Siamese cats are an all-time favorite breed. Their distinctly handsome appearance and endearing personality traits never go unnoticed.
However, if you want a rarer variety of the breed, you need to meet the flame point Siamese.
Regular Siamese cats are mostly known for having silver-gray coat colors and blue eyes.
Flame point Siamese cats take the distinguished appearance of the breed to a whole new level. You might even catch yourself asking, “Is this really a Siamese?”
Now, allow me to introduce the unique-looking Siamese that has taken over the kitty spotlight.
This article will provide the information you need about flame point Siamese cats, from appearance and temperament to history and origin.
What Is a Flame Point Siamese?
A flame point Siamese is a color variation of the Siamese breed produced by the combination of an American Shorthair with a red or orange tabby pattern.
They are characterized by a predominantly white or off-white body with orange tabby markings. They also have the signature blue eyes of a regular Siamese.
Flame point Siamese cats, also called red point Siamese by the Australian Cat Federation, are more than what meets the eye.
They are not only popular due to their irresistible appearance but because of their personalities as well.
As mixed breeds, you can expect a flame point Siamese to have a combination of a Siamese and American Shorthair’s temperament. They can be one of the most chatty and outgoing cats ever to exist.
3 Fascinating Facts About Flame Point Siamese Cats
It’s easy to be fascinated by looks but sometimes, you have to dig deeper to fully appreciate the flame point Siamese.
In this section, let’s elaborate on some little-known facts about them that will make you even more curious and impressed.
1. Flame Point Siamese is the rarest variety of the Siamese breed.
These cats are considered the most uncommon color variation of the Siamese breed. This is mainly due to the fact that the orange tabby markings are hard to pass on to a kitten.
The color-pointed pattern itself is hard to achieve in Siamese cats since it is caused by a special gene mutation.
2. They weren’t fully bred until the 1930s.
Lots of challenges were met in breeding the flame point Siamese. It took several years of studying and experimentation to finally be able to retain the flame point coloring and ideal traits from the Siamese breed.
Finally, in the 1930s, breeders were able to perfect the cats we admire today.
3. Around 75% of flame point Siamese cats are male.
Interestingly enough, it’s been found that around 75% of red point Siamese cats are male. This can be associated with the fact that most orange tabby cats are male.
According to an article, males only need one copy of the ginger gene to become orange cats.
Flame Point Siamese Appearance: What Does a Flame Point Siamese Cat Look Like?
Flame point Siamese cats are undoubtedly adorable with a capital A. Generally, they have red or orange points on their ears, faces, eye rims, and paw pads.
Their slender bodies are covered in white or cream fur. Some cats may even develop subtle orange tabby markings.
Another distinct feature that comes from their tabby genes is the M-shaped mark on their forehead. Most of them also have orange-striped tails. This point coloration is the hallmark of the Siamese cat breed.
A modern flame point Siamese’s face is long and forms a wedge that starts at the nose and flares out to the tips of the ear, forming a triangle. Their bodies and legs are long while their ears are disproportionately large.
Here is a photo of the modern version of a flame point Siamese cat:
Photo by @osmoz_and_oscar
Traditional or classic versions of the breed have an apple-shaped head and rounded body such as the first photo shown in this section. They also have small ears that are comparable to other domesticated cats.
Whether they are modern or classic versions, most flame point Siamese cats have piercing blue eyes. Some may appear to have green eyes but they are actually silver-gray in coloration.
It is also common in Siamese cats to develop a squint or even become cross-eyed. Because of this, a flame point Siamese can also be born with this eye defect.
However, because of research and specialized breeding programs, this occurrence is now considered rare in the breed.
Flame Point Siamese Size and Weight: How Big Do Flame Point Siamese Cats Get When Fully Grown?
The full-grown height of a flame point Siamese lies between 16 and 21 inches for both males and females.
However, many male cats grow up to be larger. In terms of weight, both sexes can grow around 9 to 14 pounds. Larger males can put on an extra five pounds when they reach adulthood.
