Cat
Breed Description:
The Colorpoint Shorthairs breed of cats are first cousins of the Siamese. The breed of cat distinguishes itself by its elegance in sixteen different "point" colors. These colors are beyond the four Siamese colors. The Colorpoint Shorthair is a hybrid breed of the Siamese. Today's Colorpoints are the same structural standard of the Siamese, with the only difference being their unique point colors.
Temperament:
The Colorpoint Shorthair breed of cats are a highly intelligent and playful breed, not unlike their Siamese cousins. These cats are also a people-friendly breed. They are extremely affectionate, outgoing and enjoy lounging around and playing with people. Now the Colorpoints breed of cats are very vocal cats, and they will demand attention by crying.
Health Problems:
Balanced diets high in protein are generally recommended, since part of the natural beauty of the Colorpoints is their glistening, muscular hard tubular bodies.
Living Conditions:
Indoor. These are active cats, they require attention and are highly playful as well as very vocal.
Grooming:
Like their Siamese cousins, Colorpoint Shorthairs require little grooming and are especially good in households with allergies to cats since both breeds have little dander. An occasional bath is recommended, but allow the freshly bathed coat to air dry in a warm spot. Do not blow dry, but do brush the coat with the concave or short side of a small rubber brush to remove loose hair and make the coat lie smooth. The coat can be "finished" by smoothing the coat with a chamois cloth.
Origin:
The development of the Colorpoint Shorthair breed of cat first began in the 1940s. This happened when British and American Siamese breeders started to work on expanding the "pointed" colors of the Siamese. In order to develop the Colorpoint Shorthair breed they crossed Siamese with Abyssinians and red tabby Domestic Shorthairs. Initially the results were mixed, after continued planned breedings these cats eventually were crossed back to Siamese. In the beginning these cats were still considered Siamese, causing controversy and commotion within the breed. Finally, the name Colorpoint Shorthair was given to these cats. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized them as a separate breed from the Siamese in 1974. Today, the American Cat Fanciers Association (AFCA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) recognize them as a type of Siamese. 