Siamese cats are one of the most famous cat breeds in the world. But did you know that these cats come in many variations?
In this guide, we’ll explore one of the members of the Siamese family — the seal point Siamese.
Seal point Siamese cats are gorgeous kitties with dark brown markings and piercing blue eyes. Aside from their adorable appearance, these cats are also known for their balanced temperament.
If you want to get a cat that’s loyal, intelligent, and eye-catching, the seal point Siamese is one to consider. Stick around until the end of this guide to learn everything about these kitties!
What Is a Seal Point Siamese?
The seal point Siamese is a cat with dark brown tips on its coat. Its “seal point” name comes from its point pattern that resembles the body color of a seal. Aside from its coat pattern, the seal point Siamese is also known for its mesmerizing eyes.
Seal point Siamese cats belong to the group of cats known as “colorpoints.” This group includes blue points, lilac points, chocolate points, and more.
These cats share the same point coloration, but the color on the tips of their coats differs.
The body color of a seal point Siamese is a bit darker than chocolate. Because of this, seal point Siamese cats are often mistaken as chocolate Siamese cats.
Are All Seal Point Cats Siamese?
No, not all seal points are Siamese. There are a dozen other cat breeds that can exhibit the seal point coloration.
For starters, seal point refers to the coat coloration of a cat. A cat is a seal point if its fur has a light-colored base and seal-colored tips.
Similarly, a cat is a blue point if its tips are blue. This is also the case for chocolate points, lilac points, and others.
Collectively, cats with point coloration are known as “colorpoints” or simply “pointed cats.” Aside from Siamese cats, other seal point cats include seal point Ragdolls, seal point Balinese, and many more.
Seal Point Siamese Appearance: What Does a Seal Point Siamese Look Like?
Seal point siamese cats are recognizable for their white or fawn fur with very dark tips. Their seal-colored fur is most evident behind their ears and on their faces, tails, and paws.
Another striking feature of the seal point Siamese is their bright blue eyes. Some of these cats can even have greenish eyes!
In terms of stature, the seal point Siamese is a medium-sized cat. Its body is slender yet athletic, and it is covered by a short-length coat.
The seal point Siamese has an elongated face shape, which the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) refers to as aristocratic. Its face shape is similar to that of the Bengal, Sphynx, Burmese, and Abyssinian cats.
Other features of the seal point Siamese include big ears, narrow noses, and skinny legs. Except for their coat color, these cats look just like other Siamese cats.
What Is the Difference Between a Chocolate Point Siamese and a Seal Point Siamese?
The seal point Siamese cat is often mistaken as the chocolate point Siamese, and it’s quite understandable; these cats do look alike! However, there are a few differences you should know about.
The differences between the two start with genetics. While these cats both have pointed coloration, their pigmentation is a bit different.
In other words, the seal point Siamese carries a gene combination that is different from the chocolate point Siamese. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
The photo below is a chocolate point Siamese cat:
As you can see, the color of its tips is somewhere between the shades of coffee and dark mocha.
The color of this cat is a shade or two lighter than the color of the seal point Siamese. However, on some occasions, a chocolate point Siamese cat may appear “darker” than a seal point cat (more on this later).
One interesting thing about chocolate points is that they are born with an ivory white base coat. This means their base coat will not change in color as they grow old.
Another notable feature of the chocolate point is their pink paw pads, something the seal points do not usually have.
Moving over to the seal point Siamese cat, here’s a photo of one:
In cats, the “seal” color is known as the darkest shade of brown. This means the fur tips on seal point Siamese cats are darker than fur tips on chocolate points.
However, the overall appearance of a seal point Siamese can appear lighter than a chocolate point. The reason behind this lies in the coat development.
Unlike chocolate points, the base color of seal point cats changes as they grow old. Their base color starts light and gets darker as they age.
As a result, some seal point Siamese cats, especially kittens, may look lighter than chocolate points. However, in general, their points are still darker between the two.
Seal Point Siamese Cat Color Genetics: What Causes the Seal Point Coloration in Siamese Cats?
