Breed of shorthaired cat with unique colourpoints (characteristic large spots of darker fur on the face, ears, legs, and tail, contrasting with a lighter body colouring). The colourpoint shorthair is distinguished from the similarly coloured Siamese cat by the unusual colours of its points, including tortoiseshell, red, cream, and tabby multicolouring.

The colourpoint shorthair is an angular, slender-legged cat, with back legs longer than the front. The body is long and flexible, and the head is long and wedge-shaped. Medium-sized, blue eyes are almond-shaped and slant toward the nose. Large, pointed ears are set wide apart at the base. The long, thin tail tapers to a fine point. The colourpoint shorthair’s coat is fine and glossy, and lies close to the body.

This cat was developed during breeding trials in the late 1940s when Siamese, red shorthair, and Abyssinian cats were crossed in an attempt to produce a Siamese with colourpoints other than that breed’s traditional seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac points.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association and Canadian Cat Association recognize the colourpoint shorthair as a separate breed. Other registries consider it a variety of Siamese.

Copyright Texts and documents (ChatonNath et DouxCoeur)

© All rights reserved November 02