Felis catus
Colorpoint Shorthair
Featured photocolorpoint-shorthair.jpgThe Colorpoint Shorthair is a CFA-recognized breed developed in the United States during the 1940s by crossing Siamese cats with domestic shorthairs to introduce point colors beyond the four traditional Siamese shades. CFA granted full recognition in 1964. The breed is genetically nearly identical to the Siamese but is classified separately by CFA because its points include red, cream, lynx, and tortoiseshell patterns.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- Developed 1940s; CFA recognition 1964
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- Flame (red) point, Cream point, Lynx point (tabby) in all colors, Tortoiseshell point in all colors
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12-16 years
- Recognition
- CFA 1964
Origin
The Colorpoint Shorthair traces its origin to deliberate breeding programs in the United States during the 1940s. Breeders sought to expand the Siamese color palette beyond the four traditional point colors. Crosses with red domestic shorthairs and, later, Abyssinians introduced the red-series genes responsible for flame and cream points. The Cat Fanciers' Association accepted the breed into championship competition in 1964 under the name Colorpoint Shorthair, treating it as distinct from the Siamese because of its expanded color range.
Recognition
The Cat Fanciers' Association is the primary registry to grant the Colorpoint Shorthair independent breed status, with championship recognition from 1964. The International Cat Association and most international registries classify Colorpoint Shorthairs as part of the Siamese breed group rather than a separate breed, recognizing the same expanded color range under the Siamese standard. The GCCF and FIFe similarly do not maintain a separate Colorpoint Shorthair classification.
Standard
The CFA standard for the Colorpoint Shorthair is identical in type to the Siamese: a long, svelte body; a long wedge-shaped head; large, wide-set ears; almond-shaped vivid blue eyes; and a fine, close-lying coat. The breed is distinguished from the Siamese exclusively by its point colors: 16 are recognized, including flame (red), cream, blue-cream, chocolate tortie, lilac-cream, and all of the above in lynx (tabby) pattern. Body color ranges from white to pale fawn to slightly warm ivory depending on point color.
Sources & further reading (2)
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-07
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-07
Frequently asked questions
How does the Colorpoint Shorthair differ from the Siamese?
The Colorpoint Shorthair is genetically nearly identical to the Siamese but carries red-series genes that produce point colors outside the four traditional Siamese shades. CFA classifies the two as separate breeds because of this color difference; most other international registries treat them as the same breed under an expanded Siamese color standard.
What point colors does the Colorpoint Shorthair come in?
CFA recognizes 16 point colors: flame (red), cream, blue-cream, chocolate tortie, lilac-cream, and all of those in lynx (tabby) pattern. The lynx points show tabby striping within the point areas on the face, ears, legs, and tail.
When did CFA recognize the Colorpoint Shorthair?
CFA granted the Colorpoint Shorthair full championship status in 1964, following development programs begun in the 1940s. The breed was accepted as a breed in its own right separate from the Siamese because of its extended color range beyond the four traditional Siamese point colors.
