Siamese Tabby Pattern

This short article is designed to aid Siamese judges when judging tabby point Siamese cats. The article will be limited to describing what judges should be looking for regarding tabby markings and how this should be reflected in their judges reports.

Siamese Tabby Markings

When judging a Siamese tabby point in addition to reporting on the cats type, confirmation and overall condition it is very important to remember that you are judging a tabby point and to show focus in your report on the tabby markings. Below is an extract from the Siamese standard of points.

TABBY POINT

Points – The mask, legs and tail should all show clear tabby markings which should be the same colour on all points, although leg markings may be slightly paler in tone. Paler markings are acceptable in kittens. In Tortie Tabby Points the distribution and degree of patching is immaterial

Mask – Clearly defined stripes, especially around the eyes and nose, with a clearly defined ‘M’ marking on the forehead, distinct stripes (‘ribbons’) on the cheeks and darkly spotted whisker pads. The stripes should not extend over the top of the head to form a ‘hood’.

Eyes – Brilliant intense blue, the deeper the better.

Ears – The edges of the ears should be the same colour as the markings on the mask with a central patch of paler colour resembling a thumb print. These thumb prints may be less apparent in dilute colours. In Tortie Tabby Points the ears may be mottled.

Legs – Clearly defined varied sized broken stripes. Solid markings on back of hind legs. The leg markings may be slightly paler in tone than the other points, especially in Red, Cream and Apricot Tabby Points.

Tail – Many varied sized, clearly defined rings which should be evident on the top of the tail as well as underneath it and should extend for the entire length of the tail. There should be a solid tip of the pattern colour except in Red, Cream and Apricot Tabby Points where the tip may be pale and in Tortie Tabby Points where it may show tortie markings.

Body – Pale, showing clear contrast with the points as in the equivalent solid-pointed Siamese. Any shading on the body will show the underlying tabby pattern which may be ticked, spotted, mackerel or classic. A Tabby Point should be penalised for shading no more nor less severely than the equivalent solid-pointed Siamese. Any shading should tone with the points. In Tortie Tabby Points both tabby shading and tortie patching, if any, should tone with the points.

Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Open Classes for:

• Pale and/or dull eye colour
• Lack of clear tabby markings on mask
• Lack of clear rings on at least half of tail
• Points not matching in colour
• General Siamese withholding faults.

GCCF Siamese standard of points

When judging tabby markings it is important to judge all aspects of a Siamese tabby pattern. Start with the head and look at the M on the forehead, the cheek ribbons, and the thumb prints on the ears. Then look at the legs and talk about the bracelets. Then judge the cats tail rings. When describing the various parts of the tabby markings don’t forget to describe about how well defined the pattern is, describe the colour of the markings and if they are well matched. Also consider the body colour and any shading the cat may have.

Remember that red, apricot and cream tabby point Siamese have a further withholding fault listed in the standard of points. If you see any colour hair other than the appropriate points colour you must withhold. e.g. a seal or chocolate coloured hair on a red tabby Siamese.

Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Breed Classes for:

1. Presence of hairs of other colours than the appropriate points and body colour.
2. General Tabby Point withholding faults.

GCCF Siamese standard of points

Some tips on your reports –

• When reporting on tail rings it is essential that you report on how far the rings extend up the tail. (remember, less than half way is a withholding fault)
• Always report on the how well defined the pattern is.