Seal Point Siamese cats are some of the most attractive and unique cat breeds and color point patterns on the planet. They have a beautiful coloration that has a rich history and genetic composition. At the same time, there seems to be a connection between this color and certain personality traits, causing many people to love these cats for their feisty yet predictable nature.
All of these facts cause many people to want to learn more about Seal Point Siamese cats, and the same is likely true for you. To find out eight interesting facts about Seal Point Siamese cats, read on. We look at everything from their genetic diversity to the different famous houses they have lived in.
Let’s get started.
The 7 Vet-Verified Facts About Seal Point Siamese Cats
1. Seal Point Is a Coloring, Not a Breed
When many people hear the name “Seal Point Siamese” cat, they assume that this refers to a breed. Siamese is a cat breed, but Seal Point is not. Instead, Seal Point is a coat coloration, not a breed. The Seal Point coloration can be found in a variety of cats, including Siamese, Himalayan, and Ragdolls.
One thing that is interesting about the Seal Point coloration is that it is almost always found in purebred species. Although you can find it in other cats, it is rare to find the coloration in cats that are not purebred.
2. Seal Point Coloring Started With Siamese Cats
Experts believe that the Seal Point coloration started with Siamese cats, meaning that Seal Point Siamese cats have been around for thousands of years. However, Siamese cats were mixed with other American Shorthairs, introducing the pattern to other breeds as well.
It was around the 1940s and 50s that cat breeders began to breed Siamese cats with American Shorthairs. This has caused a lot of experimentation with the Point coloration.
3. Seal Points Are Temperature Sensitive
Almost all Seal Point cats have white or cream bodies with dark points on their feet, face, ears, and tail. This coat pattern is tied to genetics, and both parents must have the trait in order for the kittens to express the coloration. In other words, if only one parent has the genes, the kitten will not be Seal Point.
Interestingly, all color point kittens are born white and the color points develop over time as they are temperature-sensitive. The darker points found in this coloration are located where the cat’s body is cooler. This is due to a mutation on the Color gene, or Tyrosinase (TYR) gene, named like this thanks to the enzyme it produces, which is required for melanin production. The mutation on this gene is associated with temperature-sensitive pigment production, characteristic of the Seal Point Siamese cat.
4. The Seal Point Coloration Develops as the Kitten Grows
Whenever Seal Point kittens are born, they actually do not have the Seal Points initially. Instead, the body will be cream-ish, and the pads will be pinkish. Within a few weeks, you will notice coloration starting to form where the Seal Points should be.
Within the first two weeks, you might be able to spot brown coloration on the nose. For the rest of the darker points, it may take up to a year for them to develop and your cat to be a recognizable Seal Point.
5. They Are Often Confused With Chocolate Points
Interestingly, many people mistake Seal Point Siamese cats for the Chocolate Point variation. Even though these two cats look similar, they are not the same. You can distinguish between a Seal Point cat and a Chocolate Point by looking at the coloration more closely.
Seal Points often have darker colors than the Chocolate Points, which you might not expect from the names. This will include darker points at the nose, face, tail, and legs. Seal Points also have a somewhat darker coat in the middle of their body.
6. Seal Points Have Lived in the White House
Everyone loves a Royal breed. Just like the Brits have their Corgis, the Americans have Seal Points. For example, a Seal Point Siamese cat has actually lived in the White House. In the 1870s, Lucy Hayes, who was the first lady to Rutherford B. Hayes, was gifted a Seal Point Siamese cat that lived in the White House.
7. They Have a Distinct Personality
Most people associate dogs with having distinct personalities based on their breed, but the same is true of cats, including Seal Point Siamese cats. Most notably, Seal Point Siamese are noted for their dignified behavior. They act incredibly independent and elegant, making them almost feel and appear like aristocratic cats.
More so, Seal Point Siamese cats are creatures of habit. They don’t like to change their way, and they don’t like when their ways are changed forcefully.
Seal Point Siamese cats are very social; like other Siamese cats, they love attention and are well known for being very vocal and enjoying long chats with their humans.
Still, these cats are also direct and have a lot of expressions. They won’t be subtle when you do something they don’t like. Instead, they will communicate their disdain for something by staring at you intensely or even attacking your ankle.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Seal Point Siamese cats are an interesting breed. Once again, Seal Point is simply a coloration that many cat types can have, but Siamese cats tend to have it the most often.
If you decide to get a Seal Point Siamese kitten, remember that you won’t be able to know their exact color until they grow up. Seal Point Siamese cats will need a lot of attention and interaction and will be very quick to tell you when it’s displeased. At the same time, the Seal Point cats have slender and elegant looks, which many owners love!
Featured Image Credit: vivver, Shutterstock
The 7 Vet-Verified Facts About Seal Point Siamese Cats
