Question about foreign types

How thin are they supposed to be? Can you feel the vertebre on the spine?

I'm asking because I am pet sitting for someone. The cat is newly from the shelter; only been at the home a couple weeks before the owner had a family emergency. She's REALLY thin to me. However, she is pointed, so I thought maybe this is just some foreign type showing? I would think that would get bred out pretty quickly, but maybe it hangs on? Her head is very round though and she has small ears, so I'm not sure whether she should be thin. How thin are foreign types normally? We never had any where I grew up. All husky kitties.

This page shows photos with a nice explanation of a cat's weight ranging from emaciated to grossly obese. One of our breeders may have more information regarding various breeds.

The spine should not be boney - you still should have some fat. I call it slendar. Most foreign built cats only weigh 5-8 lbs max. You want solid muscle which is heavier then fat but would still give you the slendar look.

Also you don't want to see or really feel the ribs easily.

Ok, thanks. Her spine is really distinct, the ribs can't be seen but I can feel them. Owner comes home tomorrow, so I'll talk with her about it.