Colorpoint Shorthair cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a Siamese in body and head with a wider range of point colours than the traditional four. Breeders in the United States and Britain began the work around the late 1940s and 1950s, crossing Siamese with cats that carried the red gene, among them a red tabby American Shorthair. The aim was red and cream points, and tortie and lynx points followed. The cat has a long, tubular body, a wedge-shaped head, large ears and almond-shaped blue eyes.

The breed has an unusual standing. The CFA gave it championship status in 1964, but many other registries do not treat it as a separate breed and simply count these cats as Siamese in other colours. Its name and status therefore change depending on which registry you ask.

Temperament and living with one

This is a social, vocal and demanding cat, much like the Siamese. It chooses a favourite person, follows that person around the house and comments on everything. The voice is loud and carries, so a quiet household may find it wearing.

Colorpoints are quick learners. Many fetch, walk on a harness or open cupboards, and they need puzzles, climbing space and daily play to avoid boredom. They tend to get on well with other cats and with dogs that are calm, and with children who handle them gently. Left alone for long periods they can become anxious or noisy, so a second cat is often a good idea.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat takes very little work. Stroking with a rubber brush or a bare hand removes loose hair, and a bath is rarely needed. The point colour is temperature sensitive and can darken with age or in a cool room, which is normal.

Feed a complete, balanced diet in measured portions, since these cats are lean by build and easy to overfeed through boredom. Provide tall perches, a sturdy scratching post and interactive toys. Brush teeth or ask your vet about dental care, because dental disease is common in cats with Siamese ancestry. A warm resting place is appreciated.

Health

Colorpoints are generally sound, but they share some conditions with Siamese lines. Crossed eyes and kinked tails were once common and are now minor faults. Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye disease, and mammary tumours in unspayed females have been reported in Siamese-type cats. Dental disease is another frequent complaint. Responsible breeders screen their breeding cats where tests exist, and a vet can advise on the checks that suit your cat. Spaying females early lowers the risk of mammary tumours, which is worth discussing with your vet.

Is it right for you?

Choose a Colorpoint Shorthair if you want a close, chatty companion and can give it company and attention for much of the day. It is easy to groom but not easy to ignore. If you like the look but want a calmer cat, compare the Tonkinese, or look at the Oriental Shorthair for a wider choice of colours. Kittens are seldom advertised, so expect a wait and ask any breeder for health records.