Red Point Siamese vs Colorpoint Shorthair - Breed Comparison

The Siamese cat remains one of the most famous among the cat breeds. The Red Point is also known as the Flame Point Siamese cat. This breed of Siamese is rare.

It is believed that when the seal point Siamese breed was first introduced to the U.K in the 1930s they were bred with cats that carried these orange genes such as the tabby or tortoiseshell British shorthair cats.

Breeders wanted to produce a Siamese-style pointed cat in colors other than the traditional shades,

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.

These cats are medium-sized, muscular cats and can weigh between 3 and 6kg. The neck is fairly long, the legs long and lean too.

These attractive cats have got reddish-gold points and with their sparkling blue almond-shaped eyes they really are a beautiful breed of cat. Like other Siamese kittens, the Redpoint kittens are also white when they are born. Variations of the Red Point Siamese cat should always have creamy-white bodies with the reddish-orange points.

The coat is short, thick, and silky. The points start emerging later on and deepen as the cat matures. You may see reddish freckling over the face, legs and paws as well as the tail.

Temperament:

The Redpoint Siamese is playful, social, friendly and intelligent. They love nothing more than to be around their human family but don’t warm too well to strangers.

They tend to become possessive over what they feel is theirs. They are also very vocal and have a different meow to express their feelings. These are definitely cats that don’t like being left alone for long periods of time. They want to be occupied and entertained and will need lots of stimulating toys to keep them occupied and exercised.

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.

If you’re looking for an exceptionally affectionate cat, then the Red Point Siamese is full of personality and will suit you very well as these cats are remarkably affectionate.

They always take an interest in what their humans are getting up to. They’re capable of forming strong bonds with their human family. They are also curious and intelligent and they can be taught a few tricks too.

They’re good-natured with their own human family but are not friendly with strangers.

They’re also energetic and agile and love to leap up onto a perch or your shoulders and survey his world from there.

If you want a cat that is an involved member of your family and an awesome companion, the Red Point Siamese will fit into this category superbly well.

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.

The Red Point Siamese isn’t going to have any more cat diseases than any other cat. Any cat stands a better chance at good health when they have an exceptionally healthy diet.

Make sure your cat has all his vaccines against deadly cat diseases

Have your cats neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens and to promote better health for your cats.

Watch out for diseases such as Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic eye problem where the cells deteriorate. The disease, though not painful, can lead to blindness.

Obesity in cats, but particularly a slim, athletic cat such as the Red Point Siamese, can bring on a host of health issues. Overfeeding your cat isn’t a form of love but an irresponsible act. There are just too many dangers linked to being overweight to ignore. Excess weight can lead to joint problems as well as diabetes, and just getting rid of a little bit of weight can already result in increased overall good health.

Cat experts tell us that excess weight can shorten your pet’s life by 2 years. Get some tips on feeding your cat and keep him playfully active as well.

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.

With good care these cats cat reach 15 – 20 years of age.

The Red Point Siamese cat does shed but because it’s a low shedding cat, it becomes low maintenance. They usually shed in spring and again in the autumn. The short, easy-to-care-for coat can be brushed once a week.

Cats are strict carnivores, and just as a wild cat feeds on animal protein, so it is with a domesticated cat. They require a host of nutrients and only the best, high-quality foods contain these nutrients.

You get dry, semi-moist, and canned cat foods and the best commercial cat food manufacturers ensure that these foods have all the right balances of nutrients a cat needs.

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.