Red Point Siamese vs Dilute Calico - 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 Calico isn’t a breed of cat but is describing a color and pattern of the cat. Many breeds of cats can be calico, and ‘Dilute Calico’ simply means that the color of the cat is less intense.

An example of this would be cream being the dilute shade of red, almost like strawberry blonde. People interested in the origins of the cat trace its history back to the trade routes in Northern Africa and Europe, and more specifically to the port cities along the Mediterranean Sea.

A Calico cat is described as having 3 colors - white, black, and red and Dilute Calico cats have ‘toned down’ shades of these 3 colors.

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.

These are beautiful cats that can essentially have any size and shape and can weigh between 3 and 6kg. Their coat too can be in different colors and patterns and these don’t have any effect on the cat’s persoality.

Your Dilute Calico can have a short- or long-haired coat. Also, because the dilute calico coloring isn’t linked to any particular cat breed, these cats can be any size or shape really.

They are also nearly always female. Remember that while genes do have an effect on how your Dilute Calico looks and behaves, socialization plays a big part, and where possible, to get your cat from a reputable breeder.

Temperament:

Because calico cats are a coat-color and not a breed, you can find long hair dilute calico cats. The personality of the Dilute Calico is described as colorful as well as they’re fun-loving, independent, spunky cats that are sweet and loving too.

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.

Because Dilute Calico cats can be found in many cat breeds, you can’t be certain how your feline friend will turn out.

Bring your pet up well though and treat him with love and care and you’ll have a devoted friend for between 13 and 20 years.

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.

As already mentioned, the Dilute Calico isn't a specific breed but rather a color. The calico can be any breed. The average lifespan of any cat is 12-16 years. The males are far rarer than the females and they live shorter lives.

Cancer is a terrible disease in cats and dogs and it is where cells grow uncontrollably, spreading to all areas of the body. For any sign of illness in your Dilute Calico, get him to the vet.

Make sure your cat is vaccinated against the deadly cat diseases there are such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Both males and females can develop lower urinary inflammation, which is also called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). You’ll notice your pet straining to urinate. It’s time to get your pets to the vet with this terrible illness.

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.

Prepare for your cat – have food dish, water bowl, litter box, cat food, brush, climbing tree, scratching post, cat toys, and cat bed to welcome your pet.

When it comes to commercially manufactured cat food, there are many excellent ones on the market and you can choose from dry and wet cat food. If in any doubt about what is best for your cat, speak to your vet. Your cat is a carnivore and will need food that pays special attention to meat. A kitten will require 4 small bowls of food a day and by one year of age your cat can be receiving 2 smaller meals a day. Provide cool, fresh water around the clock..

Brush your Dilute Calico gently once a week. Some of the longer-haired Dilute Calicos will require brushing twice a week. At this grooming time, check that the eyes are nice and clear, free of discharge, check that the inside of the ears are free of wax and dirt build-up and check inside the mouth that there aren’t any troublesome teeth.

Whether your cat is an indoor cat or he goes outside occasionally, check for ticks and fleas and get him to the vet to check for internal parasites. Your cat will need to be dewormed and to receive all his cat vaccines to avoid some of the deadly cat diseases there are.

If your cat does go outside, make sure he has a cat collar and an ID tag.

Keep the litter box hygienically clean as cats won’t use a messy litter box. You can buy small scoops and rakes from the pet shop and rake up his droppings throughout the day.

Always have your cat neutered or spayed as there are way too many unwanted kittens in the world. Having them ‘fixed’ reduces lots of illnesses such as urinary inflammation.