How to Identify a Colorpoint Shorthair Cat

Colorpoint shorthair cats are relatives of the Siamese. The 2 breeds are very similar except in color. There are many ways to identify this socially treasured breed. Below are many characteristics of these cats—from their color to facial features—as well as some tips for proper care.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick it up. Colorpoint shorthairs are thin cats with long and slender bodies. They are often firm to the touch, since they don't have a lot of body fat.

2. Define the facial characteristics. These cats have pointed ears and long, straight noses that don't break at their foreheads. The muzzles are square, and the eyes are an almond shape that tilt in toward the nose. Colorpoint shorthair cats only have blue eyes.

3. Map the fur. Colorpoints have distinct patterns with their points on their ears, feet, legs, mask and tail.

4. Feel the coat. The fur on a colorpoint shorthair is short and close lying. The fur is very fine and often has a high gloss.

5. Stop when you see red. Colorpoints are red and cream. There is an offshoot called the lynx points that come in the blue-cream lynx point, chocolate-tortie lynx point, the lilac-cream lynx point and the seal-tortie lynx point.

Tips & Warnings

• Diets high in protein will optimize the muscular appearance of the colorpoint shorthair.
• Do not blow dry the cat. Allow it to dry in a warm place instead.
• Use a short, rubber brush to comb the fur gently.
• Watch out for weight loss. Colorpoint shorthairs do not carry a lot of extra weight. Any noticeable weight loss is likely due to a loss of muscle mass.