, ensuring agility and balance. The thighs are strong, hocks firm and straight. Paws are oval, matching the front ones. The hindlimbs provide the power for jumps and contribute to the breed’s graceful movement.
Gait and Movement
The Colorpoint moves lightly and elastically, with smooth, flowing steps. Movements are graceful and balanced, showing flexibility and coordination. The back remains level, and the tail continues the line of the body. The gait should give an impression of gliding, demonstrating agility and elegance.
Coat
The coat is short to medium in length, soft, silky, and close-fitting. There is minimal undercoat, giving a smooth, fine texture. The fur is glossy, even, and well-groomed, emphasizing the cat’s elegant lines. Proper grooming enhances the shine and clarity of the color.
Acceptable Colors
The defining feature of the Colorpoint is its point pattern. Accepted varieties include seal point, blue point, chocolate point, lilac point, red point, cream point, tortie point, and tabby point in these shades. The body color must always be lighter than the points, maintaining clear contrast. Any blurring or lack of contrast is considered a fault.
Size
The Colorpoint is a medium-sized breed. Males typically weigh 4.5–6 kg and appear more muscular, while females weigh 3.5–5 kg and are more slender. Height at the withers ranges from 25–30 cm. The overall body must remain balanced—neither too heavy nor too delicate.
Faults
Faults include deviations from the breed’s balanced type: overly heavy or fine build, coarse or angular head, narrow or excessively long nose, weak chin, small or round eyes, or eyes lacking vivid blue color. Ears that are too large, low-set, or turned outward, short or thick tails, and coarse or fluffy coats are also faults. Insufficient contrast between body and points is penalized.
Disqualification
Disqualifying traits include the complete absence or indistinctness of point coloration, any eye color other than blue, severe jaw deformities or incorrect bite, tail deformities or kinks, visible lameness or skeletal abnormalities, coarse or semi-long coat texture, and aggressive or overly fearful temperament. Cats lacking ICCF documentation verifying breed purity are disqualified from breeding and shows.
Important Notes
In evaluation, harmony and elegance are paramount. Key features include intense blue eyes, a correct wedge-shaped profile, and distinct contrast between body and points. Allowed colors must strictly follow the ICCF standard. Breeders must preserve health, temperament, and genetic integrity, avoiding inbreeding. Kittens may appear lighter due to age-related pigmentation.
Conclusion
The Colorpoint represents the perfect fusion of oriental elegance and distinctive point coloration. The ICCF emphasizes harmony of body structure, blue eye color intensity, head proportions, and precise distribution of point markings. Only cats meeting all ICCF criteria are eligible for exhibitions and breeding. Proper documentation confirming lineage and breed conformity is mandatory. Adherence to ICCF standards ensures purity, health, and international recognition of this refined and graceful breed.
