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With their gorgeous pointed coat, the Blue Point Siamese cat is hard to miss. Originally from Thailand, this breed was further developed in Europe and North America.
Their sleek bodies, bright blue eyes, and large ears are captivating, but it’s the unique blue point in Siamese cats explained by a special gene that truly sets them apart.
Keep reading this article if you’re considering adding one of these felines to your family and the striking Blue Point Siamese has caught your eye.
A Brief History of Siamese Cats
The Siamese cats’ exact origins are a bit of a mystery. We know they come from ancient Siam, now known as Thailand, but it’s unclear exactly when they were first bred.
They’re believed to be illustrated in an old Thai scroll called ‘Tamra Maew,’ which means ‘The Cat Book of Poems,’ and was created sometime between 1350 and 1767.
There’s also a theory that the first Siamese cats descended from those sacred temple cats in Siam.
What we know is that royals highly favored these cats. They believed that the souls of their deceased loved ones would enter the bodies of Siamese cats after death.
It wasn’t until the 1870s that Siamese cats started making their way from Thailand to the Western world.
Colors of Siamese Cats
Originally, the seal point was the first and most recognizable Siamese color.
Over time, various new colors and patterns emerged. Today, the breed features more than 34 different colors and patterns, including the well-known seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac points.
Additionally, there are profiles for caramel, cinnamon, and fawn points, tortie points, red points, and tabby points.
Blue Point in Siamese Cats Explained
The term ‘Blue Point’ refers to the unique color pattern, characterized by bluish-gray points on their ears, faces, paws, and tails, which stand in contrast to their lighter bodies.
This beautiful coloration is like a softer version of the Seal Point Siamese, giving them a more pale and lighter look.
Their points are usually a slate gray, and their body color can range from bluish-white to a slightly warmer tone, depending on the individual cat.
Genetics Behind Blue Point
The Himalayan gene is responsible for that pointed pattern you see in all Siamese cats – darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail.
This gene is like a partial albinism, where the cooler parts of the cat’s body produce less color pigment. But there’s more to it than that.
This color comes from the ‘dilute gene,’ which acts like a filter, taking the deep black pigment in Seal Point Siamese cats and softening it into a cool blue-gray.
The interesting thing about the dilute gene is that it’s recessive. That means a Blue Point kitten needs to get this gene from both parents, even if the parents don’t have blue-gray coloring themselves.
So, two Seal Point Siamese cats that carry this hidden gene could have a litter of Blue Point kittens.
Official Recognition of the Blue Point Siamese Cat
The first Siamese cats were registered with The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) back in 1906, in a group of the first pedigreed cats.
The CFA then added the Blue Point Siamese to its records in 1934, followed by the Chocolate Point, and then the Lilac Point in 1955.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the Siamese cats in 1979, the same year they were established in Missouri, USA.
Physical Characteristics of Blue Point Siamese Cats
Just like other Siamese cats, Blue Points are sleek, muscular, and athletic, except for point coloration shades.
Their fur is short, fine, and shiny, which means they don’t need a lot of grooming to look their best.
The most striking thing about these cats is their blue-gray points. These markings on their ears, faces, paws, and tails create a beautiful contrast against their bodies.
The points are a soft, slate-gray color that gives them a refined look. The body color can vary a bit from cat to cat, ranging from a cool, pale bluish-white to a slightly warmer shade.
But no matter the shade, the contrast between their body and points is what makes their exterior visually appealing.
Personality and Temperament of Blue Point Siamese Cats
The Blue Point Siamese shares all characteristics with other Siamese cats except for their color, so you can expect the same temperament.
Siamese cats are famous for being talkative. They’re known to follow their humans around the house and meowing to get what they want.
Their meows are loud and low-pitched, so you can hear them from across the room. If they want something, they aren’t shy about letting you know.
Some people have described Siamese cats as ‘dog-like’ because they’re social and affectionate. They’re also trainable, and some enjoy playing fetch, just like a dog.
They usually get along great with other pets and people, which makes them popular with families, especially those with children.
Siamese cats love to explore and are always up for playtime. Give them interactive toys to keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.
Caring for Your Blue Point Siamese Cat
The one thing to consider with Siamese cats is that they require a lot of attention. If they don’t get it, they can get demanding and might get into mischief.
They’re very social and thrive on human interaction, so they’re not the best fit for families who are out of the house a lot.
They do best in homes where someone is around most of the time, or with larger families where they get love and attention.
On the plus side, Siamese cats don’t need meticulous grooming. A quick weekly brush to control shedding and the occasional nail trim is enough.
They’re not super active either, so they don’t need too much exercise to stay happy and healthy. They’re smart enough to walk on a harness, and learn a few tricks.
Conclusion
The Blue Point Siamese is one of four different coat colors of Siamese cats. Like all other colors, it is pointed, which means the cat’s extremities will be darker than the rest of its body.
This is due to a specific gene that makes their pigment heat-sensitive. Their coloration can even change based on the temperature outside.
No matter the color you go for, Siamese cats make great family pets. Many people love them for their affection and dog-like character.
Your Siamese cat is smart enough to learn a few tricks or walk on a leash, but they require quite a bit of attention to be happy.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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