The rich history and beauty of Siamese cats made them a very popular breed. This cat breed comes in many colors, but one stands out with its striking pale appearance — the lilac point Siamese cat.
If you are looking to add a lilac point to your family, then you are in luck. In this article, I compiled everything you need to know about lilac point Siamese cats and what you can expect when raising this uniquely colored feline.
What Is a Lilac Point Siamese Cat?
The lilac point Siamese cat is the lightest variation of the breed. They are quite rare but are recognized as a standard breed color by most feline associations. What makes them distinct among other Siamese cats are their frosty gray points, glacial white coat, and pink undertones.
There are four Siamese breed colors accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). These are the seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point.
The lilac point has the lightest color pattern, and it is said to be a diluted chocolate point.
The lilac color in cats is generally rare because it is the result of two recessive genes inherited from its parents. Because of this, lilac points and blue points are considered the rarer variations of Siamese cats.
Their color is not really the lilac you are probably imagining. Lilac points are also sometimes called “frost points” because of their light gray coloration.
They are often confused with blue point Siamese cats, as the differences are very subtle.
History and Origin of Lilac Point Siamese Cats
Since the lilac point Siamese is not a separate breed from the Siamese cats we know, their history and origin do not really differ from each other.
The Siamese is one of the oldest cat breeds. They originated from Thailand, formerly known as Siam, and were said to be often found in royal households and temples.
Siamese cats were first brought to Europe and the United States in the late 1800s. The breed made its debut in the Crystal Palace Cat Show in London.
It soon became popular and became a foundation of other cat breeds like the Balinese, Oriental, Ocicat, and Tonkinese.
When lilac point Siamese cats first appeared in shows, they were considered poor quality or poorly bred versions of the blue and chocolate points. They were even called “freaky cats” because of their appearance.
Thankfully, things turned around and the lilac point eventually gained popularity. They were the last to be officially recognized as a color type.
In the US, the color was accepted in official Siamese breed standards in 1955, and Britain followed five years later.
Lilac Point Siamese Cat Appearance: What Does a Lilac Point Siamese Look Like?
Lilac point Siamese cats have the same features as the other variations except for their color. This breed is known for its long, lean bodies and tall ears.
They also have a soft short coat and almond-shaped blue eyes. Breed standards describe the lilac point’s eyes as deep vivid blue, but some say that their eyes are a pale, china blue than other variations.
Siamese cats come in two types: the traditional or applehead. The latter is characterized by their round or apple-shaped heads, hence the name.
Over the years, breeders wanted to emphasize the long and angular features of Siamese cats.
Because of this, modern Siamese cats have a more triangular wedge-shaped head. Nowadays, lilac point Siamese cats can come in both types.
The CFA standards describe the coats of lilac points as “glacial white.” Some enthusiasts describe them as magnolia or light cream.
Their points are not exactly lilac, but frosty or light grey with pinkish tones. Their nose and paw pads are lavender-pink.
The point coloration is caused by a temperature-sensitive enzyme that affects pigment production. Therefore, their body color would also depend on the temperature surrounding them.
This is also why lilac point kittens are born completely white. The warmth of their mother’s womb inhibits the production of pigment. The color of lilac points will usually start to show at four weeks.
In case you’re wondering why your lilac point seems darker or lighter than others, it might be because of the season or the climate where you live.
In general, you can expect lilac Siamese cats in colder climates to show increased darkening of their fur compared to cats living in warmer climates.
Lilac Point Siamese Cat Size and Weight: How Big Do Lilac Point Siamese Cats Get?
Siamese cats are medium-sized cats with graceful and slender physiques. They mature slowly and will be fully grown at 18 to 24 months. Lilac point cats are the same size as the other variations of the breed.
Like other cat breeds, you can expect that male lilac Siamese cats will be bigger.
According to The International Cat Association (TICA), female lilac point Siameses will weigh 5 to 8 pounds, while males will be around 8 to 12 pounds.
On average, a fully grown lilac point Siamese cat will be 8 to 10 inches tall.
What Is the Difference Between Blue Point and Lilac Point Siamese?
Photo by @aria_lexa_siamese (IG)
Pictured above is a blue point Siamese (left) and a lilac point Siamese (right). A lot of people confuse one for the other, and understandably so because they look similar.
One easy distinction is that blue point Siameses have a bluish-white coat with dark or slate gray points. Their coats may darken gradually as they age.
On the other hand, lilac points have a glacial white coat with light or frosty gray points. The lilac point coat color will usually stay light their whole lives.
If it is difficult to distinguish their difference solely by their coats, take a look at the color of their paw pads.
The paw pads of a blue point are slate gray as well, while the lilac point Siamese would have lavender-pink paw pads.
