Colorpoint Shorthair: Cat Breed Information, Characteristics and Facts

The Colourpoint Shorthair cat has been hailed by some as the ‘ideal companion’ as they are known to be an affectionate member of the family who lives well with pets and children alike. These cats are playful, intelligent, and a part of the Siamese family. Officially recognized in the 1960s, these wonderful cats are characterized by their medium muscular build, narrow pointy nose, large ears, and beautiful almond shaped eyes. The Colourpoint Shorthair cats are truly a gift to any family and will offers hours of endless fun and warmth to both you and your children if you have them. So, let’s take a look at this brilliant feline’s history and its breed-specific information to see if they could be the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.

History of the Colorpoint Cat

The Colorpoint Shorthair cat was officially recognized in 1964 by the ‘Cat Fanciers Association’ and this is when they gained their official standing in cat-loving circles. These cats are known as a variant of the classic Siamese cat and are still considered to be a part of the Siamese cat family, albeit with different color fur. The breed originated when a Siamese cat was bred with an American Shorthair with a red coat. This produced a cat whose features resembled that of a Siamese cat, but who had a slightly different color to the traditional white Siamese cat. Thus, the Colorpoint Shorthair is a member of the Siamese family (and rocks those gorgeous Siamese features) but comes with an interesting reddish color variation to the usual white and grey color scheme.

Quick Facts

• The Colorpoint Shorthair is a super talkative breed and they love nothing more than telling their humans about their day. Their voices have a raspy tone and they will more than likely follow you around chatting, until they get the attention they deserve!
• These cats are above average when it comes to intelligence and are bound to thrive when mentally stimulated and engaged with. They will delight in playing a myriad of games, even ones like fetch. They can be easily trained with enough dedication.
• Breeding of these gorgeous cats began as early as the 1940s, and eventually a Seal-point Siamese cat was bred with a red American Shorthair. However, it was only in the 1960s that they gained their official status as a prize breed. Breeding continued later into the 60s to create more variants and there are currently 16 different colors.
• Since they have strong Siamese origins, some kittens might have the traditional Siamese colors, rather than the reddish hue. These cats are just as loving and affectionate and while they might not fit the cat-show criteria, they are also beautiful pets to bring into your life.
• Kittens are usually available from about 14 weeks. This will ensure that they have enough time with their mothers and can build up the strength that is needed to develop into a healthy and happy adult cat. You can of course opt to adopt an older Colorpoint Shorthair through a local rescue organization.

Things You Should Know About the Colorpoint Shorthair Cat

It’s imperative to know about particular breeds and their various health, temperament, grooming, and overall care needs before you introduce them to your home. Knowing this information will enable you to make an informed decision about what breed is best for your lifestyle and will equip you with the knowledge to give them the best possible care. Different breeds have different strengths and vulnerabilities, as well as different personalities and characteristics. Thus, these facts will ensure that you’re picking the perfect breed for you and your family. When it comes to choosing your cat, you can either go to a reputable breeder, or opt for a breed-specific rescue organization. This is a great idea if you want to help an animal in need and offering them a forever home filled with love will make the hugest difference in both their life and your life.

Health

As a potential pet owner, it’s best to know what possible health issues might arise in your breed of choice. This way you will know what health ailments to look out for and can equip yourself with the best knowledge to care for them. Like most pure-bred animals, the Colorpoint Shorthair might be suspectable to certain health issues. The following list highlights some issues to look out for and if you notice any of the following problems, be sure to consult your vet immediately. It’s always a great idea to consider pet medical insurance when you get a fur-baby. Choose a plan that covers both regular check-ups and emergency or chronic treatment.

• Some members of the Siamese family are prone to liver problems and this happens primarily when a certain protein, known as amyloid enters certain bodily organs such as the liver. This condition is known as
• Much like their Siamese cousin, the Colorpoint Shorthair might also be prone to certain eye issues. One of the most common is having cross-eyes. They might also face a neurological condition known as Nystagmus which causes rapid and involuntary eye movements.
• They might also face a neurological issue known as Hyperesthesia Syndrome. This can cause them to obsessively groom themselves and can lead to hair loss if not properly treated. Thus, always consult your vet if you notice rapid hair loss or frantic grooming.
• They might be prone to certain breathing issues like Asthma. If you notice a problem with their breathing, it’s a good idea to get them straight to your vet. They can give them a proper check-up and run tests to determine what medication or treatment they will need.
• They might suffer from some congenital conditions or defects, especially aortic stenosis.

Feeding

A high-quality, vet-approved diet is paramount to ensuring optimum health and well-being for your Colorpoint (or any other breed for that matter). A well-balanced diet will ensure that your cat develops properly and since the Colorpoint is known for its highly muscular body and its low percentage of body fat, it will need a diet that is rich in essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. A vet-approved diet is the best way to go as it has been clinically tested to ensure that it contains all the necessary ingredients.

It’s also important to monitor how much you feed your cat daily. You want to ensure that they are getting enough calories to energize them and promote overall well-being, but you also want to ensure that they aren’t eating too much. This can lead to obesity which can cause a number of dangerous diseases, including diabetes, kidney failure, arthritis, and heart problems. Yearly check-ups are an important way to monitor your beloved cats wait and to ensure that they are getting all the ingredients that they need.

