Ojos Azules vs Colorpoint Shorthair - Breed Comparison

This is a fairly new cat breed that was discovered in New Mexico and its a rare cat. It was in 1984 that the cat was identified.

There was a feral colony of cats and one particular, a tortoise-shell female was selected to be mated with male cats of no particular description. Her kittens were born with deep-blue eyes, showing that the gene was dominant.

The unusual cat breed was named Ojos Azules which means ‘Blue Eyes’ in Spanish.

The Ojos Azules comes with both short and long hair. The cat was accepted for registration by TICA in 1991.

Only cats with the recognizable deep blue eye gene have been called Ojos Azules.

There was a time when it was discovered that cranial defects could be linked to the gene, and while breeding was temporarily suspended, it is back on track.

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a Siamese cat that came about when the Siamese cat was used with the red American Shorthair to bring about new colors.

The actual name is given by the CFA or Cat Fanciers’ Association to refer to pointed cats that have Siamese parents and that have many colors other than the usual 4 Siamese colors which are blue, lilac, seal, and chocolate.

It was in the 1940s and 1950s that cat breeders in the UK and the USA wanted to develop a Siamese cat with red points as opposed to the traditional Siamese colors. It was in 1964 that these red and cream Colorpoint Shorthairs were awarded championship status with the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Today, different cat registries recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair as a separate breed while others see it as a variation of the Siamese.

The beautiful Ojos Azules is a medium-sized cat and weighs in at between 3 and 5kg.

The cat’s most amazing round blue eyes are one of its most extraordinary features.

The gene in this cat isn’t linked to any particular fur color or pattern, so that means some of these cats will have a black coat but still have the blue eyes. The coat of the cat comes in many colors and is short and silky. Sometimes you’ll find some white markings on the paws and tail.

Temperament:

Not much is known of this cat breed because it is such a rare cat. Very few have owned this cat, but it seems as if, according to the people who have owned them, they are loving, friendly cats.

The small number that have been owned as domestic pets are said to have had balanced, loving temperaments, with the ability to show affection for their human owners.

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a medium-size cat that typically weighs between 2 to 4kg and is nicely muscled. This is a long cat with legs that are long and slender too.

The coat is short and glossy, light-colored with darker extremities. Colors can be Cream Point, Red Point, Cinnamon Point, Seal Point, Blue-, Lilic- and Chocolate Point among others. The cat is well known for its mesmerizing almond-shaped blue eyes.

Temperament:

This sweet agile, athletic cat will be a delight in your home as he is highly intelligent and can easily learn a few basic commands but he is also friendly, playful, and loving. They’re social, outgoing cats too and when he’s not amusing himself, he will happily come and lounge about close to where his beloved human companions are.

On the other side of the coin, these cats can also be somewhat nervous and sensitive and they won’t adapt easily to a change in environment and lifestyle. It is why you have to choose your pet carefully and understand that owning a pet is a commitment of some 15 years or so.

Like the Siamese cat, these felines can be very vocal and they let you know when they want your attention.

The Ojos Azules cat, apart from its amazing eyes, is a regular cat that requires the same devotion from his human family that other cats enjoy.

Because this cat is so rare it is unlikely that you have one, but whatever furry feline friend you have, treat it with love and attention. The worst thing humans can do is to buy a pet, become bored with it, and then discard it.

Choose the wonderful Colorpoint if you want a cat that isn’t cold and independent. With this cat you have one that is more like a companion and looks forward to being around you.

This is a loyal and loving cat who wants to be part of the human family and he wants to be involved in your life.

He suits first-time cat owners, those with children and pets in the home as well as being an excellent pet for seniors – anyone in fact, who is willing to bestow on him the love and affection he craves.

There don’t seem to be too many breed-specific health conditions associated with the Ojos Azules.

Having your cat spayed or neutered is beneficial to the cat long-term. Not only that, but it prevents unwanted pregnancies. Thousands of unwanted cats land up in animal shelters or are euthanized every year.

When you bring a new Ojos Azules kitten into the home, you will need to ensure the kitten is vaccinated, but also ensure he is tested for- and free of parasites.

When it comes to the health of these beautiful cats, you may well find similar health issues as what affects the Siamese, some of which are asthma or bronchial disease, congenital heart defects and lymphoma among others.

Lymphoma is cancer in the lymphocyte cells. Your cat will be lethargic and you will need to get him to the vet and provide the vet with a medical history of your cat. Lymphoma is believed to be associated with exposure to feline leukemia virus as well as the feline immunodeficiency virus.

There are no particular requirements when caring for the Ojos Azules. Like other cat breeds, this cat also needs to be loved and well looked after.

Contrary to what many people think, a cat isn’t a non-maintenance creature that can look after itself. There are many cat breeds that crave the companionship of their human owners and they need to be looked after carefully.

Ensure the best quality cat foods there are. There are many commercial cat foods and you want the high-quality ones with meat listed as the top ingredient.

A cat is a carnivore and meat is imperative for your cat to be healthy. If you feed your cat one of the commercially manufactured cat foods there are, you’ll find the food comes as dry, semi-moist, and canned.

The food you choose will come down to you and your cat’s preferences. If in any kind of doubt, speak to your local vet for recommendations. Remember, that an old cat, a pregnant cat or an ill cat will require a certain type of food.

You’ll need to coax your cat to use a litter box. The litter box should be in a quiet place where he can do his business in peace. Make sure you have the tools to scoop out your cat’s feces every single day. Cats like a clean litter box.

Provide the cat with a scratching post. If you have a cat as a pet, you must know it will scratch. You can’t change your cat’s behavior but you can do something about it to deter your cat scratching your furniture. You can buy him a scratching post so that he can scratch the way all cats do.

Rember that your Colorpoint Shorthair is a long, lean, musculac cat and for health purposes, you want to ensure a good diet of the best cat food there is. There are some excellent commercially manufactured cat goods available and it is wise to get to know the ingredients as meat and protein is high on the list. Cats are carnivoes and it is imperative to feed your cat high quality protein. When in any kind of doubt, speak to your vet about the best cat food available for your special feline friend.

The short coat requires brushing once a week.

Check your cat over for any unusual lumps. Look at his eyes, check inside his ears for signs of redness and infection and check inside his mouth for signs of bad teeth as this can cause him terrible pain.

Provide a litter box and keep it scrupulously clean.

Have the claws cut.

Have your cat spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted kittens and to also promote better health for your cat.

Provide your cat with a warm bed, food and water bowls, and stimulating toys.