10 Things You Didn’t Know about The Blue Point Siamese
If you like a cat to be loyal, loud, and loving, the Blue Point Siamese is likely to be your perfect match. Known for their friendly, extroverted temperaments, their exotic good looks, and their extreme loquacity (and we really do mean extreme), these gorgeous looking creatures make excellent pets.
Although you might just want to invest in some earplugs first. If you’re considering welcoming one into your home, you’ve come to the right place to find out more. Without further ado, here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Blue Point Siamese.
1. They’re one of only four types of Siamese
Siamese cats might seem to come in every color of the rainbow, but in fact, only four of those shades are officially recognized: Seal Point, Chocolate Point, Blue Point, and Lilac Point.
When they were first developed, most Siamese had seal points, which are extremely dark brown, almost to the point of being black. However, after a while, more and more kittens started popping up with blue, chocolate, or lilac-colored points.
Both Blue and Chocolate Point Siamese are considered genetic variations (or ‘dilutions’) of the Seal Point, while Lilac Points are considered a dilution of the Chocolate Point.
Occasionally, you might see reference to other color variations such as Tortie Points, Flame Points, Lynx Points, and Cinnamon Points – however, these are considered ColorPoint Shorthairs rather than true Siamese.
2. They used to have a kinked tail
When the Blue Point Siamese was first developed, the vast majority had a kink in their tail. But after they achieved official recognition and people began to take their breeding seriously, the kinked tail stopped being seen as a funny little quirk and started to be seen as a flaw. Although some street Siamese in Thailand still sport the kinked tail, it’s largely been bred out elsewhere.
3. They’re prone to eye problems
Like most purebreds, the Blue Point Siamese is vulnerable to certain genetic health conditions. As thehappycatsite.com reports, some of the most common problems to afflict the breed include eye conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), lens luxation, retinal atrophy, and more.
4. They’re very vocal
If someone on your street owns a Blue Point Siamese, then trust me, you’re going to know about it. These skinny little creatures might look demure, but it’s a different story when they open their mouths.
Their unique, high-pitched, and extremely loud cry has often been compared to that of a baby’s, both in terms of volume and frequency. To put it bluntly, Blue Point Siamese don’t shut up. If you value your peace and quiet, you might want to think twice about whether they’re the right pet for you.
5. They’ve spawned some designer crossbreeds
If you’ve fallen for the Blue Point’s big blue eyes but would prefer something a little different from the norm, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to crossbreeds.
Over the years, the Blue Point has been bred with no end of other breeds to create some very unique, very gorgeous Blue Point hybrids. As siameseofday.com notes, some of the most popular types include the longhaired Bluepoint Himalayan, the every friendly Bluepoint With Tabby Mix, the gorgeously regal Bluepoint Burmese, the darkly beautiful Bluepoint Balinese, and the irresistible Blue Point Thai Cat.
6. They love to gaze into your eyes
Most cats think direct eye contact is aggressive. They don’t mind a lazy wink, but a direct, full-on, eyes-wide-open staring competition? No, thank you. Blue Point Siamese cats, on the other hand, are cut from a different cloth.
These affectionate little creatures love nothing more than to gaze soulfully into their owner’s eyes. Although whether they’re really thinking loving thoughts or secretly planning mischief, who knows?
7. They’re prone to separation anxiety
By and large, the idea that dogs love us and cats tolerate our existence is a myth. Ask any cat owner whether their cat cares for them, and most will answer in the affirmative. But some breeds love their human pals that little bit more than most.
Siamese cats, in particular, are known for being extremely affectionate and loyal. While neither of those is a bad thing, they can both result in depression or separation anxiety if a cat is left alone for long stretches. If you’re considering getting a Blue Point Siamese but know you’ll be away from home a lot, you may want to buy a pair to avoid a solo cat becoming lonely.
8. Their coat darkens with age
Don’t get too attached to the color of your Blue Point’s coat. When they’re young, Blue Point Siamese have a cold toned, bluish-white coat that can look almost grey in places.
Their points (i.e., their faces, tail, ears, noses, and paw pads) will be a deep, dark combination of slate grey and blue. You might occasionally run into a cat with paler, silvery-blue points, but no matter how light they get, their points will always be darker than the pinkish tones of the Lilac Point.
As they age, their natural coloring darkens in just the same way as it does on the Seal Point. The Lilac Point, on the other hand, will stay light and white throughout their life, no matter how old they get.
9. They’re very rare
Blue Point Siamese may be beautiful, but they’re hard to find. Most litters will consist mainly of Seal Points, which is generally considered the type from which all others (bar the Lilac Point, which is derived from the Chocolate Point) come from. As a result, Blue Points tend to command a slightly higher price point than their Seal Point siblings.
10. They achieved official recognition in 1934
As siamesecatspot.com reports, Siamese cats may have been around as a breed for centuries, but for years, only the Seal Point was considered a ‘true’ Siamese (at least according to the standards of breed associations, in any case).
Until the early 20th century, all other points were considered “inferior” seal points and banned from official showing or breeding. But there’s only so long you can resist such an adorable feline: in 1934, the Blue Point became the first Siamese other than the Seal Point to achieve official recognition, with the other points following suit shortly after.
You can also read:
- What is the Temperament of a Siamese Cat?
- How Big Do Siamese Cats Get?
- Are Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
- Why are Siamese Cats Cross-Eyed?
- The Siamese Maine Coon Mix: What You Need to Know