Blue Point Siamese Cat: Info, Pictures, Facts & History

The Blue Point Siamese cat is instantly recognizable due to stunning blue fur with dark points. Though they are native to Thailand, the breed was developed mainly in Europe and North America. They have bright blue eyes, large ears, and a very slender body. Still, their most recognizable feature is their blue color points.

Breed Overview

Siamese cats are well-known for being affectionate and social. Many people describe them as behaving more similarly to dogs than cats. They can even be trained to play fetch and other canine games. Many will seek companionship and get along well with other felines and dogs, making them popular among families.

Blue Point Siamese Cat Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Blue Point Siamese Cat in History

The earliest depictions of a Siamese-type cat appear in an ancient manuscript known as the Tamra Maew, a book of cat poems. This manuscript was thought to be written sometime between 1351 and 1767 in what is modern-day Thailand.

Several breeds were mentioned in this book of poems, but only one is the ancestor of the Siamese. The other breeds in the book include the Korat cat, Konja cat, and Suphalak. These other cats are pretty rare today when compared to the Siamese.

How the Blue Point Siamese Gained Popularity

The first record of a Siamese cat being imported to the United States was in 1878 when U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes received one as a gift from the American Consul in Bangkok. The cats appeared in the U.K. in 1884. This time two breeding cats were brought back to the U.K. They later produced three kittens, though they did not live to produce their own kittens. The line stopped there.

More cats were imported into both countries. Initially, the breed was not widely accepted, primarily due to their triangular head and oversized ears. However, slowly, the cat gained acceptance. The Siamese finally began increasing in popularity in the 1950s. Through selective breeding, the cat was developed into a thinner breed. This created a long, fine-boned cat similar to the one we know today.

Formal Recognition of the Blue Point Siamese

Most major cat associations recognize the Siamese cat. However, there is some controversy regarding precisely what the Siamese looks like. After the slenderer version started being produced in the 1950s, the traditional, bulkier version was quickly pushed out of the limelight.

By the 1980s, much of the original cat had disappeared. However, a few breeders continued to breed and register them. The U.K. continued to recognize them as the same breed as the newer, slender version. This led to two types of Siamese cats, though they are technically the same breed.

These two types have the same ancient ancestor. However, they do not share any modern ancestors. For this reason, there is a lot of controversy over making the cats different breeds completely.

The International Cat Association does not recognize Siamese cats that are not of the new slender type and cats imported directly from Thailand as Thai cats. Other cat associations have not separated the breeds just yet, so they are still counted as the same.

Top 4 Unique Facts About the Blue Point Siamese

1. A Particular Gene Causes Their Unique Color

The Siamese’s pointed coat is caused by one particular gene called the Himalayan gene. This gene causes the pigment in their coat to react strangely to temperature changes. When it is too warm, the pigment cannot be expressed, leaving the cat lighter. When it is cold, though, the darker pigment comes through.

For this reason, the cats are typically lighter around their torso since they are warmer in this area. Their extremities tend to be darker, as this is where they are coldest.

2. Many Siamese Change Colors

Because their pigment reacts to heat, young Siamese can change colors as they age. The kittens are born completely white, as the temperature inside their mother is hot. However, as they age, they tend to become darker. The oldest cats are the darkest.

Environmental differences can change their color as well.

3. They Are Often Described as Dog-like

Often, Siamese cats are described as “dog-like” due to their socialness and affectionate levels. They can often be trained to perform many tricks, and many even enjoy playing fetch. Their ability to get along with most other pets and people makes them popular in families. They make great pets, especially if you have children.

• See Also: 9 Best Cat Toys: Reviews & Top Picks

4. They’re Rather Noisy

The Siamese is known for being rather chatty and noisy. It isn’t odd for them to follow their humans around the house and meow. They usually have a loud, low-pitched meow that can travel quite far. If they want something, they usually don’t mind letting their people know.

Does the Blue Point Siamese Make a Good Pet?

Siamese are well-known for their ability to make great house pets. They are very social and affectionate. Unlike other cats, they typically aren’t scared of strangers or other pets. Instead, they are outgoing and enjoy people. Some even describe them as “dog-like” due to these traits.

They are relatively easy to take care of as well. Unlike many long-haired cats, the felines do not require much grooming. Many people are surprised by how intelligent the Siamese is. They can be trained are well-known for walking on leashes without much fuss. They can be trained to do nearly anything that a dog can, including play fetch.

The only major downside of this breed is that they need regular attention. Without it, they can be pretty demanding and may exhibit destructive behaviors. They are very people-oriented, so they do need interaction with other people. They aren’t best for families that will be gone for much of the day. Instead, they’re perfect for those who will spend much of their time at home or for larger families that can provide them with plenty of attention.

Conclusion

The Blue Point Siamese is a friendly cat with a gorgeous coat. Like all other colors, it is pointed, which means that the cat’s extremities are darker than the rest of their body. This is due to a specific gene that makes their pigment heat-sensitive. Most Blue Points have lighter blue coats that turn dark gray or blue when they’re older.

Siamese make great family pets, no matter what color you choose. They are known for being affectionate and dog-like. Many can learn to play fetch and can even walk on a leash. However, they require plenty of attention to be happy. Their people-oriented nature can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how you look at it.

Featured Image Credit: Reimar, Shutterstock