The nitty-gritty of feline coat genetics is beyond the scope of this guide. Fortunately, the basic concept is quite easy to grasp.
So if you are curious about the genetics of seal point Siamese cats, here are some things you should know.
Firstly, Siamese cats carry the so-called Himalayan gene. This gene causes partial albinism on the warm parts of a cat’s body. This explains why the fur near the body of seal points is lighter than the tips.
This phenomenon is not unique to seal point Siamese cats. In fact, this is what happens to all color points.
But what about the seal tips? Where does it come from?
The seal coloration in Siamese cats comes from the B-gene and D-gene. Seal point cats have either D-d or D-D paired with either B-b or B-b.
Simply put, a Siamese cat with at least one dominant D-gene paired with at least one dominant B-gene is going to have a seal coloration. If this cat also happens to have the Himalayan gene, then you have yourself a seal point!
Are Seal Point Siamese Cats Rare?
Before other cat breeds had the seal point coloration, Siamese cats already had it. In fact, many cat experts believe that the seal point coloration originally came from the Siamese.
That said, the seal point coloration is quite common in Siamese cats. Siamese seal points have been around for quite a while, and they have grown in number since.
Nowadays, it’s pretty easy to find a seal point Siamese. Many cat enthusiasts love the look of these kitties. As a result, breeders are continuously raising and selling seal point Siamese cats.
With this in mind, if you are looking for a rare Siamese cat, you should look elsewhere. Some rare colors of the Siamese cats are the tortie point Siamese and ivory point Siamese.
Seal Point Siamese Size and Weight: How Big Do Seal Point Siamese Cats Get?
A full-grown seal point Siamese measures 11 to 15 inches in height and weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. On average, males are a few inches taller and a few pounds heavier than females.
The height and weight of seal point Siamese cats are on par with other Siamese cats. These cats also share the same build, body shape, and muscular structure as the rest of the Siamese family.
Seal point Siamese cats are neither too small nor too big. Instead, they are considered medium-sized cats.
If you are particular about the size of your pet, it is best to take a look at the size of its parents. If your seal point Siamese has relatively big parents, chances are, you will also have a big cat!
Seal Point Siamese Temperament and Behavior: Are Seal Point Siamese Cats Good House Pets?
In the cat world, Siamese cats are known to be people-magnets. Unlike other cats who have a self-serving and too independent personality, Siamese cats love attention. Luckily, this behavior is also present in seal point Siamese cats!
In general, seal point Siamese cats are loving, affectionate, and friendly. These cats are also very curious and playful. Company, cuddles, and playtime are what they love the most.
However, one thing to note about these cats is that they are not stomach-driven. This means they may not obey your every whim just because you are holding a yummy treat in your hands!
That said, seal point Siamese cats are still very trainable. The best way to train these kitties is by using the positive reinforcement technique.
Once you get a hold of it, you can even make your seal point Siamese perform tricks!
Simply put, the seal point Siamese is a wonderful house pet because of their personality. These cats can get along with other pets and kids. Just be sure to socialize them early on, and you’re pretty much all set.
Seal Point Siamese Lifespan and Health Issues: Do Seal Point Siamese Cats Have Health Problems?
In general, seal point Siamese cats are healthy. These cats reach 15 to 20 years of age, which is well above the lifespan of most cats. In fact, many seal point Siamese cats even live up to 25 years old!
The long life expectancy of these cats is partly thanks to responsible breeders. Nowadays, many Siamese cats are free from life-altering genetic conditions.
That said, Siamese cats are still at risk of some health issues. You should be aware of these conditions if you are looking to get a seal point Siamese.
Here are some health conditions common to seal point Siamese cats:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a disorder characterized by the misalignment of the ball-and-socket joint. While this condition is less common in cats than in dogs, hip dysplasia is still something to watch out for. A seal point Siamese with hip dysplasia will experience excruciating pain when moving.
