Colorpoint Shorthair: The Ultimate Guide to This Vocal 'Velcro' Cat

Imagine the sleek elegance of a Siamese cat, but painted in a dazzling palette of red, cream, lynx, and tortie points. Meet the Colorpoint Shorthair, a breed that turns heads with its stunning looks and captivates hearts with its devoted nature. More than just a pretty face, this is an intelligent, vocal companion that demands to be an integral part of your daily life. Whether you call them 'Velcro cats' or colorful Siamese cousins, these felines are as lively as they are beautiful.

History & Origin

The Colorpoint Shorthair's story is one of deliberate and colorful expansion. Developed in the mid-20th century in the United States, breeders sought to introduce new point colors beyond the traditional seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac of the Siamese. By crossing Siamese with red tabby and tortoiseshell shorthairs, they successfully created cats with the quintessential Siamese body type and personality, but with vibrant red, cream, lynx (tabby), and tortie points.

Physical Characteristics

This breed is a study in refined, angular beauty. The Colorpoint Shorthair is a medium-sized, sleek cat, typically weighing 5.5 to 11 lbs with a slender, muscular build and long, elegant lines. Their most defining feature is their "points"—the cooler areas of the body like the face, ears, paws, and tail—which display their signature colors (red, cream, lynx, or tortie) in stark contrast to a lighter body. The coat is short, fine, and lies close to the body with minimal shedding, making them a popular choice for those who prefer low-maintenance grooming.

Temperament & Personality: Life with a 'Velcro Cat'