Siamese cats are famous for their pointed coats, slender bodies and magnetic blue eyes. But, did you know that there are variations of this breed? Due to crossbreeding, other mixed breeds are existing today like the Flame point Siamese breed.
Flame point Siamese cats have creamy-white, short coats with bright reddish-gold points with a paler color in the legs and feet. They have intense and brilliant blue eyes and their nose, eye rims and paw pads are pink-colored. They have some striping in their faces, legs and tails.
Flame Point Siamese: How are they bred?
These felines are bred by crossbreeding a purebred Siamese cat and an American Shorthair breed with red tones or the tabby variety. Purebred Siamese cats are cream or white-colored cats with points on the face, ears, tail and feet. The resulting points of the crossbreeding is an orange color with a cream or white body and the signature blue eyes.
The flame point Siamese was bred in the 1930’s and additional experimentation and revisions were made to retain traits and coloring from the Siamese breed. It is interesting to note that at least 75% of flame point Siamese cats are males. Their coloring will also deepen with age and it may become darker when the cats are around two years old.
Flame Point Siamese personality traits
The flame point Siamese breed is said to have the best of both breeds when it comes to their personality as they tend to have the best personality traits of the Siamese and the American shorthair tabby cat. Both of these breeds are known for their affectionate, active and friendly personalities.
Similarly, flame point Siamese cats are funny, loving, sweet, adaptable and affectionate. They are active and need constant exercise and they also tend to demand attention. They tend to be very vocal. These felines are curious, active and love to jump and pounce around.
Flame point Siamese cats are mostly males and tend to inherit sex-specific from the Siamese side. Female Siamese cats are temperamental while the males are more laid-back which is the same case with tabby American shorthair males. Thus, Flame point Siamese cats also tend to inherit these traits as well as a sense of adventure since they love to explore.
Aside from inheriting the affectionate and friendly nature of both the Siamese and tabby American shorthair breeds, flame point Siamese felines exhibit entertaining behavior like attacking their owners’ feet, running into things and their constant need for human attention and cuddles.
Flame point or red point Siamese: What is the right name?
Some people are confused about what is the right name for this particular breed. It all depends on the location or country. In the United Kingdom, the breed is called a Red Point Siamese. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy officially recognizes the breed as Siamese but it is not known as a Flame Point.
Similarly, the Australian Cat Federation refers to the breed as Red Points. But in the USA, the Cat Fanciers Association classifies it as a separate breed called the ColorPoint Shorthair and also refers to it as a red point. Other US cat registries acknowledge the breed as Siamese but refer to it as red and not the flame point.
Cat experts believe that the flame point term may have been borrowed from the Persian and Himalayan cat breeds where the term is used to describe the coloring of cats. The term flame point may have been used to denote Siamese cats as it sounds more pleasant compared to the term red point.
Are Flame Point Siamese cats rare?
Yes, this particular type of the Siamese breed is very rare and if you are bent on owning one try to check among pet shelters in your local community that caters to the breed. You may also try to check out online websites like petfinder.com.
Another option is to check out Siamese cat breeders in your area and make sure that these breeders have good online reviews, complete documentation of exams and vaccinations, a good environment and that they are raising well-socialized cats. Since they are rare, these cats cost around $400 to $2000.
What are the typical health issues of a Flame Point Siamese?
Common health issues among flame point Siamese cats may include pica, arthritis, hyperesthesia and hip dysplasia. They may also be prone to urinary problems and dental issues which are common problems of the American shorthair breed. Regular vet visits should always be a priority to prevent health problems.
How long do Flame Point Siamese live?
With proper care, Flame point Siamese cats may have a life span of 15 to 20 years or more.
What are the other color points for Siamese cats?
Aside from the flame point, here are other color points for the Siamese breed:
1. Blue point
The cats have bluish-white bodies with slate grey noses and paw pads along with striking blue eyes.
2. Seal point
This is said to be the original color of Siamese cats when they were first brought in from Thailand. The cats with this color point have almost black points or dark brown. The coloring is seen around the cat’s nose and paw pads and their coat is cream-colored.
3. Chocolate point
Cats with this colorpoint have cream-colored bodies and milk chocolate-colored points. They have light chocolate-colored noses, paw pads and tails.
4. Cream point
Siamese cats with this colorpoint have cream-colored bodies with very light points and pink paw pads and noses.
5. Lilac point
Lilac point Siamese cats have pink-like and grey-colored points. They have white coats and lavender nose and paw pads.
Conclusion
If you love Siamese cats but prefer a unique color point with the same flamboyant personality, the Flame point Siamese cat is your best bet. It is a crossbreed of the Siamese and the American shorthair tabby breed. It has the chatty and sociable nature of the former and the friendly and lovable disposition of the latter. However, this breed is quite rare and may be expensive to own but having one guarantees many years of fun and loving companionship.
Image: istockphoto.com / Madison Muskopf