It’s accurate to state that the Colorpoint Shorthair cat bears a striking resemblance to the Siamese. The Colorpoint Shorthair is essentially a Siamese with a unique coat color. Colorpoints are similar to Siamese in terms of body type, head shape, coat length, texture, and temperament, but they also come in extra pointed colors (a lighter body with darker “points” of color on the extremities, such as the head, tail, and legs).
The four traditional pointed colors of the Siamese breed are Seal (pale fawn body with dark brown points), Chocolate (creamy white body with light brown points), Blue (blueish-white body with gray-blue points), and Lilac (white body with pinkish-gray points). 16 different colors are offered for the Colorpoint Shorthair, including solid color points (red and cream), lynx points (seal point, chocolate point, blue point, lilac point, red point, cream point), tortie points (seal point, chocolate point, blue-cream point, and lilac point), and parti-color points (red point, cream point, and blue cream point) (seal-tortie point, chocolate-tortie point, blue-cream point and lilac-cream stage).
Like its Siamese relative, the beautiful Colorpoint Shorthair is tall and thin, with elegant bones and solid musculature. The head’s distinctive wedge shape is highlighted by its large ears and almond-shaped, vivid blue eyes. The short, closely-lying coat is lustrous and has a soft touch.
Colorpoint Shorthair cats are outgoing, friendly, and affectionate, and they commonly follow their favorite people around the house. They are frequently fairly vocal and will “talk” with anyone who will listen using their loud, distinctive meow. Even in the chilly winter, these lovely cuddlers prefer warm laps and soft blankets.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: About 6 to 14 pounds
- LENGTH: Up to 14 inches
- COAT: Short, glossy, fine-textured and close-lying
- COAT COLOR: 16 non-traditional pointed colors
- EYE COLOR: Vivid blue
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8 to 12 years
Characteristics of the Colorpoint Shorthair Cat
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
History of the Colorpoint Shorthair Cat
In the 1940s and 1950s, a few cat breeders attempted to create a Siamese cat with red points as opposed to the usual seal, chocolate, blue, or lilac colors. It was bred between a red tabby American Shorthair cat and a seal point Siamese. With this litter, the Colorpoint Shorthair breed was created. Red and cream Colorpoint Shorthairs were given championship status by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1964; other point colors and patterns (lynx) quickly followed.
Different cat registries recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair cat in different ways. For instance, both the Cat Fanciers’ Association and the Canadian Cat Association regard the Colorpoint Shorthair as an entirely different breed from Siamese. However, the International Cat Association categorizes it as a Siamese subspecies.
How to take care of colorpoint shorthair cats
The coat of the Colorpoint Shorthair requires very little upkeep. As with its close relative the Siamese, the Colorpoint Shorthair is prone to conditions like congenital heart defects, amyloidosis, dental difficulties, breathing issues like asthma, crossed eyes, and other eye concerns. They naturally have very clean cats, and they shed very little. Your Colorpoint Shorthair cat should have its nails cut shorter, and you should occasionally inspect the inside of its ears for filth and redness. Use a soft pet ear cleaner and a cotton ball to remove any little amounts of debris from the ears (never use a cotton swab or other object to clean a cat’s ears). If the ears seem inflamed or excessively dusty, or if your Colorpoint Shorthair is shaking his head or picking at his ears, schedule a checkup appointment with your veterinarian.
There are several ways you may encourage your Colorpoint Shorthair to have enough indoor enrichment and activity. Give your cats plenty of places to climb and sit, such cat trees and kitty condos. All cats also scratch since it is both necessary and enjoyable. To keep your furniture and rugs in good shape, provide your Colorpoint Shorthair with a variety of suitable vertical and horizontal scratching areas, like as posts or cat trees (like cardboard or sisal scratchers that lie on the ground).
Common Health Problems
While all cats have the potential to develop health issues throughout the course of their lives, the Colorpoint Shorthair has a history of known congenital issues, just like all pedigreed cats. This breed actually only needs the odd bath and weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush to remove stray hair. Reputable breeders examine their adult cats’ health for issues before breeding them. Additionally, the majority of reliable breeders typically offer a health guarantee.
Food intake and diet
Ideal hair for Colorpoint Shorthairs is long and lean. Keeping your Colorpoint Shorthair at a healthy weight will help you avoid diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, all of which can be exacerbated by being overweight. Feed your Colorpoint Shorthair cat measured portions of cat food at regular intervals (twice a day for adult cats). By leaving food out all day, free feeding, which can result in frequent eating and an overweight cat, should be avoided. Consult your physician or breeder for advice on the best food to feed your Colorpoint Shorthair cat.
Pros
- Friendly, lively, and affectionate conversational and entertaining tiny shedding
Cons
- Performs poorly when neglected.
- Cat-like volume (a lot of vocalization) necessitates close observation.
Where to look for a colorpoint shorthair cat for adoption or sale
If you’re considering purchasing a Colorpoint Shorthair kitten, attending a local cat show is a great way to connect with reputable breeders. Cat shows are a lot of fun since you may see many different cat breeds all in one place. To find a cat show in your region, use a web search for “cat show near me” or visit https://www.catfoodsite.com.
It’s possible for adult Colorpoint Shorthair mix cats to end up in rescue. Consult neighborhood shelters or regional cat-specific rescue groups.
Breeds of Cats Not Listed Here and More Research
If you like Colorpoint Shorthair cats, you might also like the following cat breeds:
- Balinese, Birman, Siamese, etc.
If not, browse through all of our other cat breed articles to find the perfect cat for you and your household.
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