What few people realize is that the Siamese
cat is actually born white and will develop their characteristics
points later, by about 4 weeks of age. The colour of the Siamese depends
on a 'pointing gene' which is a a result of the partial albinism gene.
The “pointing gene” that the cat is
born with is heat sensitive. As the Siamese grows older, his colder
extremities (ears, face, legs and tail) darken until he has the characteristic
coloring of the breed. A enzyme producing pigment in the cells of the hair
root produce little or no pigment for the growing hair at temperatures above
98°F (37°C).
Anything that affects the temperature of the
Siamese can also affect their point color. For example, generally
adult Siamese living in warm climates have lighter coats than those in cool
climates. Also, a Siamese that is overweight tends to be darker because
the extra layer of fat insulates the skin from the body, thus causing it to
produce more pigment. A Siamese that has been ill will often show
"ticking", or lighter colored hairs in it's mask because the actively growing
hairs will be un-pigmented in the elevated temperature of a fever. The
pigment also tends to darken as the cat ages.
The blue eye color of a Siamese is
also due to the partial albinism gene. Siamese have little to no pigment
(yellow-brown) in their eyes and the blue color is actually a result of
reflected white light from the retina. The eye color can range from a pale
china-blue to a deep blue-violet.
Finally,
the hair length of the Siamese is also monitored by a gene. The
long-haired Siamese, or Bali, also comes in the classic Siamese
colours described below.
There also several "modifying" genes that can
further affect the color and density of the points and these give us the four
classic Siamese colours: seal points, chocolate points, blue points and
lilac points. The seal points
are the best known variety and were the first to be recognized. Seal points
have pale fawn bodies and extreme almost black points. The chocolate
points came second with creamy white bodies and milk chocolate points
followed by the blue point that has a bluish-white body with slate blue
points. Last was the delicate looking lilac point with a white body and
pinkish grey points. Other more recently
introduced colours include the red and tortie point.
Seal Points
Seal
points have seal brown, almost black points with fawn colored bodies. Their
nose leather and paw pads are the same color as the points. Seal points tend
to be the "traditional" color most people think of when they picture a Siamese
cat. This color also seems to have the most variation in shades. You will see
seals that look "black and white", or you may also see seals that are dark
brown over the whole body and there is very little contrast between the points
and the body. As very young kittens, the point color tends to look "muddy" and
indistinct. At this age, seals and blues look very much alike, and chocolates
and lilacs are also very similar. It takes several weeks for the colors to be
distinct.
Chocolate
Points
Chocolate points have milk chocolate brown points with creamy white bodies.
Their nose leather and paw pads are cinnamon-pink. Chocolate points tend to
stay lighter in the body as they age, with a more noticeable contrast between
the body and their points. It tends to take much longer for a chocolate point
to develop their point color, as opposed to a seal point.
Blue Points
Blue points have slate blue (gray) points with bluish-white bodies. Their nose
leather and paw pads are slate blue. Blue points can get quite dark in the
body also as they age.
Lilac Points
Lilac points have pinkish-gray points with white bodies. Their nose leather
and paw pads are lavender-pink. Lilac points are the lightest of the four
Siamese colors, and even as they age will stay very light-colored in the body.
The Temperament of Siamese cats
The Siamese is considered one of the oldest
breeds of all our cats. They are intelligent cats with an inquisitive
personality and a loving nature. Today this ancient breed has become the most
popular of all pedigree cat breeds.
Siamese cats have a great need for human
companionship. Often they bond strongly to a single person. These cats are
typically active and playful, even as adults. They love company and spending
time with their humans and are real lap cats.
The Siamese cat's fairly balanced activity level
makes it most suitable for apartment living.
Another distinctive feature of the Siamese is
its legendary voice. They are great communicators and like no other cat speak
both with their voice and with their body. Siamese owners find the beautiful
looks and social nature of the Siamese with their short coat that requires no
grooming irresistible.
The Siamese also has the most captivating
eyes seen on a feline. Eyes are an almond shaped deep vivid blue, set on a
slant, an eye's width apart with an intelligent, curious and emotional
expression combined in one that is the essence of the Siamese.