Pica Syndrome: Pica syndrome is a behavioral issue common in many cat breeds, including the Siamese. A cat with this syndrome has the urge to swallow non-edible items, including paper, binders, clips, small plastics, and more. Pica syndrome is believed to be a manifestation of feline OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD): Feline OCD is a behavioral disorder that causes a cat to do exaggerated actions for no reason. These actions range from compulsive pacing to aggressively chewing non-edible materials.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A seal point Siamese with PRA has degrading photoreceptor cells. When left untreated, progressive retinal atrophy may lead to early blindness.
Upper Respiratory Infection: Feline upper respiratory infection, also known as URI, is a condition of the same nature as the common cold. However, instead of damaging the cat’s lungs, URI targets the cat’s upper airway. This health issue results in sensitive sinuses.
Vestibular Disease: Vestibular disease is a common issue in Siamese cats characterized by the development of incoordination. This issue often leads to nystagmus, the involuntary head tilting and circling in cats.
Unfortunately, the list of common health issues in seal point Siamese cats is quite long. However, with regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle, your pet will live its longest life.
Seal Point Siamese Grooming Needs: How to Groom a Seal Point Siamese?
Seal point Siamese cats are pretty easy to groom. These kitties have relatively thin coats that require minimal brushing. However, there are a few things you should take note of in grooming a seal point Siamese.
For starters, you should pick the right kind of brush for your cat. A safe bet is to invest in a high-quality hairbrush with rubberized tips. This way, your cat’s skin won’t get scratched easily.
It is recommended to brush your cat’s hair at least three times a week. This will keep its hair shiny, tangle-free, and healthy. Brushing regularly will also minimize scattered hair due to shedding.
You should also get a claw trimmer for your seal point Siamese. Unless you plan on making regular trips to the groomer, you will need to do your cat’s nails on your own.
In terms of bathing, seal point Siamese do not actually need baths. In fact, baths are stressful to most felines!
That said, you should only bathe your seal point Siamese whenever necessary. If you want your cat to always smell fresh, you may invest in cat powders or pet-safe essential oils.
The trick to make grooming seal point Siamese cats easy is to start grooming them at a young age. It is also advisable to take them to a groomer early on. This way, they can get comfortable with grooming a lot faster!
How Much Does a Seal Point Siamese Cat Cost? Kitten Prices and Other Expenses
As much as we want our pets to be budget-friendly, some pets just simply cost a fortune to own. The good news is that seal points Siamese cats come at a pretty reasonable price. On average, a seal point Siamese will run you between $250 and $800.
At this price range, seal points Siamese cats are amongst the least expensive Siamese colors. These kitties are the same price as chocolate point and blue point Siamese cats.
Some expensive Siamese colors include the lilac point and flame point Siamese.
Despite the reasonable price tag of a seal point Siamese, owning one involves other expenses. Some of these expenses are for the initial supplies of your cat.
Here’s a list of some of the initial expenses for a seal point Siamese cat:
From the table above, you should expect to pay around $350 for your cat’s initial supplies.
However, keep in mind that this price is exclusive of recurring costs such as cat food, cat treats, and vet fees. This price only covers the one-time purchases for your pet.
As for the recurring costs, expect to spend $50 to $80 per month. At this rate, your annual expenses in owning a seal point Siamese is around $600 to $960 per year.
However, these costs do not include emergency medical treatment, pet daycare services, pet grooming, and other potential expenses. One way to save some cash is by making homemade cat treats and homemade cat food.
Similarly, you may also consider adopting a seal point Siamese instead. Adoption fees for these cats usually cost $100 to $200.
Places to Find Seal Point Siamese Kittens for Sale or Adoption
Seal point Siamese cats are quite easy to find. One quick internet search will give you thousands of possible sources. However, finding the most reputable breeders and shelters can be a little bit tricky.
For that very reason, we have rounded up the best places to find seal point Siamese cats. Regardless if you are looking to buy or adopt one, this section will surely make your search a lot easier!
