The colorpoint cat is a combination of Siamese cats and short-haired cats such as the British and American Shorthair and the Abyssinian. The result is a cat of various colors and patterns, which always has a point of color at the tips of the ears, tail and legs, areas where body temperature is lowest. As far as their character is concerned, they are like the Siamese, that is to say very expressive, meowing, intelligent, active and affectionate, so they need affection and constant attention on a daily basis.
Their he alth can be affected by congenital diseases common to Siamese, such as eye disorders, allergies or heart conditions. Keep reading this article from PlanèteAnimal to learn more about the colourpoint cat breed, its origin, its characteristics, its character, the care it needs and its he alth.
Origin
- America
- Europe
- United States
- United Kingdom
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Big ears
- End
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 5-6
Life expectancy
- 8-10
Character
- Active
- Extrovert
- Affectionate
- Smart
- Curious
Climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Short
Origin of Colourpoint
The Colourpoint is a feline resulting from the combination of the Siamese cat with other short-haired cats, in particular the American Shorthair. Thus a cat appeared with the colorpoint pattern of the Siamese, but with different coat colors, not accepted for the Siamese, such as red, tortoiseshell, cream, tabby and minor variations.
The origin of this breed dates back to 1940, when American and British Siamese breeders sought to obtain similar cats, but with colors different from the colors common to Siamese, namely black, blue, chocolate and lilac.They crossed the mix between their Siamese, Abyssinian and British and American Shorthairs again with Siamese to establish the desired pattern.
The International Feline Association (CFA) recognized them as a separate breed in 1974, but the International Feline Association (TICA) and the International Cat Breeders Association (AFCA) consider them a type of siamese cat.
Colourpoint Features
The Shorthaired Colourpoint resembles the Siamese in that it is shorthaired, has a medium sized, muscular, angular, long body and blue eyes with a characteristic natural elegance. The physical characteristics of the Colourpoint cat are as follows:
- The head of this breed is wedge-shaped, narrow, and medium-sized, with a flat skull, thin muzzle, and long, straight nose.
- The ears are pointed, wide at the base and quite long, extending the line from the corner of the skull.
- Eyes are almond shaped, medium sized and bright dark blue.
- The tail is long and ends in a point.
- The legs are thin and long.
- The Shorthaired Colourpoint's fur is short and fine, close to the body, very shiny and with a colourpoint pattern on the low temperature areas of the body, such as the tips of the ears, the tail and the distal part of the legs.
Colourpoint cat colors
The Colourpoint can have a multitude of colors and patterns, combined or not, always respecting the colourpoint in the areas mentioned above. These colors are as follows:
- Red.
- Cream.
- Lynx.
- Chocolate.
- Tortoise shell.
- Tabby.
- Blue.
- Lilac.
- Black.
Colourpoint character
Colourpoint cat breeds are very similar in personality to Siamese cats. They are intelligent, affectionate, active, meowing and playful felines. They love to interact with their human companions and receive attention. They are also very outgoing, even with strangers, whom they may greet with meows. They are a very communicative and expressive breed, as evidenced by the over 100 meow tones they emit.
They are also very sensitive cats, who sense the mood of their guardians and do not hesitate to sit near them when they need it. However, they can also experience very rapid mood swings. Finally, being a very intelligent breed, they learn quickly.
Colourpoint Care
By nature, these cats need a lot of attention, that is to say a lot of cuddles, games and daily care so that they do not feel alone or unloved.Although their coat is short, they should be brushed at least 2-3 times a week, more during the moulting period, which normally takes place in the spring and fall. Brushing should be more frequent to prevent hairballs, as it removes dead hair that would otherwise be ingested during daily grooming. Bathing is not necessary unless they are very dirty or have been prescribed shampoo to treat a skin condition. Their skin is sensitive and prone to problems, so they should be kept away from humidity and extreme temperatures.
As they are very affectionate and love the company of their loved ones, consideration should be given to environmental enrichment measures in the home, especially when left alone, such as raised areas on which to climbing, sufficient scratching posts or interactive toys, which also encourage their activity and prevent them from becoming overweight.As far as food is concerned, if you give him kibble, it is advisable to combine it with wet food and distribute it in several times a day. Sometimes complementary foods such as snacks, soups, milk for adult cats or different treats may be offered, especially to reward good behavior or after a treatment, a bath or a visit to the vet.
Litter box hygiene should be daily and, at least once a week, their ears, eyes and teeth should be cleaned in order to prevent diseases and quickly diagnose any alterations. Annual visits to the veterinarian for check-ups and, if necessary, deworming and vaccinations are recommended as part of preventive medicine.
Colourpoint He alth
Colourpoint cats have a life expectancy of between 8 and 12 years and they are generally he althy cats, although it is true that they tend to develop the same pathologies as Siamese cats, who are:
- Strabismus: loss of normal eye alignment that does not prevent correct vision.
- Nystagmus: consists of an involuntary and rapid movement of the eyeballs, up and down or sideways, which can be caused by the CS gene carried by Siamese.
- Renal and hepatic amyloidosis: accumulation of amyloid substance in these organs, which can lead to organ failure, with corresponding consequences at the general level.
- Bronchial asthma: a type of bronchitis that can lead to emphysema and bronchiectasis.
- Congenital heart defects: such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by enlargement or increased development of the heart muscle, affecting the heart's pumping and proper blood circulation.
- Otitis: inflammation/infection of the ear canal.
- Food allergy or adverse reaction to a food: it is manifested by digestive and cutaneous signs which disappear when the protein at the origin of the reaction is eliminated.
- Deafness: may be a hereditary disease in Siamese.
- Hydrocephalus: accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It can compress the cerebral cortex, causing neurological symptoms, coma, incoordination, strabismus or nystagmus.
- Breast cancer is the third most common tumor in cats of this breed. The transformation of breast cells into tumor cells with the ability to invade nearby and distant structures (metastases) occurs, especially in the lung.
- Behavioral Disorders: Colorpoint cats tend to be very moody.
Where and what to do to adopt a Colourpoint?
Colourpoints can be adopted quite easily, especially from Siamese rescue associations or cat shelters. It should be noted, once again, that these cats require some attention that we as responsible caregivers must give them.So, before thinking about adopting a cat of this breed, the first thing to do is to know whether or not we will be able to offer a good life to our best friend. If not, the best thing to do is not to adopt it.
Colourpoint Pictures
