The tortie point Siamese cats are among the several variants of the Siamese breed. The special thing about these cats is their tortoiseshell point coloration. This makes them one of the most unique Siamese cats.
In this article, you will learn all about the tortie point Siamese cat. We’ll tackle how tortie point Siamese cats get their point coloration, why two tortie Siamese cats can’t have a tortie offspring, and more.
If this sounds interesting to you, then buckle up, and let’s get started!
What Is a Tortie Point Siamese?
The tortie point Siamese cat is a variety of the Siamese breed that has a tortoiseshell point coloration. These cats have half of their faces, ears, tails, and feet colored with black, chocolate, or cinnamon, while the other half is mottled with red or orange.
Tortie is one of the popular coat patterns in cats. It gets its name from its bright speckled pattern, which is reminiscent of the tortoiseshell’s color.
In a tortie point Siamese, only its face, ears, tails, and feet have mottled coloration. Behaviorally, this breed is known to be strong-willed, sassy, and independent.
There are cat registries that recognize the tortie point Siamese as a true breed of the Siamese cat. However, some cat registries do not recognize the tortie points as Siamese cats. Instead, they are classified as Colorpoint Shorthairs.
Are Tortie Point Siamese Cats Rare?
Unlike the other Siamese breeds, the tortie point Siamese cat is relatively rare. This can be explained by the limited genetic options that could produce a tortie point Siamese cat. Specifically, there are only three possible options.
The first option involves a female red point Siamese and a male cinnamon, chocolate, or seal point Siamese. When these two cats mate, they will have a 50% chance of having a tortie point offspring.
Meanwhile, a female tortie point Siamese and a male red point Siamese will only have a 25% chance of having a tortie point offspring. This is also true for a female tortie point and male cinnamon, chocolate, or seal point Siamese.
Another reason for the rarity of the tortie point Siamese cat is the fact that tortoiseshell point color is a sex-linked trait. Most tortie cats are female.
In male Siamese cats, tortie point is a result of genetic abnormality. Only 0.03% of torties are male, and all of them are sterile.
Tortie Point Siamese Appearance
The tortie point Siamese is a medium-sized cat that can stand anywhere between 8 and 12 inches. Meanwhile, its weight varies from 8 to 15 pounds. Typically, a male tortie Siamese cat is larger than a female cat.
Just like the traditional Siamese breed, the elegant body of a tortie point Siamese is long and muscular. It has a wedge-shaped head, blue eyes, and large triangular ears. Furthermore, its neck, legs, and tail are long.
Tortie point Siamese cats have short silky coats that are easy to maintain. True to all colorpoint cats, the extremities (i.e., face, ears, tails, feet, and scrotum) of a tortie Siamese are much darker than the rest of its body.
However, unlike the traditional Siamese with solid point colors, a tortie point Siamese has a tortoiseshell point color. In other words, their extremities are still darkly colored but speckled with red tones.
Specifically, the dark hues in tortie Siamese come in a variety of shades, including black, chocolate, or cinnamon. Sometimes, these markings may even become diluted, producing the blue, lilac, fawn, and caramel torties.
You can see a tortie point Siamese cat in action below:
Introducing Bird, the tortie point Siamese kitten<a href="https://youtu.be/E8i54LxcIdM" 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%2FE8i54LxcIdM%2F0.jpg" alt="Introducing Bird, the tortie point Siamese kitten" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Different Variations of the Tortie Point Siamese
According to the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), there are seven different variations of the tortie point Siamese cats. These variations exist due to the complex interaction of several genes in the tortie point Siamese.
Below are the seven GCCF-recognized variations of tortie point Siamese.
Seal Tortie Point Siamese
The seal tortie point Siamese is the most popular variation of the tortie point Siamese cat. It is characterized by mottled points of seal brown and red. The color of its body is cream, fawn, or off-white.
The nose leather and paw pads of the seal tortie points are either seal brown, pink, or a combination of these colors. The seal tortie points were recognized by the GCCF in 1966.
Blue Tortie Point Siamese
The blue tortie point Siamese is the dilute or lighter version of the seal tortie point Siamese. Its points are mottled with light blue and cool-toned cream.
The body of the blue tortie is glacial white. The color of its nose leather and paw pads is either light blue or pink.
