The Colorpoint Shorthair cat is a breed that has been recognized as an independent breed only by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. The other cat registries have considered it as a color class of the Siamese, and a part of the Oriental and Siamese breeds.
Although a first cousin of the Siamese, these cats have point-colors in sixteen different points in their bodies, unlike the Siamese that have only four. However, the same name has also been given to cats of Siamese ancestry in the four recognized colors, whose eight-generation pedigree has witnessed ancestors with other colors too.
Pictures of Colorpoint Shorthair Kitten 
Colorpoint Shorthair Pictures 
Colorpoint Shorthair Kitten Pictures 
Colorpoint Shorthair Images
Quick Information
Physical Appearance & Size
| Weight: | 5-9 pounds |
Colors & Patterns
| Coat Type: | Glossy, silky, short |
| Coat Color: | Red, Tabby, Tortoise Shell, Blue, Chocolate, Cream, Lilac |
Other Characteristics
| Life Expectancy (Lifespan): | 12 – 15 years (average) |
| Litter Size: | 3-5 kittens |
| Lap Cat: | Yes |
| Personality Traits: | Intelligent, affectionate, playful, social |
| Shedding: | Minimal |
| Good with Children: | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic: | Not known |
| Vocalization: | Yes |
| Country of Origin: | USA |
| Competitive Registration/Qualification Information: | CFA, CCA |
Description
These cats have a long and slender body with a long nose and neck, elongated legs, and are medium-sized. They have almond-shaped, vivid blue eyes. Their body is more muscular than the Siamese. The darker color in their extremities gradually blends with the light color of the body. They have a long tail, tapering to a point.
History
The Colorpoint Shorthair is a manmade breed that first developed in the 1940s when a few American and British Siamese breeders tried to produce a cat similar to the Siamese cat. However, the Siamese cats only had four color-points (seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac point). But they wanted the new cat to be having such pointed colors that are not found in the Siamese. With this in mind, they crossed red tabby Domestic Shorthairs and Abyssinians with the Siamese. However, the resultant new breed was crossed back with the Siamese cats. Hence, initially, the new cats were considered to be a variation of the Siamese, creating a controversy within the breed itself. Later, in 1974, the new cats were recognized by the CFA, getting their present name.
Temperament and Personality
The colorprint shorthair is one of the most affectionate, loving and loyal cats around. They shower their owners and their families with love and company. They retain their loving nature their whole lives, and expect the attention of their favorites. They are specifically sensitive to their owner’s moods, and would even try to make him happy when it senses that he is down or sad.
Like their Siamese cousins, these cats are very extrovert, and would love to mix with people and play with everyone, including children. They are heat-seekers, and enjoy the warmth of the laps of their loved ones even during the summer. They are garrulous and have about 100 different vocal sounds, and would often greet everyone with their unusual meows.
These active felines are outgoing and athletic, and tend to perch on high places. The males of this breed are sometimes aggressive towards other animals. They would fight with other cats if they sense any violation of their territorial limits, or just to project dominance.
Care
Like the Siamese, the colorpoints do need some grooming. Insist on using a soft rubber brush to dispose the loose hairs. However, most of these cats do not need a bath. But you can use a chamois cloth to smoothen and clean their coat.
The colorpoint is a fairly hardy breed, but are susceptible to all general feline ailments including Amyloidosis, Aortic Stenosis, Asthma/Bronchial Disease, Crossed Eyes, Hyperesthesia Syndrome, Lymphoma, Megaesophagus, Nystagmus, Progressive Retinal Atrophy. But they have an above-average vulnerability to liver amyloidosis and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Pictures of Colorpoint Shorthair Cat 
Colorpoint Shorthair Kitten Images 
Colorpoint Shorthair Photos 
Colorpoint Shorthair Kitten
Training
The smart and intelligent Colorpoint Shorthair is easily trainable and can be trained to do many things. All they want is your company and satisfaction. They would learn basic commands and interactive games like fetch with ease. No matter it’s a wad of cloth or a stuffed mouse, the object would gain their complete attention, since they want you to throw it for them to go and fetch. You should also train the kittens, especially the males, to socialize.
Health and Diet
Try to help your feline friend grow a good food habit. Give them lots of protein enriched foods, but not too much of fat. This would retain the sleek beauty of their physique. Monitor their daily food portions and give them plenty of playtime exercise. This will maintain the muscular body that is part of the natural beauty of the Colorpoint. Be alert if they suddenly start losing weight because these cats seldom cross 10 pounds. Supply them with fresh water every day.
Pictures of Colorpoint Shorthair Kitten 
Colorpoint Shorthair Cat 
Colorpoint Shorthair 
Colorpoint Shorthair Cat
Interesting Facts
- Usually, the parti-colored Colorpoint Shorthairs are always female since the color red is carried by the sex-linked X chromosomes.
- The colored points of these cats might show evidence of tabby striping and tortoiseshell patterns. But these patterns are only limited to the points.
- This breed is regarded as ‘Traditional Colorpoint Siamese’ by the TCA (Traditional Cat Association), founded in 1987.
