Colourpoint Varieties

Kept, if not out of cat shows themselves, at least out of the competitions and medals for a long time, the Persian Colourpoint, nicknamed "the poor man's Birman", now figures among the greats, thanks to its handsome appearance. Many varieties have been produced: endless permutations of the Siamese markings and also of the Persian colors.

There is also a Shorthair Colourpoint with its own numerous varieties. The longhaired varieties of this breed are also known by their old name of Himalayan and, more rarely, Kashmir. Some are variations on the well known markings of Siamese and others are more complicated. These include a tortoiseshell- or torte point -which is what it sounds like: tortoiseshell markings on a cream body.

The tabby colourpoint is known -rather flatteringly -as a Lynx point! A general rule for ailionghaired colourpoints, whose hair must be at least 12 centimeters (5 inches) long, is that the coat must be thick, luxuriant, silky and with a fluffy ruff around the neck. Markings must also be clearly defamed. Kittens are always born pure white, the markings appearing at around six months.

The Shorthair Colourpoint had more complicated beginnings than its longhaired relative. To get the variation in type, crosses were made not only with Siamese but with other breeds, notably the Abyssinian. The result was a very beautiful creature with the characteristics of the Siamese but in a wider variety of coats.

In addition to the usual color combinations: seal, blue, chocolate and lilac point, were now added red point, cream point, seal lynx point, lilac lynx point, seal torte point, chocolate cream point, blue cream point and lilac cream point, etc. The standard for Shorthair Colourpoints insists that the coat be thick and at the same time fine haired and glossy.

The cat has very elegant silhouette, a slender body, long fine paws, deep, luminous, almond shaped eyes usually ringed in white, and a long, ringed tail. According to their owners the offer a restful change for anyone who has suffered from a demanding Siamese!