Chocolate Tortie Point Siamese
The chocolate tortie point Siamese is an undiluted solid point variation of the Siamese breed. It is characterized by milk chocolate points speckled with shades of red. Additionally, its body color is ivory white.
The color of its nose leather and paw pads is either milk chocolate or pink.
Lilac Tortie Point Siamese
The lilac tortie point Siamese is a dilute form of chocolate tortie point Siamese. This variant has pinkish gray or lilac points speckled with cool-toned cream. The body color of the lilac torties is off-white.
Its nose leather and paw pads are characterized by either a pale pink or lavender-pink color. The GCCF recognized the blue chocolate and lilac tortie point Siamese in 1971.
Cinnamon Tortie Point Siamese
The cinnamon tortie point Siamese is another solid point variant of the Siamese breed. It has warm cinnamon brown points, flecked with a shade of red. Just like the chocolate tortie point, this variant has an ivory-colored body.
Cinnamon brown or pink is the color of its nose leather and paw pads. The caramel, cinnamon, and fawn torties were recognized by the GCCF in October 1993.
Fawn Tortie Point Siamese
When the cinnamon tortie point is diluted, you’ll get the fawn tortie point Siamese cat. This Siamese variation has pale rosy mushroom points mottled with shades of cream.
Just like the lilac torties, the fawn torties have off-white bodies. Their nose leather and paw pads are either mushroom or pink. In June 2004, the cinnamon and fawn tortie points got their championship status in England.
Caramel Tortie Point Siamese
Any dilute tortie point Siamese that has undergone further dilution and acquisition of warmer tone will result in caramel tortie point Siamese. This variant has brownish-gray points, speckled with shades of apricot.
The nose leather and paw pads of the caramel torties are tinted with brownish-gray or pink color. The caramel torties got their championship status in England in June 2000.
Tortie Point Siamese Color Genetics
There are two conditions required for a Siamese cat to have a tortie point. First, it must have two X chromosomes. Second, the two copies of its X chromosomes must carry two different alleles of the “orange gene.”
Note that the orange gene can only be found in the X chromosome. The first allele of the orange gene (O) produces the orange or red coat colors in cats.
Meanwhile, the second allele of the orange gene (o) allows the production of black, brown, and cinnamon coats.
Torties possess both of these alleles in their X chromosomes. This is why its feet, ears, face, and tail are colored with black, brown, or cinnamon, speckled with orange or red hues.
A female cat has two X chromosomes (XX chromosomes). If both of these chromosomes carry the O allele of the orange gene, it wouldn’t have tortoiseshell point coloration. Instead, it would become a red point Siamese.
Meanwhile, a genetically normal male Siamese cat with one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY chromosomes) cannot have a tortie point since it only has one X chromosome.
Due to the variations in the o allele of the orange gene, tortie points in Siamese cats have three main forms. These are the red and black (seal tortie), red and brown (chocolate tortie), and red and cinnamon (cinnamon tortie).
However, if a Siamese cat carries two recessive copies of the melanophilin (MLPH) gene, these three main forms of tortie points can lighten or become “dilute.” This leads to the existence of blue, lilac, and fawn torties.
Are Tortie Point Siamese Cats Recognized by Cat Registries?
There are several cat registries worldwide that recognize the tortie point Siamese as a true breed of Siamese cats. These include the GCCF, American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), and The International Cat Association (TICA).
However, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in the United States does not recognize the tortie point as an official point color of Siamese cats. Instead, they just recognize solid point colors like chocolate, seal, lilac, and blue.
Cats with point colors other than these, like the tortie and red color Siamese, are recognized by the CFA as a breed of Colorpoint Shorthair. Hence, in CFA’s standard, there is no such thing as a “Siamese” with tortie points.
Tortie Point Siamese Temperament and Personality
Like any other Siamese breed, tortie Siamese cats are good family pets. They are highly energetic, outgoing, and playful cats. Thus, they are suitable for families with active lifestyles. In fact, some owners would describe them as “dog-like.”
Additionally, tortie Siamese cats are extroverted and extremely athletic, usually seen jumping from high places. They are also intelligent, curious, affectionate, sociable, and trainable.
Just like other cat breeds, the tortie Siamese cats purr to show their love to their owners. Despite these positive temperaments, some tortie Siamese behaviors are deemed “unwanted” by many pet parents.
