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10 Intriguing Seal Point Cat Facts: Info, Pictures & Breeds

Written by: Kit Copson

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

seal point ragdoll cat in the park

10 Intriguing Seal Point Cat Facts: Info, Pictures & Breeds

Seal point cats have an ivory, cream, or light fawn coat with dark brown/brownish black (seal) points on the face, ears, paws, and tail. They’re easily mistaken for chocolate points, but chocolate point cats have a lighter, milkier brown shade on their extremities.

Seal point cats are not only gorgeous, but there’s much to know about these cats’ genetics, history, and cultural importance, so we’ll share 10 intriguing facts about seal point cats in this post.

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Top 10 Facts About Seal Point Cats

1.  There Are Several Seal Point Cat Breeds

“Seal point” describes a type of coat rather than a specific breed. There are several cat breeds that can develop this kind of coloration. Though the seal point Siamese is one of the most well-known, other cat breeds with points include the Himalayan, Tonkinese, Burmese, Snow Bengal, Colorpoint Shorthair, Thai, Javanese, Ragdoll, and Balinese.

seal point siamese cat standing on scratching barrel meowing
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

2. Pointed Cats Are Temperature-Sensitive

Point coloration in Siamese cats is the result of the recessive Himalayan gene, a genetic mutation inherited from both parents. This gene is also responsible for the blue eyes and the coat’s temperature sensitivity. A Siamese kitten is born white or creamy white after developing in the womb at around 101 degrees Fahrenheit, but this soon changes.

After birth, the Himalayan gene is triggered to activate melanin—a dark brown to black pigment—on the cooler extremities by the lower temperatures (below 33 degrees Fahrenheit) outside the womb. If you’ve got a seal point kitten, you’ll notice their points getting darker with age.


3. Pointed Cats Have an Albino Gene

The gene responsible for a pointed cat’s temperature sensitivity and color changes is a recessive albino gene. “Temperature-sensitive albinos” is a term sometimes used to describe cats with this coloration.

seal-point siamese cat
Image Credit: Pixabay

4. Weather Can Affect Coat Color

Since pointed cats’ coats are temperature-sensitive, you may notice changes in your cat’s coat color in hot and cold temperatures. In a hotter climate, your cat may get lighter, whereas in colder climates, the color tends to darken. It all depends on how the weather affects your kitty’s body temperature.


5. The Siamese’ Ancestors Were Revered

Siamese cats originated in Thailand (once called Siam) and their likeness is seen in the Tamra Maew (Cat-Book Poems), a Thai manuscript that may date back to the 14th century. There, these cats were revered because it was believed that when a royal died, their soul would inhabit a Siamese cat. Only royalty could keep Siamese cats, and they were kept as spiritual guardians in temples.

a seal point siamese cat in brown background
Image Credit: Altsva, Shutterstock

6. The Thai Cat Came First

The wedge-headed, slim-faced, large-eared Siamese most people instantly recognize today is related to (but distinct from) the Thai cat, which is also referred to as the “Old-Style Siamese,” “Applehead Siamese,” or “Traditional Siamese.”

The Thai cat has an overall rounder appearance in both face and body, whereas the modern Siamese has been bred to have a triangular-shaped head, slimmer physical features, and a lithe but muscular and athletic build.


7. Points Come in a Variety of Colors

CFA-standard colors for Siamese cats—in addition to seal—are lilac, blue, and chocolate-point, but many more are possible. Other possible point colors for Siamese cats and other pointed breeds include red, cream, cinnamon, apricot, caramel, tortie, and tabby.

Seal Tortie Lynx Point Ragdoll cat sitting
Image Credit: jurra8, Shutterstock

8. The Cross-Eyed Siamese Was Once Standard

Though it’s no longer the case, breed standards once favored crossed eyes and crooked tails in a Siamese. According to one myth, the Siamese got their crossed eyes from staring so hard at Buddha’s golden goblet while guarding it, but in truth, it’s a genetic abnormality that causes the retinas in each eye to tilt to the opposite side.


9. A Himalayan Cat Is a World Record Holder

A Himalayan—another cat breed that can have seal points—made it into the 2014 Guinness World Records for being the cat with the longest fur (9 inches long). Sadly, the record holder, Colonel Meow, has since passed away.

seal point himalayan cat in the lawn
Image Credit: Melinda Fawver, Shutterstock

10. Pointed Breeds Are Famously Affectionate

There are never any guarantees when it comes to a cat’s personality because each one is different, but several pointed breeds, including the Siamese, Ragdoll, Burmese, and Burman, are renowned for their people-oriented and affectionate natures.

Some, like the Siamese, are generally vocal and outgoing, and love following their humans around, while others, like the Ragdoll, are known for being very docile (hence the name), relaxed, and sweet-natured.

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Conclusion

Seal point cats are some of the most striking and recognizable in the world, but their beauty isn’t only skin-deep. If you are considering welcoming one of these loving cats into your home, why not check out local rescue organizations? Cats of all shapes, sizes, and colors await a new home, and one of them could be the perfect snugglebug for you.


Featured Image Credit: Aaron Zimmermann, Shutterstock

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