It’s also imperative that they always have access to fresh water. Their water bowls should be changed daily and always filled with plenty of fresh water.

If you notice that you cat stops eating, or has lost a dramatic amount of weight, always consult your vet. Some cats might be pickier with their food than others, but if they stop eating altogether it could indicate a more serious health concern.

For more guides on choosing the right cat food, you may wish to check out our reviews of the best wet cat food, senior cat food, hypoallergenic cat food, cat food for hairballs and cat food for indoor cats.

Caring for Your Colorpoint

Proper care for your Colorpoint encompasses a number of diverse factors. It includes feeding them a healthy and balanced diet and ensuring that their medical needs are always catered for. It’s important as a pet owner that your fur-babies get regular check-ups at the vet. This will ensure that they’re up to date with various vaccinations, that their weight and overall well-being is monitored, and that your vet can keep an eye on any problems down the line. Senior cats have particular needs as certain health concerns can arise as your cat gets older.

Caring for your cat also includes other grooming-type components. You will want to ensure that their nails are cut regularly. This will prevent them from scratching themselves or other pets badly and ensure that they are more comfortable. While some owners feel confident in cutting their cats nails themselves, others might opt to visit a local groomer. Groomers are able to wash your cats professionally and can do other jobs like cutting their claws. This might be a safer option if you’re not used to cutting your cats nails or are worried about hurting them. For more options, check out our detailed review of the best cat nail clippers.

You’ll also want to ensure that their eyes and ears are always clean. Some cats can deal with issues like dry-eye and might need a gentle eye wipe every now and then to remove any excess mucus. It’s best to do this with a cotton wool ball and some Lukewarm water. You’ll also want to check their ears every now and then and ensure that there isn’t a build-up of ear wax, or that they aren’t dealing with issues like ear mites. Ultimately good care means ensuring that they always experience ultimate physical, emotional, and mental care. If you’re every unsure, it’s best to consult your vet.

It’s also a good idea to brush cat’s teeth regularly. This will ultimately prevent a build-up of plaque which can lead to gum and periodontal disease. These diseases can cause a myriad of health problems that impact heart health.

Lastly, you will always want to ensure that their litterbox is kept clean and changed on the regular. Cats are very proud and hygienic animals and thus their space always needs to be kept clean. This will ensure that they feel comfortable in their space and don’t start doing their business in strange places, or playing up. Find out more about self-cleaning litter boxes here.

Grooming Them

Luckily the Colorpoint Shorthair is a short haired cat and thus, their grooming needs are not to complex or time-consuming.  Their coats are silky and short and because of this they are not prone to excessive shedding. As a good rule of thumb, it’s best to brush them once a week. This will ensure that any old fur is removed and will keep their coat sleek and shiny. If you really want to enhance the shine of their coat, it’s a good idea to purchase a chamois cloth and run it over their coats. This will bring out the shine and make them look truly dazzling. The Clolorpoint is very good at self-cleaning, and thus you don’t have to bath them regularly at all. If you do choose to give them the odd bath, ensue that they have somewhere warm to dry off and that you opt for a pet-friendly shampoo with a balanced PH, so as to not irritate their skin. If your cat hates being bathed and groomed, it might be a good idea to take them to a local groomer every once in a while. Luckily, since they have short hair, this won’t have to be a regular occurrence.

For more help on cat grooming, you may wish to read our guides on the best cat ear cleaners, cat nail clippers, brushes for cats, cat grooming gloves and cat shampoos.

Temperament

It is said that this particular breed of cat is able to understand and attend to their owners’ emotions and thus they make for a perfect companion pet. They are also known to be super affectionate and cuddly, so if you’re into cat-cuddles and are looking for a companion to keep you warm and toasty all winter long, or keep your company when you’re feeling blue, these cats are sure to be an absolute gem. They also love to chat and vocalize their feelings and will therefore be greatly suited to families who embrace this characteristic and give them the attention they crave.

Much like their Siamese descendants, these cats are also very brainy, and will thrive in an environment where their mental needs are stimulated. You can teach them a number of tricks and to play a number of exciting games including fetch, puzzle problems, or riddles. You can reward them with lots of love and tasty treats. This will enable great bonding between owner and cat and is a perfect way to engage their inquiring minds.

They are also super loyal and brilliant around children and other animals. This makes them a reliable and wonderful member of the family. They thrive around people and will be an absolutely invaluable member of the family for any home that is bustling, busy, and always filled with activity.

They also love to perch on high-up places and are a super athletic bree. Thus, you want to ensure that they have ample space to explore and get their energy out.

Thus, the Colorpoint shorthair is a delightful breed choice for any cat lover. Their relation to the Siamese cat makes them an intelligent, social, vocal, and charming addition to the family and their relation to the red American tabby, gives them a beautiful and unique color. They love to be part of the action and will be sure to vocalize their feelings and tell you about their day. They also love nothing more than snuggling up closely to their humans and if you’re all about a cuddly cat who just wants to give you love and attention, this is certainly a great pick for you. Since they are wonderful with children and other animals alike, they will also slot in well to family dynamics. Filled with love, energy, intelligence, and a bright character, these Colorpoint Shorthairs are truly a real gem!

Source:

1. About the Colorpoint Shorthair – The Cat Fanciers’ Association