For example, as a Siamese variant, tortie Siamese cats are known to be very vocal. Moreover, they have a high tendency to be obsessed with their owners. In fact, they are one of the many cat breeds prone to separation anxiety.
A tortie Siamese may also become feisty, aggressive, and unpredictable without early socialization. This attitude of tortie cats is coined “tortitude.” However, this is not true for all tortoiseshell cats.
Tortie Point Siamese Lifespan and Health Issues
A tortie point Siamese cat’s life expectancy varies between 12 and 15 years. However, a tortoiseshell male cat may have a shorter lifespan due to the underlying genetic defect that causes the tortoiseshell effect.
Meanwhile, below are other health issues that a tortie point Siamese cat may face regardless of its sex:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia has been one of the most infamous orthopedic conditions that could affect many cat breeds, including the tortie points. In this condition, the joints between the cat’s thigh bone and hips are misaligned and loose. As a result, cats with hip dysplasia limp and may experience hip pain.
Lymphoma: Regardless of the point coloration, Siamese cats are also predisposed to having lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphocytes. Cats with lymphoma often experience extreme weight loss and vomiting. The most common cause of this cancer in cats is the feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
Amyloidosis: The Siamese breed, including the tortie point variation, is among the cat breeds that are more predisposed to amyloidosis. Amyloidosis happens when a protein known as “amyloid” deposits in different tissues and organs. Over time, the collection of these amyloid proteins could lead to organ failure.
Feline Asthma: According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, tortie point Siamese cats are more prone to feline asthma. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of cats’ airways, causing some respiratory issues. Certain triggers like smoke, aerosols, and perfume could increase the occurrence of this condition.
Proper veterinary advice and treatment should be sought if your cat happens to experience any of these medical conditions.
How Much Does a Tortie Point Siamese Cat Cost? Kitten Prices & Expenses
The price of a tortie Siamese kitten from a trustworthy cattery ranges anywhere between $600 and $800.
Aside from the said selling price, there are other expenses that must be considered if you decide to own this stunningly attractive cat breed.
Below is a list of the initial expenses associated with owning a tortie point Siamese:
The entire initial cost of owning a tortie point Siamese kitten varies from $555 to $1,465. For cats that have already been dewormed, vaccinated, and microchipped, this cost may still be reduced.
Meanwhile, pet insurance is an additional or extra cost that could help you cover your veterinary expenses, especially if your cat encounters any medical emergency.
Places to Find Tortie Point Siamese Kittens for Sale and Adoption
While some breeders refer to this breed as “tortie point Siamese,” others use its CFA-registered name, “Colorpoint Shorthair.”
Regardless of its name, it is always critical to check the breeder’s reputation before purchasing a tortie point Siamese kitten.
To help you out, I listed below some CFA-registered breeders across the United States that may offer this Siamese breed.
Siamese Sweeties – Located in North Carolina, this cattery offers several types of Siamese cats, including the tortie points. Their kittens are vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. They also have a one-year genetic health guarantee against hereditary defects.
TiaMaria Siamese – This Virginia-based breeder focuses on breeding traditional Siamese and Balinese cats. However, they also now offer tortie and flame point Siamese. All kittens from this cattery are vaccinated, dewormed, and tested negative for genetic defects.
Blakewood Cattery – This cattery from Pennsylvania offers traditional Siamese cats and Colorpoint Shorthairs in all colors. The kittens that they offer are tested negative for FeLV. For the health and well-being of their cats, they do not subject their kittens to cage-raising, declawing, and shipping.
Aside from these, you may also check out the adoption sites below, which may have tortie point Siamese cats:
Adopt-a-Pet – Founded in 2000, this non-profit web service advocates the adoption of pet animals, including dogs and cats. They have a reliable connection with over 12,000 pet shelters across the United States and Canada. On this website, tortie Siamese is labeled as Colorpoint Shorthair.
Cats-Can, Inc. – Located in Florida, this non-profit organization is dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray cats and kittens. Their cats had already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and treated for any known medical issues before being placed for adoption.
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue – This is the largest non-profit rescue organization in the Midwestern United States. They’ve been rescuing homeless cats of different breeds since 1999. Their foster homes are located in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. In the past, they have already offered tortie Siamese kittens for adoption.
To further guide you in this journey, check out our article on 11 ways to find free kittens in your area. It will certainly help you in finding your perfect feline friend, especially if you have a tight budget.