In comparison to other colorpoint cats, flame points are slightly larger due to their tabby bloodline.
Regular Siamese cats stand between 11 and 14 inches tall and weigh only 8 to 10 pounds. However, flame points, especially modern ones, appear smaller due to their slim build.
Flame Point Siamese Genetics: What Makes a Flame Point Siamese?
The famous colorpoint pattern of the flame point Siamese cat is caused by a gene mutation called partial albinism or white spotting.
This is a result of inheriting the pointing gene or the C allele that affects the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase. This controls the amount of melanin pigmentation in the bodies of Siamese cats.
The genetics of a flame point Siamese cat might seem nerdy but it’s quite informative. Before you get bored, let’s understand how color pointing manifests in these beautiful felines.
When two copies of the C alleles are found in a Siamese flame point cat, red or orange points will appear on its eyes, ears, mask, and tail. However, pointing doesn’t happen until after four weeks old or more.
A flame point Siamese cat is born with pure white or cream fur. After a month, the orange color becomes more prominent in the extremities of the kitten.
This is due to the effect of the pointing gene which causes the tyrosinase enzymes to mutate in a way that makes them heat sensitive.
The enzymes only become activated on the cooler areas of the body, below 33ºC.
Therefore, only the farther points of the flame point Siamese’s body become pigmented. This gene mutation also affects eye pigmentation, making their eyes blue.
Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Rare?
Flame point Siamese cats are quite rare. It’s very uncommon to find breeders that specialize in producing these particular cats alone. It can also be difficult to find one on adoption websites and local rescues.
Color points, in general, are uncommon in the cat world. In Siamese cats, seal points are the most frequently occurring color. Other rare colors include the chocolate point, lilac point, and blue point.
Flame Point Siamese Temperament and Behavior: Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Good House Pets?
In terms of behavior and personality traits, flame point Siamese cats are said to have the best of both breeds, considering that they have Siamese and American Shorthair traits.
Both are considered affectionate, adaptable, and friendly, making them good house pets.
Alongside their charming appearance is an active and fun-loving personality. They are active cats that love to play and pounce around.
Their curiosity always leads them to roam around the house or even outside if they’re allowed.
Most owners also find flame points to be very vocal cats. While some may find this annoying, it’s actually an endearing part of their personality.
They meow as a way of talking to their humans and to request food or require some attention.
Speaking of attention, flame point cats settle best with family members that can give them the companionship they need throughout the day. Others find it best to own a second cat that prevents separation anxiety.
Despite being a furball of energy, a flame point Siamese is a sweet and gentle cat that can bond easily with each member of the family. They like to cuddle with their owners or sit on their laps when playtime gets too tiring.
If you want to see a flame cat Siamese in action, watch this video:
Silly Lily Teen Cat<a href="https://youtu.be/t3CCdFFDEqw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Ft3CCdFFDEqw%2F0.jpg" alt="Silly Lily Teen Cat" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Flame Point Siamese Cat History and Origin: Where Does the Flame Point Siamese Cat Come From?
Flame point Siamese cats are known to originate from England. They were bred from native red tabbies or tortoiseshell British shorthair cats that carried orange genes and seal point Siamese cats imported from America.
Even though they were first produced in the 1930s, they weren’t patented as a separate breed until 1972.
Back then, they were called “red point longhair” cats. After a while, the name was changed to flame or red point Siamese to highlight the breed’s name.
However, due to the strict requirements of cat registries, some associations still don’t recognize flame points until today. They can’t be registered in all cat organizations within the United States.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) only recognizes seal, blue, lilac, or chocolate points. Thus, flame points aren’t included in the breed standard.
Meanwhile, The International Cat Association (TICA) willfully accepts flame point Siamese cats into their registry regardless of their hybrid heritage.
Flame Point Siamese Lifespan and Health Issues: Do Flame Point Siamese Cats Have Health Problems?
