The International Cat Association ( TICA) on the other hand, allows for flame/red points. In the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the Siamese breed only includes cats in the original four colors: seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac.įlame points, tortie points, and lynx points are considered to be part of the Colorpoint Shorthair breed in CFA. Some lines of pedigreed Siamese cats, sometimes known as “Traditional” or “Old-Style” Siamese, have a more moderate type with somewhat rounder heads and bodies.Īs for the color of the points, not all associations accept flame points as an allowed color in Siamese show standards. Over the years, cats bred towards this show standard have gradually become more extreme in type, and are sometimes known as 'modern' Siamese cats. The show standard calls for this breed to have a long body with long legs, large ears, and a wedge-shaped head type. What Does A Flame Point Siamese Look Like?Īll Siamese cats share the colorpoint coat pattern and have blue eyes. The Siamese breed has always been a relatively slender, elegant cat. The combination of the reddish face and blue eyes is unique and adorable! With many flame point cats, the tabby pattern is visible in the rings on their tail and the distinct 'M' shaped mark on their forehead, typical of tabby cats.įlame-point or red-point cats have many fans. Red is not a recessive trait, so it cannot be “carried.” Like other red tabby cats, flame point cats always have at least one red or tortoiseshell parent. Genetically, they are red tabby cats with two copies of the colorpoint gene. Had it not been for the suppression of melanin production, they would have been red tabby cats. Pointed kittens can also be born in a litter if both parents carry the colorpoint gene, even if the parents themselves are not pointed.įlame point cats have a colorpoint pattern but the color of their points is red, or rather orange. Two-pointed cats (such as two Siamese) will always produce pointed kittens. Once the kittens are born, their body begins to produce melanin in the cooler areas, so that within a few weeks, they begin to show a distinct colorpoint pattern.Ĭolorpoint is a recessive gene. The maternal body heat renders the tyrosinase useless, so the kittens cannot produce pigment and remain white in the womb. While the kittens are inside the mother cat's womb, even the extremities of their bodies are securely surrounded by warmth. Interesting fact: Colorpoint cats are born entirely white (or light-colored). The reduced temperature allows the mutated enzyme to effectively participate in the creation of pigments, resulting in darker fur in those areas. The cat's paws, face, ears, and tail are cooler because they are further away from the core of the body. When it's too warm, the mutated tyrosinase in colorpoints simply won't work, preventing the production of melanin. Colorpoint cats have a mutated version of the enzyme which is sensitive to heat. When the body produces melanin, it uses an enzyme called tyrosinase. The lack of melanin in the eye creates blue eyes. Without melanin, we get light colors, such as white or cream in the coat.

The pigment molecule involved is called melanin and it's produced at the base of the growing hair. The color of a cat's coat is the result of the pigmentation of the individual hairs. So, why wait? Keep scrolling and unveil the mystic beauty of these magnificent feline pals. We've got answers to all the questions stirring in your mind. In this piece, we unravel the genetic secrets behind flame point coloring.

It's a sight that's not common, but guess what? This dazzling coloring can pop up in a variety of breeds, and even in domestic cats with no specific breed lineage.Įver pondered the role of genetics in defining a cat's color? We're here to satisfy your curiosity. A gem of the Siamese breed, their coats are a luxurious cream or off-white, adorned with vivid reddish points. Yet, have you stumbled upon the uncommon Siamese Flame-Point variant?ĭon't worry, we have done the research to bring you every detail about this extraordinary coloration.įlame point Siamese cats are a rare treat to behold. Intrigued by Siamese cats' allure? Their unique origins and stylish allure have mesmerized us for years.

Six month old red tabby cat