TEMPLECAT
Standard of Excellence
PAGE 2
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COLOUR NOTES
| Points
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The mask (adult) should extend over the whole head and cover the face to over the eyes, but joined by tracings to the ears. The chin is shaded to match the mask, particularly after the age of two.
- Note - Leg point colour to go up to just above the elbows on the front and to merge into flanks at the rear. Leg colour lighter inside legs.
| | Paw Pads
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Pink or pink mottled with the points colour
| | Eyes
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Blue, clear and bright, the deeper the better.
| | Gloves
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The specific characteristics of the Birman are its four white paws called gloves, which must be absolutely pure white. In the ideal specimen, the white gloves end in an even line across the front of the break of the feet of all four paws.
| | Gauntlets
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On the back paws, the gloves should continue up the back of the hock. This is referred to as Gauntlets (Laces). In the ideal specimen, the gauntlets should be evenly matched and should end in a point. It is preferred that the gauntlets do not continue past the hock.
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| Note
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The description of the gloves applies only to the front of the feet. In general, low gloves are preferred to high gloves. In the absence of the ideal, which is difficult to achieve due to the white spotting factor, the following is the order of priority:
- Evenly matched gloves on all four feet.
- Evenly matched front gloves and evenly matched rear gloves, even though front do not match the rear.
- Evenly matched front gloves and uneven rear gloves.
- Uneven front gloves and evenly matched rear gloves.
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| Penalise
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- Strong almond shaped eyes.
- Areas of white in the points other than gloves/gauntlets.
- Blotches/spots of colour in gloves or gauntlets.
- Lack of width in head.
- Small rounded ears.
- Adverse temperament.
| | Note
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The white feet are characteristic of the Templecat and whilst it is desirable to have them perfect, they should not be given preference over the TYPE of the cat. A cat may be SLIGHTLY imperfect in gloves and gauntlets yet still be eligible for top awards.
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| Withhold First Place
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- Lack of white gloves on any paw.
- Lack of gauntlets on back legs.
- Crossed eyes.
- Kinked tail.
- Coloured toes.
- White chin spot.
- Squint.
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