What Does Quality on a Show Cat Mean?

When it comes to words that describe cats and cat breeds, things can get pretty confusing. Whether you're looking into adopting a domestic short-hair cat from a rescue organization or purchasing from a breeder, a vast amount of information is available. "Show quality" cats are exactly that̵2;fit for show.

  1. Show Quality

    • If a cat is classified as being of "show quality," it means that his physical appearance fulfills the extremely specific criteria set forth by the breed standard, whether for Siamese cats, Scottish folds or any other cat breed under the sun. If you've ever watched a cat show, all of the fluff balls you saw were indeed show quality.

    Breed Standards

    • Breed standards are extremely detailed, and even if a certain feline looks to be a picture-perfect Himalayan, for instance, he may be missing just one thing that can prevent him from being placed in cat shows. The Himalayan breed standard has many requirements, which include big, circular eyes, dense and lengthy fur, somewhat stubby limbs and sturdy necks. Many different traits can be deal-breakers for show-quality Himalayan cats̵2;an extended tail, almond-shaped eyes and big ears, just to name a few features, don't mar a cat's looks in the slightest, but will disqualify a Himalayan from the show ring.

    Breeding Quality

    • The term "breeding quality" is not the same as "show quality." Breeding-quality felines are not accepted as show cats. These cats are similar enough to ideal that they are appropriate for breeding, but are missing just a couple of key physical characteristics.

    Faults and Disqualifications

    • If a cat is missing a certain something considered essential to show-quality status, it is known as a "disqualification." Scottish fold cats, for example, need to have fur that is thick, springy and short. If a Scottish fold misses the mark on any of those requirements, he has a disqualification. Characteristics that are less than ideal, but not so much so that they disqualify an animal, are known as "faults." Judges will subtract points for faults according to their severity.

    Pet Quality

    • If a cat doesn't qualify as a show cat or a breeder, he may be considered "pet quality." Although pet-quality cuties may not be permitted as breeding or show animals, they are still perfectly wonderful specimens of their breed. The "shortcomings" that these cats may possess are, in most cases, not apparent to the layperson's eye.