Siamese cats are a low shedding breed but do not confuse that to mean that these cats do not shed. Even low-shedding breeds like the Siamese cat can have a significant impact on anyone with, particularly sensitive allergies.
The Siamese Cat
The Siamese cat is a playful and talkative breed that has its roots in Thailand (Siam). This distinctive feline is easily recognizable from its light coat, black mask, paws, ears, and tail. The most distinctive Siamese cat feature, however, is their crystal blue eyes.
The Siamese cat is a demanding feline and loves to be the center of attention. Given enough stimulation, this intelligent kitty makes a loyal and loving family member, but without the attention it craves, the Siamese will not hesitate to let you know of their displeasure.
The Siamese Coat Colors
The traditional Siamese cat coat features markings called “points.” Points are “points” of coloration on the cat’s coat – for example, the tips of the ears, the paws, the tail, and the face mask. There are different color combinations of fur and points, including the:
- Chocolate point
- Seal point
- Bluepoint
- Lilac point
- Redpoint
- Tortie point
- Cinnamon point
- Lynx point
- Cream point
- Caramel point
- Apricot point
- Fawn point
- Tabby point
- Foreign white
The Chocolate Point
The chocolate point Siamese has an ivory white coat, chocolate points, and a chocolate-colored nose and paw pads. The most significant difference between the chocolate point and the seal point is that the chocolate point’s points stay lighter rather than growing darker.
The Seal Point
The seal point Siamese has a white/cream coat, deep brown or black points, and a deep brown or black colored nose and paw pads. The seal point Siamese is the cat that most of us think about when we think of a Siamese cat.
The Blue Point
The blue point Siamese has a blue-white coat that gets darker with age, steel blue points, and a steel blue colored nose and paw pads.
The Lilac Point
The lilac point or “frost point” Siamese cat has an ivory white coat with lavender points, a lavender-colored nose, and lavender paw pads.
The Red Point
The red point Siamese results from breeding a red tabby/tortoiseshell with a Siamese cat. The red point Siamese cat has a creamy white coat, pink/orange points, and a pink/orange colored nose and paw pads.
The Tortie Point
The tortie point Siamese results from breeding a Siamese cat with a tortoiseshell cat (usually the female.) The tortie point has a creamy white coat and black-red mottled markings on the points.
The Cinnamon Point
The cinnamon point Siamese has an ivory white coat that darkens towards the feet and cinnamon brown points, and a cinnamon brown/pink colored nose and paw pads.
The Lynx Point
The lynx point Siamese is the result of breeding a tabby cat with a seal point Siamese. The lynx point Siamese has unique striped markings on their points and can come in a wide range of color combinations.
The Cream Point
The cream point Siamese results from breeding a Siamese, Abys, and domestic red short hair. The cream point Siamese has a cream white coat, light cream points, and a pink-colored nose and paw pads.
The Caramel Point
The caramel point Siamese has an off-white coat, grey-brown points, and a chocolate-colored nose and paw pads.
The Apricot Point
The apricot point Siamese has a warm white coat, darker cream points, and a pink-colored nose and paw pads.
The Fawn Point
The fawn point Siamese has a creamy white coat, mushroom-colored points, and a darker pink-colored nose and paw pads.
The Tabby Point
The tabby point Siamese is a combination of the base nine colors of a Siamese cat with a tabby cat. The tabby point cat will have the characteristic ‘M’ on its forehead and a ringed tail.
The Foreign White
The foreign white Siamese has a white coat, white markings, and brilliant blue eyes.
The Siamese Coat
The Siamese cat has a very fine, short coat that thrives with as little as a weekly brush down. With no significant undercoat, the Siamese does feel the cold, though, and does not do well living in cool climates. Where the short Siamese coat may not be ideal for cooler weather, though, it is a benefit for anyone looking for a low-shedding cat.
What is a Low Shedding Cat?
A low shedding cat is a cat that sheds less hair throughout the year than the average cat. For example:
The domestic shorthair cat sheds moderately year-round as dead hair falls from the coat and new hair growing in replaces it. This cycle of hair growth and loss is normal for cats.
Low shedding cats like the Siamese cat go through a similar pattern of hair growth and loss. The Siamese, however, has much finer and thinner hair so that less hair falls at once, and when it does, the hair is so fine, it is not as noticeable.
Conclusion / Summary
The Siamese cat is not known for being a heavy shedder, but it is a light shedder. So, while this exotic feline may be a good addition for someone with a mild allergy, anyone with a hypersensitive immune system still faces the potential of allergy symptoms. If it is housecleaning you are worried about, however, Siamese shedding is unlikely to impact your life all that much!
