Personality and Temperament
The Colorpoint Shorthair cat might remind you of a Siamese – and for good reason! Essentially, Colorpoint Shorthair cats are Siamese of different colors. They share a similar background and history with the only difference being their unique colors. While Siamese cats come in just four distinct hues, there are 16 different Colorpoint Shorthair cat colors to choose from.
Just like their Siamese cousins, Colorpoint Shorthair cats have lean, athletic bodies and outgoing personalities. Their sparkling blue eyes brim with intelligence, and they are notoriously chatty.
Care
Nutrition
Grooming
Exercise
Health
Colorpoint Shorthair cats have no special nutritional requirements. They are prone to obesity, and will benefit from high-quality food without too many carbohydrates.
With their short, silky coats, Colorpoint Shorthair cats require very little attention in terms of grooming. A weekly once-over with a soft brush can help remove excess hair and cut down on shedding; even without regular brushing though, these cats don't typically shed much at all.
Clip your cat's nails regularly to prevent wear and tear on your furniture. In addition, you may wish to brush their teeth. It's best to introduce your cat to these grooming routines beginning at a young age.
Colorpoint Shorthair cats are natural athletes, with a built-in desire to leap, climb, and run. As playful as they are intelligent, they appreciate interactive toys and readily learn games such as fetch.
Just like many other breeds, Colorpoint Shorthair cats tend to slow down a bit with age. You can help your pet stay healthy by encouraging activity and providing items such as scratching posts and cat trees. If you like, you can teach a Colorpoint Shorthair cat to walk on a leash.
These cats need to be kept indoors but will appreciate outdoor adventures alongside you.
Colorpoint Shorthair cats generally enjoy good health, and have a relatively long life expectancy, often more than 12 years.
Just like their Siamese cousins, Colorpoint Shorthair cats are prone to some known health issues including eye disease and crossed eyes. Asthma, congenital heart defects, dental problems, and a liver disease called amyloidosis may occur as well.
History
The Colorpoint Shorthair cat was developed during the 1940s and 1950s when readers decided that they would like to create different Siamese cat colors. The first successful breeding between a Siamese cat and a red American Shorthair cat led to the first Colorpoint Shorthair cat: a creamy colored individual with remarkable red and cream points.
The red and cream Colorpoint Shorthair cat achieved championship status with the Cat Fanciers Association in 1964. By 1969, CFA accepted multiple colors including tortie and lynx points.
Cat fanciers associations worldwide recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair cat, usually as a distinct breed from the Siamese.
Eyes
Legs & Paws
Tail
The Breed Standard
Body
Head
Ears
Coat
Color
FAQ
How much does a Colorpoint Shorthair cat cost?
Colorpoint Shorthair cats cost between $500-$800.
How big do Colorpoint Shorthair cats get?
Colorpoint Shorthair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Colorpoint Shorthair cat might weigh between 6-12 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 11"-14" inches tall.
How long do Colorpoint Shorthair cats live?
The Average lifespan for Colorpoint Shorthair is 12-16 years.
Do Colorpoint Shorthair cats shed?
Colorpoint Shorthair are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.
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We have a ginger pointed colorpoint that we picked up in an animal rescue place in Qatar and then brought back to Brisbane, Australia. She is a delightful cat but is not very tolerant of our other two cats – a mixed breed white female with black patches (Momoko aka Moki) and a double coated black longhair boy (Billy) who just wandered in and decided to adopt us. Our colorpoint (Molly) incessantly talks but loves people and particularly kids. She is a one-person cat and gives me instruction on how I should conduct myself in my workshop. Maybe you could add a short section on “character” to your description.
Hi Ian, thanks for sharing! That would be an interesting addition.