Colorpoint Shorthair: The Siamese in Red, Cream and Lynx

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

In some cat registries, the Colorpoint Shorthair is a separate breed, and in others it is simply a Siamese. Whatever the label, it is a Siamese-type cat with a splash of extra color. The pointed pattern appears in orange, cream, tortoiseshell and tabby shades, instead of the more familiar dark browns and grays of the traditional Siamese.

How the breed came about

In the mid-twentieth century, American breeders wanted Siamese-type cats with red points and other colors. They crossed Siamese with red tabby domestic shorthairs, and then crossed the offspring back to Siamese, to keep the Siamese body, the blue eyes and the personality, but add new colors. After a few generations, kittens with red, cream and tabby points were born with true Siamese type. Some associations call these cats Colorpoint Shorthairs, while the Cat Fanciers' Association is among those that do, and others include them within the Siamese breed. See the Siamese profile, and the Javanese profile for the longhaired version.

Appearance

Colorpoint Shorthairs share the Siamese's looks: a long, slim, muscular body, a wedge-shaped head, large ears and almond-shaped, vivid blue eyes. The coat is short, glossy and close-lying. The pointed pattern means a lighter body color and darker points on the face mask, ears, legs and tail.

Point colors include red, cream, tortie (tortoiseshell), seal lynx, blue lynx and others, giving a wide range of looks. Adult cats usually weigh five to ten pounds.

Personality

Colorpoint Shorthairs are among the most social cats. They are intelligent, curious, vocal and demanding. They like to follow people from room to room, comment on events and join in all activities. They are good at learning tricks and games, such as fetch, and they enjoy puzzle toys. See clicker training a cat.

They form strong bonds, and they can become stressed or destructive when alone. See cat separation anxiety and leaving a cat alone. They do best in homes with people around, or with a feline friend. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

Provide climbing trees, perches and interactive play. See how to choose a cat tree and indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Grooming

The short coat needs a weekly brush or a rub with a damp cloth. See how to brush a cat. Care for teeth, nails and ears as usual. See cat dental disease and how to trim cat nails.

Health

Since they are Siamese in type, Colorpoint Shorthairs share the Siamese's health risks.

• Dental disease. Common. See cat dental disease.
• Asthma and respiratory disease. See feline asthma.
• Heart disease. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Progressive retinal atrophy. See cat eye problems.
• Amyloidosis, a liver condition seen in some related breeds.
• Stress and overgrooming. See why do cats overgroom.
• Red and cream cats are more often male, and male tortie points are rare.

Choose breeders who test for inherited conditions.

Is it the right cat for you?

A Colorpoint Shorthair is for people who like a vocal, clever, attached cat, and who can offer company. It is not a good match for those who prefer a quiet, independent cat. See best cat breeds for families.

Finding one

Because the name varies between registries, ask exactly how your kitten is registered, and ask for health records and parents' details. See how to choose a kitten. Siamese-type cats also turn up in shelters. See adopting a cat from a shelter.

Why points darken with age and temperature

Pointed cats carry a temperature-sensitive gene, so the cooler parts of the body, such as the ears, face, legs and tail, develop darker color. Kittens are born pale and develop their points over the first few weeks. A Colorpoint that lives in a cooler environment may have a darker body coat than one in a warm home, and the body color often darkens with age.

Choosing between related breeds

Siamese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair and Javanese share a similar body type and personality, differing mainly in color and coat length. If you love the temperament, pick the look that appeals most and the breeder who offers the best health testing. See the Oriental Shorthair for solid and pattern colors without the points.

Living with a talkative cat

Colorpoints will tell you when they are hungry, bored or lonely. Respond to their needs with play and attention, not just food, and reward quiet behavior. A consistent routine reduces nighttime yowling. See why do cats meow at night.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat coughs, wheezes, loses weight or changes behavior. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.