Colorpoint Shorthair Cats: Breed Profile

History: Colorpoint Shorthair cats originated in the late 1940's. Some American breeders set out to develop a cat that was like a Siamese in form but with red points. They bred Siamese with American Shorthairs to develop the breed. The focus of the early breeding was to retain as much of the Siamese form as possible while producing kittens with red and cream points. The early pairings often produced kittens with American shorthair traits. Dedicated breeders soon improved their outcomes.

In 1964, breeders won recognition for their new breed which they called the Colorpoint Shorthair. In 1974, this breed was accepted for championship status. At first red and cream solid points were the only color variations acceptable. Breeders were happy with the success of the new breed and introduced tabby American shorthairs into their breeding programs. Lynx points were soon also accepted as acceptable colors. Later parti-colors, cats with typical Siamese coloring interrupted by red or cream blotching, were accepted too.

Appearance: Colorpoint Shorthair cats are the sister breed to the Siamese. These cats are very similar in shape and form to the Siamese, differing primarily in the sixteen different point colors they can show. These colors include the solid points: red and cream; the lynx points: blue-lynx, chocolate-lynx, cream-lynx, lilac-lynx, red-lynx, and seal-lynx; and the parti-colors: blue-cream, blue-cream lynx, chocolate-tortie, chocolate tortie-lynx, lilac-cream, lilac-cream lynx, seal-tortie, and seal-tortie lynx. The parti-colors are very distinguished looking often having a blaze on the face so that one half of the face is the new color and the other half is the traditional Siamese color. The eyes are always blue.

Personality: Colorpoint Shorthairs are affectionate and curious. They like lots of attention and can be very vocal, making their needs known. They will not allow you to leave them out of things! It is important that these intelligent cats have enough stimulation. They do best in busy homes or with other cats with whom they have bonded. They get along well with children. They do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. The Colorpoint is ever active, playing with toys, climbings shelves, performing jumps and midair acrobatics. Most of all they like to play with people though. They crave lots and lots of attention.

Care: Colorpoint Shorthair cats require very little grooming. An occasional brushing with a soft brush should keep their coats in excellent shape. They have very little dander and often will not trigger allergies in people who are allergic to other cat breeds. An occasional bath may be given if the cat has gotten dirty. Make sure that you keep the cat in a warm, draft free place until he or she is completely dry. As with all cats, this breed requires a constant supply of fresh water, a high protein cat food, a clean litter box, and room to play, climb, and scratch.