Furriq

Cat Breed Guide

Colorpoint Shorthair

Medium · United States (1940s–60s)

A Siamese in colors the Siamese standard does not allow. Same wedge head, same vivid blue eyes, same talkative personality, but the points come in red, cream, lynx, and tortie shades. The CFA recognized the Colorpoint Shorthair as its own breed in 1964 to give the non-traditional point colors a ring of their own.

Quick Facts

Size
Medium
Weight
6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg)
Lifespan
12–20 years
Origin
United States (1940s–60s)

Key Visual Markers

  • Color-point pattern in non-traditional colors — seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points are Siamese territory; Colorpoint Shorthairs add red, cream, lynx (tabby), and tortie points in the same four base colors, 16 accepted combinations total
  • Vivid blue, almond-shaped eyes — the same sharp, consistent blue as the Siamese, required in all point colors
  • Long, tapering wedge head with a straight profile and large, wide-set ears that continue the wedge lines
  • Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body with no undercoat
  • Svelte, tubular, muscular body on long legs with a long, tapering tail
  • Vocal and demanding — the Siamese voice comes along with the body type

Temperament & Traits

  • Extremely vocal — talks constantly in the loud Siamese voice and answers when spoken to
  • Intensely people-oriented — follows owners, greets at the door, and hates being left alone
  • Highly intelligent — opens doors, learns tricks, and solves puzzle feeders
  • Active and playful — jumps, climbs, and stays kittenish into its teens
  • Social with other pets but demands human attention above all
  • Sensitive to cold — the short single coat offers little insulation

Health Notes

  • Hepatic amyloidosis — a hereditary condition causing amyloid protein deposits in the liver, shared with Siamese lines; unexplained weight loss with a normal appetite is the early sign
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — a genetic retinal degeneration that starts with night blindness and progresses over years; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
  • Asthma and bronchial disease — a higher incidence of airway sensitivity than most cats, inherited from Siamese ancestry; coughing or wheezing warrants a vet visit
  • Dental disease — the long narrow muzzle crowds the teeth and raises gingivitis and tooth resorption risk; regular dental care recommended
  • Anesthesia sensitivity — svelte breeds with low body fat need a careful anesthetic protocol; pre-anesthetic bloodwork is essential before any surgery

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Similar Breeds

Colorpoint Shorthair is often confused with these breeds. Here's how to tell them apart:

Siamese

Siamese are restricted to seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points. Colorpoint Shorthairs are the same cat in red, cream, lynx, or tortie points. A tabby-striped face mask or a red or cream-colored point means Colorpoint Shorthair, never Siamese.

Javanese

The Javanese is the long-haired version of the Colorpoint Shorthair, with the same colors and the same wedge head. A Javanese carries a medium-long silky coat with a plumed tail and a light ruff; the Colorpoint Shorthair wears a short, flat-lying coat.

Oriental Shorthair

Orientals share the wedge head and tubular body but come in every non-pointed color with green eyes. Colorpoint Shorthairs are always pointed with blue eyes. A solid or tabby body color instead of a pale body with dark points means Oriental.

Explore Other Breeds

Not sure this is the right breed for you? Check out other popular cat breeds below.

Norwegian Forest Cat

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Abyssinian

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Russian Blue

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Scottish Fold

A sweet-faced cat with ears folded forward and down, giving the head a round, owl-like silhouette. Calm, adaptable, and teddy-bear soft — Scottish Folds live up to their appearance. The folded ears trace back to a natural dominant mutation first found in a barn cat in Scotland in 1961.

Persian

The quintessential lap cat — famous for its luxurious long coat, large round eyes, and sweet, placid temperament. Persians are the most popular pedigreed cat breed worldwide, prized for their serene, gentle nature and unmistakable flat-faced (brachycephalic) profile.

British Shorthair

A sturdy, round-faced cat with a dense plush coat and a calm, undemanding personality. The British Blue — a solid blue-gray coat with copper eyes — is the breed’s most recognized look, but British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns.