Colorpoint Shorthair Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality

Overview

Characteristics

Compare Breed

Origin

United States

Height

28 - 36 cm

Adult weight

3 - 5 kg

Life Span

12-16 years

Temperament

Sociable, trainable, vocal, family-oriented

Group

Medium-to-large shorthair

Price

$500-$800

Affection Level

? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

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100%

Activity Level

? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

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90%

Pet-Friendly

? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

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80%

Kid-Friendly

? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

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90%

Sociability

? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

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90%

Intelligence

? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

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Playfulness

? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

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100%

Independence

? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

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10%

Vocality

? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

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100%

Grooming

? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

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10%

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.

Did You Know?

The Colorpoint Shorthair cat is exceptionally friendly and requires more attention than the average feline. These cats do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Did You Know?

Cat registries recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair in different ways. For example, the International Cat Association recognizes the breed as a Siamese variety while the Canadian Cat Association and CFA recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair as a breed of its own.

Did You Know?

The Colorpoint Shorthair cat is nearly indistinguishable from the Siamese; its head and body type are identical. The only major distinction is color.

The Breed Standard

Eyes

The eyes are always blue and are almond-shaped. They should be of medium size, and should slants toward the nose.

Legs & Paws

The legs should be long and slender, and should be proportionate to the body. The hind legs should be higher than the front legs. The paws should have a tidy, oval shape.

Tail

Colorpoint Shorthair cats should have long, thin tails that taper to a fine point at the end.

The Breed Standard

Body

Colorpoint Shorthair cats should have long, lean bodies with ample musculature and an elegant, refined appearance.

Head

The head should be wedge-shaped with a flat skull that leads to a long, straight profile that extends from the top of the head to the end of the nose. The nose should not exhibit a dip, and there should be no Bolger over the eyes. The neck should be long and slender.

Ears

Colorpoint Shorthair cats should have very large ears that are wide at the base with pronounced points at the tips. The lines of the ears should continue the wedge shape of the head.

Coat

Colorpoint Shorthair cats have short, silky coats with a fine texture. The coat should lie close to the body.

Color

All Colorpoint Shorthair cats should have clear, cream-colored coats although subtle shading is permissible. There must be a well-defined contrast between the body color and the points including legs, feet, tail, mask, and ears. The mist should not extend over the top of the head. Nose leather and paw pad colors should complement the coat.

FAQ

How much does a Colorpoint Shorthair cat cost?

Colorpoint Shorthair cats cost between $500-$800.

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

Colorpoint Shorthair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Colorpoint Shorthair cat might weigh between 3 - 5 kg or more and range in height anywhere from about 28 - 36 cm inches tall.

How long do Colorpoint Shorthair cats live?

The Average lifespan for Colorpoint Shorthair is 12-16 years.

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Colorpoint Shorthair: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Personality and Temperament

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

History

The Breed Standard

Eyes

Legs & Paws

Tail

The Breed Standard

Body

Head

Ears

Coat

Color

FAQ

How much does a Colorpoint Shorthair cat cost?

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

How long do Colorpoint Shorthair cats live?

FIND MORE CAT BREEDS

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