Lilac Point Siamese Cat Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Pets?
Siamese cats are famous for being extroverts, and their personality traits tend to be similar regardless of color.
Contrary to the general perception that cats are highly independent, you can expect your lilac point Siamese to love attention and company. In fact, they are described as having the affection of a dog.
They can be clingy and cuddly, so they would be perfect if you want a lap cat. These felines are also active and intelligent. They would love playing games and exploring new surroundings.
It would be good to provide them with toys or a cat tree to keep them entertained. Because of this, lilac points commonly do well with children and other pets.
Lilac point Siamese cats are communicative, and they like using their voices. Many owners describe them as talkative. You can see how they “talk” in this video:
Zuki the Lilac Point Siamese Cat refuses to get down (talking)<a href="https://youtu.be/7UiEeGNDc0U" 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%2F7UiEeGNDc0U%2F0.jpg" alt="Zuki the Lilac Point Siamese Cat refuses to get down (talking)" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
They can get pretty noisy sometimes. They will meow for plenty of reasons, and over time, owners usually recognize what they mean.
Since they thrive with lots of interaction, they can get depressed if they are left alone or neglected. If your family is looking for an affectionate and lively pet, then the lilac point Siamese would be a great option.
Lilac Point Siamese Cat Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Lilac Point Siameses Healthy Cats?
You can expect your lilac point Siamese to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. With proper care, some Siamese cats are reported to live well over 20 years.
Lilac point Siamese cats are generally healthy, but the breed still faces some health issues. It is unknown whether the lilac point’s coat color affects their health.
The following health conditions are common to lilacs and Siamese cats in general:
Respiratory Infections: The breed is prone to respiratory infections, especially young lilac Siamese cats. Upper respiratory infection (URI) is commonly caused by feline calicivirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis. You can prevent these infections by keeping your cat up-to-date in vaccinations.
Vestibular Disease: This is a genetic problem involving the nerves serving the ear. This disease can cause problems with your cat’s balance, and it may appear disoriented or dizzy. The good news is this disease is not very serious. It usually resolves on its own in a few weeks.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): This is a behavioral disorder that lilac Siamese cats are prone to. It is when your cat displays repetitive, exaggerated behavior for no reason. This may be a response to an underlying health condition or stress. Some common behaviors are excessive meowing, fabric chewing, and excessive grooming.
Amyloidosis: This condition occurs when proteins called amyloids are deposited outside organs and tissues, causing dysfunction. Some family lines of Siamese cats are identified as predisposed to this disease. The majority of cats diagnosed are around seven years old and above. But for Siamese cats with familial amyloidosis, it can be diagnosed at one to four years of age.
Another important thing to note is that the breed has a tendency to be more sensitive to anesthesia. It’s best to discuss with your vet what you can do to minimize the risks if your cat has to go through this.
Are Lilac Point Siamese Cats Rare?
The lilac point and blue point Siamese are considered rarer variations. As mentioned before, the lilac point is a dilute chocolate point. They are rare because of the genetic combinations needed to produce the lilac color.
The chocolate point color is produced by a recessive brown gene which both parents must have. The gene for dilution is also recessive.
To produce the lilac color, the kitten must inherit both brown and dilute genes from two parents.
Are Lilac Point Siamese Cats a Recognized Breed by Feline Associations?
The lilac point Siamese cat is not a breed in itself but is a variation of the Siamese cat. They were first thought to be a poorly bred chocolate or blue point, but the lilac point was eventually recognized as a separate color.
Currently, the lilac point is recognized as a standard Siamese color by international cat registries including The International Cat Association (TICA), Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), and Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe).
How Much Does a Lilac Point Siamese Cat Cost? Kitten Prices and Other Expenses
In the United States, lilac point Siamese cats can cost you anywhere from $600 to $1,200, depending on your area and the breeder you are buying from.
Be extra careful when you see lilac points being sold for just a few hundred dollars.
Lilac points are not very common so it drives up the price. If the parents of the lilac point Siamese are also of show champion lineage, then it could cost you up to $2,000.
Aside from the cost of the kitten itself, you would have one-time costs and recurring expenses for the next 15 years.
Here is a cost estimate of things you need before bringing your lilac point Siamese kitten home:
The table above just shows a rough cost estimate of the initial expenses you would have. The prices would vary according to the brand or quality of supplies you would buy.
If you are unsure of what brands to buy, it would be best to ask your breeder. Aside from these initial supplies, also consider the costs of vet visits and pet insurance.
The breed is generally healthy, but check-ups and preventive care are important to help your lilac point Siamese live a long life.