Owning a flame point Siamese means having 15 to 20 years of fun and friendship.
However, without proper health monitoring and nourishment, they might acquire several health problems. Some of these conditions even result from poor behavioral management.
Like other Siamese cats, flame point Siamese cats can have the following health issues:
Pica: Flame Point Siamese kittens often fall into an obsessive habit of eating non-edible things, often wool. This condition, called pica, may be triggered by stress and anxiety or even lack of mental stimulation. Too much ingestion of such objects can cause gastrointestinal blockage which can be detrimental.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome: This is another behavioral issue marked by an extreme sensitivity to an area of the body, particularly near the tail. A cat with hyperesthesia often reacts instinctively after being petted in that area. Others bite or scratch the spot intensively. In severe cases, the cat may even resort to self-mutilation.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A flame point Siamese is also prone to a genetic eye disorder called progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. This refers to a set of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells of the eyes. Over time, this may cause blindness.
Hip Dysplasia: Another common health issue in flame points is hip dysplasia. This refers to the malformation of the ball-and-socket joint connecting to the hip bone. Affected cats often suffer from lameness, limited movement, and difficulty in walking, running, and jumping.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A serious genetic condition that a flame point Siamese can encounter is polycystic kidney disease or PKD. Affected cats develop multiple cysts in the kidneys which are present at birth. The cysts gradually get bigger as they age which can eventually lead to kidney failure.
Amyloidosis: Certain family lines of Siamese cats are predisposed to having amyloidosis. This condition develops when proteins called “amyloid” are deposited outside the cells of different tissues and organs of the body. It may cause any organ to disfunction but it commonly affects the kidneys.
Due to the number of illnesses and conditions that a flame point Siamese can have, it becomes crucial to purchase from professional breeders.
They can provide genetic testing, vet consultation, and needed vaccinations to ensure the health of their available kittens.
Flame Point Siamese Grooming Needs: How to Groom a Flame Point Siamese?
One of the major perks of owning a flame point Siamese is its low-maintenance grooming needs. But this doesn’t mean that you won’t need to make an effort on cat care.
Let’s start off with their fur. Flame points have short, glossy, and fine fur with no undercoat.
To maintain its lustrous shine, brush the hair at least once a week using a brush with soft bristles. Brush in the direction of hair growth to effectively remove tangles and avoid hurting your cat.
Your flame point’s ears also require cleaning once a week to remove wax and dirt.
Use wet cotton balls or damp tissue paper to carefully wipe off any unwanted debris inside their ears. If you notice any sign of infection, go to your vet immediately.
Trimming your flame point Siamese’s nails might be the trickiest part of the grooming routine. For a lot of cat owners, it’s very rare to accomplish it without a single scratch but I’ll let you in on a secret.
The key is to first make them feel comfortable on your lap by talking to them in a soothing manner.
Once they fall into your innocent booby trap, clip the nails at a 45-degree angle. It’s important not to cut too far. Otherwise, you may risk hurting your cat.
Let’s not forget about their teeth. Since flame point Siamese cats are prone to periodontal disease, brushing their choppers weekly or even monthly is better than not brushing them at all.
Use pet-friendly toothpaste and schedule regular cleanings for better teeth maintenance.
However sweet your flame point can be, they might not always like being groomed. Offer a treat or reward after every session. When nothing else works, good petting always works wonders in calming them down.
How Much Does a Flame Point Siamese Cat Cost? Kitten Prices and Other Expenses
As a rare color variation, it is expected that the price for flame Siamese cats is higher than average.
The price per flame Siamese kitten ranges from $400 to $1,000. The cost can be as high as $2,000 when purchased from an experienced breeder.
Prices may change depending on your location, the cat’s age, lineage, and the breeder you choose. However, you can always expect it to be on the expensive end because they are highly sought after.
As a pet owner, you need to settle the budget for food, toys, and other expenses that are necessary for the comfort of your flame point Siamese.