Other Colorpoint Varieties of the Siamese Cat
Aside from the tortie point, Siamese cats may also acquire other colorpoint varieties such as the following:
Seal point – This is the most popular colorpoint variety of the Siamese cat. The seal point is a solid point color. Siamese cats with seal points are characterized by dark seal brown or black points, nose leather, and paw pads. They also have a pale fawn to a cream body.
Blue point – This is the dilute version of the seal point and is also another solid point color. Blue point Siamese has bluish-gray points, nose leather, and paw pads. It also has a glacial white body.
Chocolate point – The chocolate point is a recessive solid point color. Siamese cats with this trait have milk chocolate points, nose leather, and paw pads. They also have a body that is ivory-colored.
Lilac/Frost point – When the chocolate point becomes diluted, it will result in a lilac or frost point. Lilac point Siamese has pinkish gray points, nose leather, and paw pads. Moreover, the body of the lilac point Siamese has an off-white color.
Cinnamon point – Cinnamon is another recessive solid point color in the Siamese breed. This feature produces Siamese cats with bright reddish-brown points and salmon pink nose leather and paw pads. They also have a warm ivory-colored body.
Fawn point – This is the dilute version of the cinnamon point. Fawn point Siamese is characterized by warm tan points on a pale ivory body. Its nose leather and paw pads are tinted with pink color.
Red point – Also known as flame point, red point is a rare solid point color in the Siamese breed. Siamese cats with flame points have bright reddish-gold points and pink nose leather and paw pads. They also have a white or apricot-colored body.
Cream point – The cream point is the dilute version of the red point. Cream point Siamese has pastel cream points and pink nose leather, and paw pads. Additionally, it has a body that is creamy-white in color.
Apricot point – Another rare point color in Siamese cats is the apricot. Apricot is the dilute and warmer version of the cream variation. Siamese cats with this trait have hot cream points and pink nose leather, and paw pads. It also has a warm creamy-white body.
Lynx point – Striped color patterns in Siamese cats can be classified as lynx points. Unlike the solid ones, lynx point Siamese has striped points which may exist in varying colors. In the United Kingdom, this is known as tabby point.
Note that having a solid point color does not guarantee recognition from some cat registries. For example, the CFA only recognizes the seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points for a “true” Siamese breed, but not red and cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tortie Siamese Cats Always Female?
No, there are some rare cases where male Siamese cats exhibit tortie mottling. However, this is only true for some male cats with Klinefelter syndrome, where they acquire two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome.
Unfortunately, this condition causes the male cats to become sterile. This is why a male tortie point Siamese cat can never have offspring.
What is the Rarest Siamese Cat Color?
The rarest Siamese cat color is the flame point. This is primarily due to the more complex genetics involved in achieving this point color. In fact, breeding a male and a female flame point does not guarantee a flame point offspring.
This is why finding a breeder who produces this exotic Siamese variant is difficult, and if you do, their cats could be quite pricey.
Are Tortie Point Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?
According to PetMD, tortie point Siamese cats are hypoallergenic. It may be because they produce less Fel d 1 protein in their saliva and skin, which is the main culprit for pet allergy.
Additionally, they have relatively short hair. This means that even if they produce the Fel d 1 protein, it won’t stay long on their coats.
Do Tortie Point Siamese Cats Shed?
Despite their short hair, tortie point Siamese cats shed. However, they don’t shed as much as other cat breeds do. This makes them one of the low-maintenance feline breeds in terms of grooming requirements.
Brushing their coats once a week is enough for them to stay clean and healthy.
Final Thoughts: Is a Tortie Point Siamese the Right Cat for You?
The tortie point Siamese cat is one of the most unique and stunningly attractive cat breeds in the feline world. In the United States, this breed is classified as a Colorpoint Shorthair rather than a true Siamese cat.
Physically, it is characterized by mottled points which follow the tortoiseshell color pattern. Although a majority of tortie Siamese cats are female, there are few rare cases of male torties. However, this is a genetic anomaly in male cats.
Behaviorally, they are known to have intelligent, outgoing, active, and sociable personalities. Pet parents who like unpredictable and enjoyable adventures would surely adore this cat breed.
Given all of these, do you think this cat is for you? Feel free to share your thoughts about the tortie point Siamese in the comments below!
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