The Siamese cats are known for their signature darker coats at certain ‘points’, that is, the paws, tails, ears, and face. Flame point Siamese cats are a rare type of this breed with a red colorpoint pattern.
These felines have a glossy, creamy-white coat, reddish-gold points, and bright blue eyes. Flame points are so different from traditional Siamese cats that they are not even classified as Siamese by some organizations.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) based in the United States, this breed is known as ColorPoint Shorthair rather than being a category within the Siamese variety. On the other hand, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in the United Kingdom does recognize them as Siamese, but has named the breed ‘red point’ rather than flame point.
Is A Flame Point Siamese Cat Actually A Red Point?
The short answer is yes. You may have observed some stripes on the faces, legs, and tails of flame points. This is because it is hard to breed them out of these tabby markings.
It is believed that when seal point Siamese cats were introduced in the UK during the 1930s, they were bred with red tabby and the British tortoiseshell shorthair variety that contained orange genes. This is how the flame point Siamese cats were born.
Some of these felines are born pure white and develop stripes after a few months. The red points of these cats generally deepen with age, and they acquire their permanent color when the cat reaches two years of age.
The Genetics Behind Siamese Color Development
Siamese cats have a Himalayan gene, which makes them partially albino. Most of them are born white, but due to this gene, a mutation occurs that impacts the enzymes that determine the color.
The Himalayan gene is sensitive to heat, which is why the body extremities that don’t receive enough heat turn darker. When the kitten is in its mother’s womb, the extremities receive ample warmth, preventing pigments from showing up.
Once a kitten is born, its body starts producing melanin in the cooler regions, resulting in a colorpoint pattern. The Himalayan gene is also responsible for the brilliant blue eye color of Siamese cats.
You will be able to detect the red color points in a flame point kitten during the first few weeks or within a month after birth. The pigment developing on your feline’s nose and paw pads in the early days will can you figure out its color. Flame point Siamese cats usually start showing their color within 15 days after birth.
Temperament of Flame Point Siamese Cats
Flame point Siamese are popular for their friendly nature. Their traits are, sometimes, considered dog-like because they tend to follow their owner around the house. These cats are sociable creatures and may suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long.
An interesting fact about flame point cats is that are vocal. At times, you may observe your pet carrying out a whole conversation with its own self.
These felines are smart. They can figure out your mood and adjust their behavior accordingly. You can even train a flame point to obey simple commands. Nevertheless, know that these cats be a little bossy and will try their best to dictate other animals living in the house.
Flame points make excellent family pets. They are talkative by nature, which makes them quite likeable by people. As these cats love company, they can become perfect companions for children and the elderly members of your family.
Flame point Siamese cats are considered the friendliest cat breed and they even display amicable behavior towards other cats. They tend to adjust well with the presence of other cats as compared to other breeds that do not welcome a new family member right away once they come of age.
How to Care For a Flame Point Siamese Cat
A flame point Siamese cat is rather rare. If you want to adopt one, check pet shelters in your community that may house this variety. You can also check out relevant websites or locate cat breeders in your vicinity to ensure their reliability. Here are a few aspects you should keep in mind before getting a flame point Siamese cat:
Food and Diet
Cats are carnivores, which is why they need high protein intake. Consider opting for cat food that contains a minimum of 25% protein, along with at least one whole meat, such as beef, turkey, chicken, or tuna mentioned in the ingredient list.
Make sure you keep a balance between soft and dry cat food. Soft food contains moisture that can help your feline if it struggles with constipation or dandruff.
Dry food, on the other hand, can help get rid of plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth, decreasing the chances of it contracting a dental disease. Dry food is also a good idea if you notice your pet suffering from loose stool or diarrhea due to wet food.
Siamese cats have a triangular head, which implies that they tend to swallow dry food whole instead of chewing it thoroughly. As chewing is important for keeping your cat’s teeth free of plaque and tartar, make sure that the size and shape of the dry food is such that your pet is forced to chew.
Exercise
Flame point Siamese cats are active animals that are passionate about exploring places. Therefore, a large home is ideal for them. However, if you have a compact space, you can arrange shelves, boxes, and other objects around the house to get your pet busy.
It is best for your cat to get at least 10-15 minutes of physical activity every day. When your flame point is a kitten, it can be easily involved in activities. However, once they grow up, it may get slightly harder to get them moving.
You can play games with your furry friend to ensure they get the exercise they need. Laser penlight is a great way to get your pet running around enthusiastically.
Another game you can consider is fetching. Contrary to popular belief, the game is not exclusively for dogs. It can stimulate the natural instinct of flame point cats and facilitate them in catching prey more efficiently. Make sure the toy is lightweight so that it can be thrown towards the cat easily.
Training
Although it is harder to train cats as compared to dogs, flame point Siamese cats are good at following simple instructions. Train them in the same manner as you would train a dog, which is by using positive reinforcement and treats.
As Siamese cats are intelligent, you can easily train one. Here are various ways you can regulate their behavior:
House Training
This is one of the first things people teach their pets. Flame point Siamese cats can be trained to use a litter box without much hassle. Some people even teach their cats to use a toilet!
Obedience
As Siamese cats are active, they may come across as a little mischievous. If they don’t receive enough care, they may do things like scratching the sofas to get your attention. It is a good idea to train them early on to refrain from such acts by rewarding good behavior.
Tricks
Siamese cats are physically as well as mentally agile animals, making it easy for you to teach them tricks. Although it requires considerable patience, your cat is likely to feel excited about receiving love and attention from you.
Grooming
Flame point Siamese cats have short coats, making it easier to groom them as compared to long-haired breeds. Here are some vital grooming aspects to keep in mind:
Coat Brushing
It does not require much effort to maintain a Siamese cat’s coat as they do not shed much hair. Simply give it a brush every week in order to get rid of loose hair that may get lodged within the coat. Make sure you use a gentle brush or comb, and brush in the direction of hair growth.
Nail Trimming
Clip your furry friend’s nails every 10-14 days in order to discourage scratching and maintain nail health. You can use sharp human nail clippers or opt for veterinary clippers to do the job. When cutting your pet’s nails, make sure you steer clear of the pink part at the base of the nail.
Dental Cleaning
It is important to keep your Siamese cat’s teeth clean and healthy. Veterinary dentists have special tools and techniques to give your cat’s mouth deep cleaning. Make sure you get dental cleaning done regularly to maintain your pet’s oral health.
Final Word
Flame point Siamese cats are an uncommon breed that is difficult to find. If you plan to get one from a breeder, make sure you first acquire sufficient information about their household or cattery. A reputable breeder may charge you a higher amount for purchasing a rare color, such as a flame point Siamese. Make sure that the breeder you choose provides you substantial documentation to verify the breed of the cat’s parents.
