Color Me Siamese

Siamese cats are known for their brilliant blueseal point. It was, however, the blue point
eyes and their unique color pattern. In the UnitedSiamese that was next recognized by the Cat
States, Siamese cats come in four colors, orFancier's Association (CFA) in the United States.
points. Siamese coloring includes only the sealThe blue point is a dilute color of the seal point
point, the chocolate point, the blue point and theSiamese. The body is grayish white, which shades
lilac point. Any cat with coloring other than seal,to white on the belly and the points are deep blue.
chocolate, blue or lilac is considered a ColorpointThe pads and nose leather are slate gray.
Shorthair. Colorpoint Shorthairs include the lovelyThe chocolate point differs from the Seal point in
flame point, the lynx point and the torti point. Inthat the body is ivory with no shading and the
Britain, all color variations are considered Siamese.points are a deep chocolate brown. Nose leather
All Siamese cats are descended from the sealand paw pads are defined as cinnamon pink.
point, which is the dominant color. The breedThe lilac point was the last of the Siamese colors
standard for the seal point is a fawn to creamto be identified by the CFA. This cat is the dilute
body and dark brown, almost black points. Thecoloring of the chocolate point. Body is glacial
points are the muzzle, ears, legs and paws andwhite with no shading. The points are frosty gray
tail. Pads are the same color as the points. As thewith a pinkish tone. Nose leather and paw pads
cats age, the body darkens as well, so thatare lavender pink.
younger cats have much lighter bodies than olderThe similarity of coloring in the chocolate point and
adults. Kittens are born completely white.seal point can make the differences in these cats
The coloring of the Siamese is the result of ahard to spot for the novice. This is also true of
genetic defect. The gene that regulates melatoninthe blue point and lilac point. A good breeder can
does not work at body temperature in thesedetermine the exact coloring much more easily.
cats. When areas of the body cool below bodyColor is often determined on kittens by checking
temperature, the gene works and these parts ofon the color of the pads.
the body acquire color. Hence the points are theNo matter what the coloring, a Siamese is a
extremities and face, which tend to be coolerdelightful cat to have around. They are intelligent
than other areas. This is also why the back of theand affectionate cats. Siamese cats can be
cat darkens slowly over the years, but the bellytrainable and are often described as dog like. No
remains lighter colored.other cat has captured the hearts and minds of
The chocolate point is actually a variation of theso many cat fanciers.