Description / History
Colorpoint Shorthairs are the scintillating relatives of the Siamese. This breed flaunts its stylized elegance in “point” colors beyond the basic Siamese colors of blue, seal, chocolate and lilac point. Half-siblings to Siamese by virtue of the initial Siamese/red domestic shorthair/Abyssinian foundation crosses, Colorpoints have progressed in leaps and bounds since the early hybrid experiments by British fanciers. Colorpoints, c. 1947-48, were a far cry from their angular, leggy descendants of today.
Meanwhile, the striking, effervescent, Colorpoints demanded absolute commitment; to that end, persevering American advocates pursued CFA registration privileges. Additionally, breeders introduced lynx-points to the palette. They already had tabby-patterned pilot cats with which to work, having gotten the tabby gene from the original domestic shorthairs and Abyssinians. From the drawing board came Colorpoints with striped tails, legs and masks, and ears, which when viewed from behind, gave the impression of a thumb print in the middle of the ear.
To distinguish the new breed from the Siamese, new color breeders agreed to the name “Colorpoint Shorthair” for CFA registration purposes. The breed’s consequent acceptance, in 1964, was a “cause celebre.”
Colorpoints have a fervent desire to be loved. Though the paler colors can be a trifle shy, beneath their planes d angles lies an empathetic sensitivity. No member of their family — adult, child, dog, turtle — is excluded from their sense of belonging. Since Colorpoints wear white or off-white coats, you’ll probably want to bathe your cat periodically to maintain its glistening “varnished” finish. Right after drying, you will have a fluffy-furred cat. Brush the coat with the concave side of a small rubber grooming brush to make the hair lie smoothly lustrous again. A weekly bath is not required, but regular nail-clipping should be routine. Colorpoints adore being groomed, so you can make an enthusiastic brushing the reward for tolerating a manicure! Tolerance is one of this breed’s outstanding attributes. Though it seems contrary to their sensitivity, it is just not in their earnest loving nature to be otherwise. Heed the instructions of your cat’s breeder when you acquire your Colorpoint, and you’ll be blessed with long-lived, joyous companionship.
Weight
7-9 lbs.
Eyes
The Colorpoint Shorthair eyes are almond-shaped and medium size. The color is deep vivid blue.
Coat
Short, fine-textured, glossy; lying close to body.
Associations
The Colorpoint Shorthair is accepted in all major associations.
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