Places to Find Lilac Point Siamese Kittens for Sale or Adoption
Lilac point Siamese cats are not as common as chocolate or seal points, but most breeders of purebred Siamese cats also produce them.
Here are some breeders where you can find lilac point Siamese kittens for sale:
Tresor Cats – Tresor Cats specializes in traditional applehead Siamese and Balinese kittens. They are registered with TICA, CFA, and The Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF). This breeder is a good option if you want an applehead lilac point Siamese cat. You can begin your application by filling out a questionnaire on their site.
Kittentanz – Kittentanz is a cattery in Georgia specializing in traditional Siamese and Tonkinese cats. They are registered with the CFA and the Georgia Agriculture Commission as licensed pet dealers. They have a live camera streamed on their website where you can see their kittens. If you want to buy or reserve a lilac point from them, you have to call or send them an email.
Siamese Royalty – Siamese Royalty is a small hobby breeder in Illinois. They specialize in traditional Siamese and Balinese cats and are recognized as a Cattery of Excellence by the CFA. Litters are announced on their website, and screening will be done only a week before the expected date of birth. All inquiries should be made by phone.
Another great choice would be to adopt one from a rescue organization or shelter. Despite their popularity, many Siamese cats still end up being surrendered by their owners for various reasons.
It will be a bit more challenging to find a lilac point Siamese in rescues, but it is possible.
Listed below are some organizations where you can adopt a lilac point Siamese cat:
Specialty Purebred Rescue – This organization is based in Wisconsin and serves the Midwest states. They focus on rehoming purebred cats. In an interview, the founder said that the breed they get the most is Siamese. All their available cats are posted on their website, and you must accomplish a form on their site to begin the application process.
Southern California Siamese Rescue – This rescue has been helping Siamese cats find new homes since 2005. All cats available for adoption are posted on their website. To begin the application, they would need you to submit an application form and along with a completed vet reference that you can download from their site.
Austin Siamese Rescue – Austin Siamese Rescue is based in Texas, and all their cats for adoption are placed in foster homes. Similar to other shelters, they require an online application form and a vet reference. They also hold adoption days in various locations where people can meet their Siamese cats for adoption.
Unfortunately, the popularity of Siamese cats also encourages irresponsible breeders. Adopting will be a great help to an abandoned Siamese cat and the overall problem of overpopulation.
Whether you are looking to purchase or adopt, it might take a while for you to find a lilac point Siamese because they are quite rare.
You might find yourself on long waitlists especially if you are after this specific color only. You can use this time wisely by preparing and educating yourself about the breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Siamese Cat?
Out of the four CFA standard colors mentioned previously, the lilac point is already considered rare.
However, Siamese cats now come in many other colors accepted by other registries. One of these rare colors is the flame point Siamese cat.
From the name itself, they have white coats with reddish or orange fur points. They are also called red points in some places.
Flame point Siameses are quite rare, and not all registries accept them as Siamese. The CFA categorizes them in the Colorpoint Shorthair breed.
Do All Siamese Cats Have Blue Eyes?
Yes. All Siamese cats have blue eyes, and it is caused by the same gene that causes their coats’ point colors.
A cat’s iris has two layers, and they would normally have pigment which affects the eye color. For Siamese cats, both layers do not have pigment, and they appear blue because of how humans perceive light.
Why Do Lilac Point Siamese Cats Meow So Much?
Siamese cats are known as extroverts in the feline world. They are naturally sociable and like communicating vocally.
If your lilac point Siamese meows a lot, it may need something, feel bored, or just want to “talk” to you.
Do Lilac Point Siamese Cats Shed?
Like all cats, lilac point Siamese cats shed their fur. But because they have short fur, their shedding is less noticeable than in other breeds.
They would normally have two shedding seasons. Lilac point Siamese cats would shed in the spring to get rid of their heavy undercoat and in the fall to prepare for the cold season.
During this time, it would be best to brush their coats daily. Otherwise, brushing them once or twice a week would suffice.
Are Lilac Point Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
According to PetMD, there are no 100 percent hypoallergenic cats. All cats produce pet dander, a common allergen, but some breeds produce less of it.
One of those breeds is the Siamese, so a lilac point Siamese would be a great option if you have allergies.
Final Thoughts: Is the Lilac Point Siamese Cat the Right Pet for You?
Siamese cats are famous for their beauty, and lilac point Siamese cats are an even more unique version of this breed. They are not as common as the other Siamese variations, but they require the same level of care.
If you are looking for a cat that can be left alone or a cat that wouldn’t need much attention, then you have to think twice about this breed.
A lilac point Siamese is perfect for a clingy cat lover because they love human interaction. You have to reciprocate this for you to live happily with this beautiful feline.
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