This breed, like many others, is man-made. In the 1950s, a seal point Siamese was bred to an American Shorthair that was tabby patterned and red in color. Since this early breeding, the Colorpoint Shorthair has expanded to include 16 colors.
The Colorpoint is a close relative of the Siamese, and is often considered a color class of the Siamese breed. These cats are elegant and slender and practically have the same physical attributes as Siamese cats, except that they come in different colors. Colorpoint shorthairs are sleek, elegant cats. This breed is easily recognized by its fine boning, hard body and flared ears. Wedge-shaped heads are familiar to fans of the Siamese cat. Even though these cats fine-boned, they shouldn’t be thought of as fragile or dainty; they are a strong breed, known for their athleticism. While this cat is happy to sit in your lap, that does not mean that it doesn’t require adequate exercise to fulfill its physical and mental health needs.
Personality
Colorpoints are very sociable, affectionate and playful breeds. They are very smart and enjoy human companionship. They want to be around their family members around the clock and be involved in every family activity. They are also very interactive which is why Colorpoints are often described as “extroverts”. The colorpoint shorthair is an incredibly loyal cat, often compared more to dogs than to other cats. This breed is affectionate and devoted to its family. Fans of the breed report that it is incredibly sensitive to its owner’s moods, happy to sit in a lap when a human needs cheering up. Thanks to their high level of intelligence, these cats are able to learn tricks. If you are looking for a cat that won’t mind playing a few games of fetch, this is the breed for you.
Breed Characteristics
| Origin: | Britain/US, 1940s |
| Life Span: | 12-15 years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
Colorpoint Shorthair Build Information
The Colorpoint is a close relative of the Siamese, and is often considered a color class of the Siamese breed. These cats are elegant and slender and practically have the same physical attributes as Siamese cats, except that they come in different colors. Colorpoint shorthairs are sleek, elegant cats. This breed is easily recognized by its fine boning, hard body and flared ears. Wedge-shaped heads are familiar to fans of the Siamese cat. Even though these cats fine-boned, they shouldn’t be thought of as fragile or dainty; they are a strong breed, known for their athleticism. While this cat is happy to sit in your lap, that does not mean that it doesn’t require adequate exercise to fulfill its physical and mental health needs.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Colorpoints are very sociable, affectionate and playful breeds. They are very smart and enjoy human companionship. They want to be around their family members around the clock and be involved in every family activity. They are also very interactive which is why Colorpoints are often described as “extroverts”. The colorpoint shorthair is an incredibly loyal cat, often compared more to dogs than to other cats. This breed is affectionate and devoted to its family. Fans of the breed report that it is incredibly sensitive to its owner’s moods, happy to sit in a lap when a human needs cheering up. Thanks to their high level of intelligence, these cats are able to learn tricks. If you are looking for a cat that won’t mind playing a few games of fetch, this is the breed for you.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Because of its short hair, the Colorpoint Shorthair does not need much in the way of grooming. Unless your cat gets dirty, it will rarely, if ever, need a bath. A good brushing once every three to four weeks will remove loose hairs, but your cat may enjoy the attention of more frequent combings. Finish the combing with a good rub with a chamois cloth, and your cat looks ready for the show ring.
| Grooming: | Little grooming necessary |
Colorpoint Shorthair Common Health Conditions
Because of its wedge-shaped head, the colorpoint shorthair may be more prone to dental disease and respiratory problems. Additionally, thanks to its Siamese ancestry, crossed eyes are frequently seen in the breed. Like all cat breeds, the colorpoint shorthair may be predisposed to genetic problems of the heart, eyes or internal organs. Colorpoint shorthairs are prone to obesity; owners are encouraged to not over feed their pets.
Colorpoint Shorthair Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Siamese-colored kittens are undesirable in Colorpoint Shorthair litters. Kittens from reputable breeders do not typically move into their new homes until they reach 14 weeks of age. A food with adequate protein is a must for this breed. When presented with a Siamese cat and a Colorpoint Shorthair, both cats feel exactly the same. The Siamese is the breed most similar to the Colorpoint Shorthair.
