STANDARD LIST OF WITHHOLDING FAULTS - ALL BREEDS

Size and Condition - Withhold certificates or first prizes in kitten open classes on any exhibit which, in the opinion of the judge, is not in excellent physical condition or is undersized for its age and breed.

The following list of defects applies to ALL BREEDS.

Withhold certificates or first prizes in kitten open classes for any of the following defects. It is considered that these defects are undesirable in breeding stock and may be detrimental to the individual cats:

Folded Ears - Where the top of the ear is folded forwards instead of being pricked.

Skull - Any depressions or protrusions (The skull should be gently rounded to a greater or lesser degree according to the breed).

Entropion - Where the upper, lower or both eyelids turn inwards, allowing the lashes or hair to rub the surface of the eye.

Permanent Squint * - Permanent squint or any abnormality of alignment. Severe nystagmus - consult the Duty Vet.

Reduced Nostril Aperture - Narrowing of the nostrils vertically, horizontally or both which may cause breathing difficulties. It is often associated with flattened nasal bones and small nose leather.

Exaggerated Depression of the Nasal Bridge (stop) - The nasal cavity is severely reduced, which may cause breathing difficulties This is often accompanied by blocked tear ducts. The nose should not be excessively short.

Abnormal Position of Nose Leather - When the upper edge of the nose leather is above the lower edge of the eye.

Noticeably Undershot or Overshot Jaw

Narrow or Twisted Lower Jaw

Abnormal Angulation of Canine Teeth - When the mouth is closed the canine teeth should be nearly vertical, the lower canines fitting closely between the upper ones so that the anterior surface of the left upper canine and the posterior surface of the left lower canine almost touch, and similarly with the right upper and lower canines. The incisor teeth should form a straight line between the canines in both upper and lower jaws. The ideal bite is where the upper and lower incisors meet in alignment.

Deformity of Rib Cage

Fixed Deviation of the Sternum or Xiphisternum - The chest should be rounded or oval symmetrically from spine to breast bone when seen in cross-section. There should be no depressions or protrusions on spine or ribs. The sternum (breast bone) should follow a gentle convex curve with no deviation, depression or protrusion, and with no hook where the sternum ends.

Fixed Deviation (kink) of the Spine or Tail at any point * - Small bony excrescences need not debar the cat from being placed, but should be taken into consideration.

Luxating Patella in Adults - Where the kneecap can slip from the front of the joint towards the side.

Abnormal Number of Toes - Anything other than four toes on each foot and one dew-claw on each foreleg.

Hernia - Consult the Duty Vet.

Monorchid or Cryptorchid Adult Males - Both testicles must be descended and positioned in the scrotum in entire adult males

* Squints and kinks have been included in the list because they are faults in all breeds, although they are unlikely to affect the health of the cat or its progeny.

A Guide to this list of Defects is available from the GCCF.