POINTS:
GENERAL: The oeverall impression of the ideal Abyssinian is a colorful cat with a distinctly
ticked coat, medium in size and regal in appearance. The Abyssinian is foreign shorthair in type. Males
may be proportionately larger than females. The female being finer bonded and usually more active
than the male. The Abyssinian is a graceful cat, showing eager activity and a lively interest in all
surroundings. Well balanced physically and tempermentally with all elements of the cat in proportion.
Head is a modified wedge with slightly rounded contours when viewed from the front. In Profile there are no flat planes, but a gentle rise from the bridge of the nose up to and over the gently curving forehead and skull, flowing into an arched neck. There shall be no evidence of a nose stop or break, or a pronounced nose bump, as these spoil the gentleness of the contours. The head shall be of ample length in general balance with the rest of the cat. The muzzle shall follow the gentle contours in conformity with the modified wedge shape as viewed from the front and in profile. The chin shall be full, neither projecting nor receding, having a rounded appearance. The muzzle shall not be overly square nor sharply pointed with no evidence of foxiness of whisker pinch.
Ears are large, alert, and moderately pointed; broad and cupped at the base and set forward as though listening with approximatelx the width of the base of the cupped ear between them. Hair on the ears very short and close lying, preferably tufted at the tips. A "thumb print" marking on the back of the ear is desirable. Objection: small or badly set ears.
Shape of eyes (5): Almond shaped, large, liquid and expressive. Neither round nor oriental, slanted slightly towards the ears with the uppermost corner nearly even with the outer base of the cupped ear. The eyes are accentuated by a darker lidskin encircled by a lighter area. Objection: small eyes. Eye color (5); Gold, green or hazel. The more richness and depth the better. Objection: pale eyes.
Body: Medium long, lithe and grafecul, showing well developed muscular strength without coarseness. Solid to the feel. Proportion and general balance are more to be desired than size alone. The back is slightly arched when the cat is standing. The rib cage is rounded with no evidence of flat sides. The flank is reasonably level without tuck-up.
Legs are evenly boned, proportionately long and slim. The Abyssinian stands well off the ground.
Feet are round or oval, neat and compact. When standing giving the impression of being on tiptoe.
Tail thick at base, fairly long and tapering. Objection: scanty or whippy tail.
Ticking shall be distinct and even, with two or more darker colored bands contrasting with an equal number of lighter bands, the extreme outer tip darker and the color next to the skin clear and bright. Ticking to extend over saddle, sides and tail without patching or irregularity. Flanks and shoulders shall have not less than one darker band of ticking. Darker shading along spine and down the top of the tail allowed if fully ticked. Objection: darker band next to skin in mature specimen. Penalize: reverse ticking (outermost tip of hair light instead of dark).
Color is warm and glowing. Deeper shades preferred, however intensity of ticking shall not be sacrificed for depth of color. Preference given to cats unmarked on the undersides, chest and legs. Tail without rings. In all colors, the lip and chin area is lightest in color, being cream or off-white. Lighter color shall be confined to lips, chin, and upper throat area. Objection: Bars, rings, tabby markings, necklaces. Pure white on nostril, chin or upper throat. Penalize: coldness, gray or sandy tones in color.
The coat lies fairly close to the body and is soft, silky and fine in texture, but dense and resilient to the touch with a lustrous sheen. Medium in length, but long enough to accomodate two or more darker bands of ticking which combined with the warmth of color gives an iridescent effect. When brushed backward, the ideal coat will spring back into place. Penalize: coarse, thin or long coat.
Facial Markings: Above each eye appears a short vertical darker pencil stroke amidst the lighter
area, and at the side of each eye there is a curved darker pencil line in continuation of the upper eyelid.
Cheekbone shading, dots and shading on whisker pads are all desirable enhancements.
Abyssinians are slow in maturing. Allowance shall be made up to 18 months of age in judging color,
ticking, coat, markings and lightness on nostrils, chin and upper throat area.