Here are some places to find seal point Siamese kittens for sale:
Penelane Cattery – Penelane Cattery is a Cat Fanciers’ Association-recognized breeder. Based in Tampa Bay, this breeder specializes in Colorpoint Shorthairs as well as variations of Siamese cats. Be sure to check out their listings from time to time for a seal point kitten!
Azureys Cats – Azureys Cats is a New Jersey-based cattery that breeds and sells Balinese, Colorpoint Shorthairs, and Siamese. All cats from this breeder come with a two-year health guarantee and some essential items. You can check out some of their seal point Siamese cats on their YouTube channel.
Pets4You – Pets4You is a website where breeders can post pets for sale. This site has been around since 2006, and they have one of the widest selections of pets. Pets4You has listings for seal point Siamese cats from time to time, so be on the lookout!
Below are sources where you can find seal point Siamese cats for adoption:
Operation Kindness – Operation Kindness is an organization dedicated to rehoming unwanted cats. While their search function is limited, their list of adoptable cats is quite long. So if you’re patient enough, you’ll surely find a seal point Siamese on their listing!
Best Friends – Best Friends is a non-profit organization backed entirely by volunteers and donations. Their platform is equipped with a nifty search filter to make it easier to find the cat you want. They list some of their rescued cats on their website, so make sure to check it out.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is one of the most widely used adoption websites out there. This service has helped over 17,000 animal shelters and rescues in rehoming unwanted pets. If you want to browse the widest selection of Siamese cats for adoption, check out Adopt-a-Pet!
Petfinder – Similar to Adopt-a-Pet, Petfinder is another adoption website. This platform partners with dozens of shelters and rescues in the country to help rehome adoptable pets. Petfinder also has nifty search filters, which will make your pet search a little bit faster.
If these places did not work out for you, you might also use social media to find seal point Siamese cats. Joining Facebook groups and Reddit communities for Siamese cat owners can work wonders in your search!
You just need to be on the lookout for puppy mills and backyard breeders. It is best to stay away from those sources because they do not hold high health standards for their cats.
Other Cat Breeds With Seal Point Coloration
Originally, the seal point color combinations only occur in purebred cats such as the Siamese breed.
However, due to their desirable appearance, purebred seal points were mixed with other cats in the hopes of replicating the color.
The first effort of bringing over the unique seal point color to other breeds was in the 1940s. Around this period, breeders started crossing seal point Siamese cats with other cats such as the American Shorthair. Luckily, it worked!
Those first few hybrids were the ancestors of many recognized cat breeds today. As of writing, there are over 12 cat breeds that can exhibit the seal point coloration.
Here’s a list of cat breeds that can have a seal point coloration:
Balinese
Birman
British Shorthair
Colorpoint Shorthair
Himalayan
Javanese
Napoleon
Ragdoll
Siamese
Snowshoe
Thai
Tonkinese
Fun fact: almost all cat breeds in this list have seal point Siamese genes somewhere in their bloodline!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Seal Point Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
Arguably, no cat is truly hypoallergenic. That said, seal point Siamese cats are not recommended for people with severe allergies. However, in the cat community, Siamese cats are often considered hypoallergenic cats.
The reason behind this is that Siamese cats produce minimal Fel d 1 protein. This protein is responsible for triggering allergic reactions in many people. You may come in contact with this protein whenever your cat licks you.
Do Seal Point Siamese Cats Shed?
Shedding is usually linked to the Fel d 1 protein. The more of this protein a cat has, the more it sheds. Luckily, seal point Siamese only secretes a few amounts of this protein, which means they do not shed much.
On average, the seal point Siamese is a light to moderate shedder. Their long coats are easily manageable, and shedding is usually not a problem with these cats.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Seal Point Siamese?
The seal point Siamese is a beautiful cat with a friendly disposition. Their seal-colored points and bright eyes are just some of their most desirable features.
On average, this cat is trainable, playful, and healthy so cat lovers would surely fall in love with them.
You should get a seal point Siamese if you are looking for a low-maintenance and highly intelligent pet cat. This cat is also one of the best pets to have if you already have other pets or kids in your household.
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