For a breakdown of these initial expenses, refer to the table below:
Keep in mind that the computed total initial cost is just an estimation of the overall expenses.
You can still reduce the expenses by finding cheaper options at your local pet store. Ask fellow flame point Siamese owners for budget-friendly suggestions.
Places to Find Flame Point Siamese Kittens for Sale or Adoption
Have you made up your mind about getting a flame point Siamese? If you’re wondering where you can buy or adopt one, I will provide you with some reliable breeders and rescue organizations in the United States.
Most Siamese breeders offer only the standard colors. Luckily, these breeders also have flame point Siamese kittens available for purchase:
Siamese Sweeties – If you are looking for a traditional flame point Siamese in North Carolina, Siamese Sweeties can provide you with a healthy and high-quality kitten. Through their breeding program, they are able to maintain the lineage of traditional Siamese cats which are slowly being taken over by modern versions.
Katsmith – This is a CFA-registered cattery that specializes in producing champion Siamese kittens. They also breed color point cats including flame or red points. They are based in Orlando, Florida and also offer retired Siamese at a lower price.
Blue Eyes Cattery – This is another cattery offering flame point kittens in Southern Maryland. They raise all their kittens as indoor pets and feed them with premium all-natural cat food. Home visits are allowed but they need to adhere to strict sanitation rules.
However cute they are, a lot of flame point Siamese still end up in rescue centers. If you wish to adopt one, you can try reaching out to the following organizations:
Austin Siamese Rescue – This rescue has been fostering and rehoming Siamese cats and other oriental breeds in different areas of Central Texas. Their adoption fee ranges from $75 to $200. Flame points can be adopted for $125. They also conduct adoption days for easier application.
Purrs Abound – This is another foster-based rescue dedicated to saving Siamese and Siamese mixes from shelters located in Michigan and Northwest Ohio. The adoption fee of their rescue cats is $185 but this can vary depending on their purebred or mixed lineage. All color points, including flame points, are rescued.
Southern California Siamese Rescue – Operating since 2005, this rescue helps unwanted Siamese cats of all colors find their “furever” homes. Depending on their age, you can adopt a flame point Siamese for around $100 to $200. The fee covers alteration, blood tests, vaccines, and treatment for worms and fleas.
Finding a flame point Siamese cat companion may feel like finding a needle through a haystack but it’s definitely worth it.
Just make sure to ask the breeder or volunteer regarding health concerns before proceeding to any transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Mean?
Flame Point Siamese cats are not mean. In fact, they are very affectionate cats. They are naturally playful and always eager to bond with their owners. They are one of the sweetest and friendliest cats you can own.
Do Flame Point Siamese Cats Shed?
Like other cat breeds, flame point Siamese cats shed their coats twice a year.
However, the amount of shedding is very low compared to long-haired cats. Regular brushing and occasional baths can reduce it even more.
Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Deaf?
Even though flame point Siamese generally have blue eyes, they are not prone to congenital deafness.
This is a more common occurrence in purebreds that may carry the white coat pigment gene such as Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Scottish Folds.
Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
For the most part, flame points are considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coats. Since there is less hair in the house, owners who are sensitive to pet allergens are less likely to develop an allergic reaction.
Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Always Male?
As mentioned, around 75% of flame point Siamese cats are male. Given this percentage, there is still a 25% chance that they can be female so the answer to this question is no. There is only a higher probability that they will be born male.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Flame Point Siamese?
Most cat lovers want a loving, playful, and friendly cat. You can get all that and more in one package when you choose to own a flame point Siamese.
So if you are still thinking twice, consider if these are the personalities you want to have in a cat.
As with any other breed, you should also look into potential health issues associated with flame point Siamese cats. This should better prepare you when finding a breeder to purchase your kitten from.
Since the price is quite high for this color, it’s also best to think about your budget. Luckily, you can adopt one for a cheap adoption fee.
Regardless of whether you buy or adopt, having a flame point Siamese can truly flare up your life.
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