Click to Skip Ahead
You likely already know all about the Siamese cat, but what exactly is a tortie point Siamese? The truth is that it’s just a color variation, but plenty of unique features make it worth looking into further.
We’ve highlighted a few of those unique features for you here while we break down everything you could ever want to know about this adorable cat.
Breed Overview
Length:
8–10 inches
Weight:
8–15 pounds
Lifespan:
15–20 years
Colors:
Deep brown, seal point, red, or cream
Suitable for:
Those looking for a more vocal and dog-like cat and owners looking for a long-term pet
Temperament:
Intelligent, vocal, social, outgoing, and affectionate
One of the rarest color options of the Siamese cat, the tortie point Siamese is just like any other Siamese cat except for its outward appearance. They’re loving, affectionate, outgoing, and social, and they’re outstanding pets for first-time and experienced cat owners alike.
Just ensure you have plenty of time to care for them since the Siamese cat is an extremely long-lived breed that can easily make it 20 years.
Tortie Point Siamese Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Tortie Point Siamese in History
While it’s challenging to find an exact record of the earliest tortie point Siamese, it’s easier to find a little more about both Siamese and tortie point cats individually. The earliest known Siamese cats came from Thailand in the 1930s.
Meanwhile, the earliest record of a tortoiseshell cat comes from a 12th-century French manuscript. And while there’s no doubt that tortie point Siamese cats have been around for quite some time through genetic luck alone, the first known intentionally bred tortie point came in the 1940s.
But since tortie point Siamese cats have a red hue in their coat, they’ve always been extremely rare, making it hard to get your hands on one or even find records of them.
How Tortie Point Siamese Gained Popularity
While it’s hard to say exactly how or when the tortie point Siamese cat gained so much popularity, it is easy to say that we haven’t been able to find a time when people didn’t like these cats! From being a symbol of good luck to just enjoying their cute demeanor, people have fawned over tortie point Siamese cats for centuries.
Today is no exception, and while they’re not a formally recognized color pattern by some cat fancier groups, they’re still widely sought after and have a huge market.
Formal Recognition of Tortie Point Siamese
Solid-colored Siamese cats are among the oldest recognized cat breeds in the world, but if you’re looking at a tortie point Siamese cat, they can’t make that claim.
Because while the tortie point Siamese is a widely sought-after breed, they’re not a formally recognized color variation of the Siamese cat with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). Currently, the CFA only recognizes chocolate, seal, blue, and lilac Siamese cats as “pure” Siamese cat colors.
However, while the CFA doesn’t formally recognize the tortie point Siamese, other cat registries do. Two registries officially recognizing the tortie point Siamese cats are the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).
Top 3 Unique Facts About Tortie Point Siamese
A rare color option on a well-known cat just lends itself to tons of unique facts, and we’ve highlighted three of the most unique options out there for you here:
1. Almost All Tortie Point Siamese Cats Are Female
Because the red coloring is a sex-linked trait, almost every tortie point Siamese cat in the world is female. There are a few males out there, but they’re almost always sterile because of their genetic makeup. So, if you want a tortie point Siamese, chances are you’re bringing home a female cat.
2. Point Siamese Cats Were Once Popular With British Royalty
While the first point Siamese cats didn’t come to Europe until the 17th century, it didn’t take long for people there to fall in love with them. British royalty in particular loved the tortie point colorings, and they quickly started seeking out cats of all breeds with those color patterns!
3. Tortoiseshell Cats Are Symbols of Good Luck in Japan
Many maritime cultures believe tortoiseshell cats bring good luck. The tradition started when people believed the cats could control the weather (they can’t!), but since then, people have seen them as a symbol of good luck.
Japan falls under this category, and often, people will give newlyweds or new parents a tortoiseshell cat to wish them luck.
Does Tortie Point Siamese Make a Good Pet?
The tortie point Siamese possesses all the same traits as a typical Siamese cat, and as such, they’re great pets. However, keep in mind that as a rarer color option, it can be quite challenging to track one down.
Not only that but once you do find a reputable breeder, tortie point Siamese cats typically cost more, generally costing between $600 and $800. Still, they live a long time, have a friendly disposition, are vocal, and are great all-around cats.
Conclusion
While it might be a while before you get the chance to see a tortie point Siamese in person, the next time you do you should be able to appreciate everything that goes into these cats just a bit more.
They’re extremely rare and have a rich history, and throughout the years, humans have swooned and fawned over them, making them one of the most loved variants of the Siamese cat of all time.
- See Also: Best Cat Litter Deodorizers
Featured Image Credit: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock
