Types of Siamese Cats: All About the Seal Point Siamese

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Updated on: 12/22/2022

The Siamese cat is a popular and well-known breed, and for good reason. They are intelligent, friendly, and social. SiThe Siamese cat is a popular and well-known breed for a good reason. They are intelligent, friendly, and social. Siamese also has stunning physical features, including a sleek, shiny coat, blue eyes, and various coat colorings.

Many Siamese has cream-colored coats as a base and darker brown markings on their face, paws, and tail. The Many Siamese has cream-colored coats as a base and darker brown markings on their face, paws, and tail. The pigment and frequency of these patterns vary amongst Siamese, and each one has a specific name. One of the coat colorings is called seal point. Read on to learn more about these unique and beautiful cats.

Photo by @aspsvz from Freepik

Why Are These Cats Called Seal Point Siamese?

So, where does the name “seal point” come from? Many believe that the “seal” part of the name is about how many seal species look brown when they exit the water to bask in the sun. The seal point color is on the brown spectrum and can range from a lighter brown to a rich, dark brown.

The term “point” refers to places on the pet’s extremities where a particular color is concentrated. Extremities include a cat’s face, ears, paws, and tail. ^[1] The pigmentation of the extremities of this pet is often the darkest out of all the other colorpoint variations. The color pattern will usually be the darkest at the tip of the extremities and then become lighter as it travels further away.

What are Some Basic Physical Characteristics of These Cats?

These pets are medium-sized breeds and typically weigh between 8 and 14 pounds when fully grown. On average, males weigh between 11 and 15 pounds when they are full-grown, and females weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. Their life expectancy is approximately 12 and 15 years, but some may live longer. Siamese cats have long, slender bodies and long tails. Their most defining feature is their beautiful, icy-blue eyes.

What Cat Breeds Can Have the Seal Point Coloring?

This coloration exclusively occurs in purebred cats. It occurs in Siamese cats, but Himalayan and Ragdoll cat breeds can also have seal point coloration. Experts believe that the seal point pattern originally started with this pet. Domestic Shorthair cats can also have seal point coloring, but it is much less common.^[2]

Photo by Jack Dong on Unsplash

What is the History Behind It?

The story behind the seal point color variation goes back to the late 1880s. This was approximately when the Siamese pet began gaining popularity outside Thailand. A pair of seal point Siamese named Pho and Mia were exported to England, and many people were fascinated by the color scheme of these beautiful cats. At this time in history, dog and cat shows were exploding in popularity in Great Britain, so it became easy for the news to spread about these cats. ^[3]

A Siamese cat is undeniably one of the most recognizable breeds, and Siamese with the seal point color variation are no exception. This animal comes in a wide range of coat colors, but almost all seal point cats will have a white or cream color as their base when they are young, and it is very common for their base coat to become slightly darker as they get older.

If they have the this gene, they will have darker-colored points of fur on their face, ears, paws, and tail. When kittens are born, they will not have these markings initially. They will develop over time. A fascinating fact about If they have this gene, they will have darker-colored fur points on their face, ears, paws, and tail. When kittens are born, they will not have these markings initially. They will develop over time. A fascinating fact about seal point-patterned pets is that both parents need to possess the seal point gene for the kittens to inherit them.^[5]

Are Seal Point Siamese Cats Rare?

Luckily, the seal point coloration is quite common in Siameses. As stated above, many pet experts believe that this color pattern originated in Siamese cats. Since that is the case, Siamese breeders often have seal points available. ^[5] Don’t forget to check out your local animal shelter as well. There may be a seal point Siamese there waiting for their forever home!

Are Seal Point Siamese Cats Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, seal Siamese are not recommended for people with severe allergies. However, if you are somebody who does not have severe allergies to pets, then they could be an excellent pet for you.

An interesting fact about Siamese cats, in general, is that they produce minimal amounts of the Fel D1 protein, which is what triggers allergic reactions in some people. ^[5] Since they do not produce as much of this protein as some other pets, allergies may not be as much of a nuisance.

Photo by @vvvita from Freepik

Do Seal Point Siamese Cats Shed?

Like many cats, this pets do shed but they are considered to be light to moderate shedders on average. Their glossy coats are easy to maintain. A grooming session with a comb at least once a week should do the trick since this will remove excess hair and debris from their skin. If you adopt a seal point Siamese cat as a kitten, it is a good idea to begin grooming them while they are young. That will allow them to get used to it.

Conclusion: Should You Get a Seal Point Siamese?

Deciding to adopt a new pet is a big decision to make. Many lifestyle factors can impact that decision. When asking yourself if you should get a Siamese pet, ask yourself how financially stable you are, how often you are home, and how willing you are to put the effort in that comes with caring for a pet.

Regarding financial stability, do you have the means to take a new pet to the vet for regular check-ups and preventative care? Do you have some funds saved up in the event of a veterinary emergency? Do you have a monthly budget for food, treats, toys, and other common pet items?

Another important factor to remember is that Siamese cats are very social and friendly. If you are somebody who travels a lot or is gone for most of the day, then they might not be the ideal cat for you. These cats enjoy social interaction and are not afraid to be vocal about it.

Some more questions to ask yourself are how well other humans or pets in the household (if any) will respond to a new cat and how much time you have to dedicate to one. However, Siamese are known to be friendly with other animals, so that is a plus.

READ MORE: 15 Smallest Cat Breeds

FAQs

What is the Difference Between a Seal Point and a Siamese?

It is important to note that “seal point” is not a specific breed. It is a color pattern or variation that occurs in some breeds, namely the Siamese, which is an actual breed and a trendy one at that.

Seal point Siamese are part of a group called “color points.” These types of cats have relatively the same color patterns on their face, ears, paws, and tails, but the color on these tips differs. ^[5]

How Much Does a Seal Point Siamese Cost?

In the United States, a seal point Siamese kitten costs between $600 and $1,200 on average. The price will vary greatly depending on the bloodline, the age of the cat, and whether you purchase the cat from a reputable breeder or an animal shelter. If you adopt an adult cat from a shelter, it will be less expensive than a cat from a breeder. Be sure to do your research on local breeders in your area and know how to recognize one that is untrustworthy.

What is the Difference Between Seal Point and Chocolate Point Siamese Cats?

It is common for people to confuse seal point Siamese with chocolate point Siamese. They do look quite similar. However, the pigmentation of the color points on a seal point Siamese is darker than those on a chocolate point Siamese.

Another interesting distinction between these two color point Siamese is that chocolate points have a base coat color that is ivory colored and it remains this way throughout the cat’s lifetime. On the other hand, it is common for seal point Siamese coats to be lighter when they are young and grow darker as they age. ^[5]

Article Sources:

Cutts, Shannon. “Seal Point Cat Breeds – The Amazing Markings and Shades.” The Happy Cat Site, 6 Nov. 2018, thehappycatsite.com/seal-point-cat/.
Dunn, Elton. “What Does ‘Seal Point Cat’ Mean?” Pets – The Nest, pets.thenest.com/seal-point-cat-mean-10861.html.
LeBeau, Denise. “5 Intriguing Facts About Seal Point Cats.” Catster, catster.com/lifestyle/facts-about-seal-point-cats.
Adams, Christian. “8 Interesting Facts About Seal Point Siamese Cats.” Excited Cats, 13 Jan. 2022, excitedcats.com/seal-point-siamese-cats-facts/.
Carter, John. “Seal Point Siamese Cat: Info, Facts, Traits, Pictures & FAQs.” Bubbly Pet, 4 Jan. 2022, bubblypet.com/seal-point-siamese-cat/.