Pet Wiki

Colorpoint Shorthair

Also called Colourpoint Shorthair

Much like its Siamese relatives: chatty, clever and eager to be involved in everything.

SizeMedium
Weight3.6 to 5.4 kg (8 to 12 lb)males 3.6 to 5.4 kg, females up to 3.6 kg1
Lifespan8 to 12 years1
CoatShort, fine, glossy close-lying coat
OriginUnited States and United Kingdom, from about 1948; bred from Siamese crossed with other shorthairs (notably a red tabby American Shorthair) to add new point colours234
Recognised breedShort profile
talkative and communicative
highly intelligent and playful
very affectionate with its people
31

Personality what they are like

Much like its Siamese relatives: chatty, clever and eager to be involved in everything. It gives a lot of affection and asks for plenty of attention in return, and many get along very well with other cats. It also has a mind of its own.31

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, fine, glossy close-lying coat

A sleek, refined cat of medium size, all long lines, with a long tapering wedge-shaped head, large pointed ears, vivid blue almond eyes, a slender neck and a long thin tail. The short coat is fine and shiny and lies flat, with a light body and darker colour on the face, ears, legs and tail.312

Coloursred pointcream pointlynx (tabby) points in seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, red and creamtortie points in seal, chocolate, blue-cream and lilac-creamtortie-lynx points32

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Colorpoint Shorthair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Athletic and inventive, loves heights and needs daily play; a scrunched-up paper ball can be as popular as a bought toy.31

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very little needed; stroking with damp hands lifts loose hair, and many enjoy a brush as bonding time.31

Home where they are happiest

Indoor home with cat trees and perches for climbing.1

Company who they like around

Needs daily interaction and company; often bonds closely with other cats.31

The story where it all began

Around 1948 breeders in the US and Britain wanted a Siamese-type cat in red, so they crossed Siamese with other shorthairs, including a red tabby American Shorthair. Red, cream and tortie points came first, gained CFA championship status in 1964, and lynx points followed, with all lynx and tortie colours in place by 1969.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The CFA standard lists 16 point colours, split into solid, lynx and parti-colour classes.3

  2. 2

    Lynx-point cats often look as if they are wearing eyeliner because their tabby markings frame the eyes.3

  3. 3

    In the CFA it is its own breed, while TICA, GCCF and FIFe show the same colours as Siamese.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the fact that these cats are identical in type to the Siamese but have a wider palette of point colors, hence 'Colorpoint Shorthair'.5

Name ideas for your new friend

MistySapphireCreamsiclePixelEmberMochiSkyRustyIvySunnyWhisperTango

A day in the life told by a Colorpoint Shorthair

I woke up and gave my human a gentle head-butt to say good morning. After a quick snack, I chatted about my dreams while they got ready. Then I found a crumpled paper ball and batted it around the room, pouncing with joy. Later, I climbed to the top of the bookshelf for a bird's-eye view. When my human sat down to read, I curled up on their lap, purring. In the afternoon, I played hide-and-seek with my cat friend. Evening meant more cuddles and a little conversation. I always have a lot to say! Life is best when I'm involved.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CFA
Accepted for registration in the late 1950s; championship status 19643
WCF
Recognised2
TICA, GCCF, FIFe
Not a separate breed; these colours are shown within Siamese2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Colorpoint Shorthair tip

Colorpoint Shorthairs have a high metabolism and lean build, so keep treats to a minimum and use them only as rewards during play. Because they are prone to dental disease and pancreatitis, avoid sugary or high-fat treats and ask your vet for dental-friendly options.

Source: vcahospitals.com

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Colorpoint Shorthair, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, activity and food type. Your vet or breeder can give you a routine that suits your cat best. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day.

What should a Colorpoint Shorthair eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality balanced cat food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.6

Does a Colorpoint Shorthair need baths?

Very rarely. Their short, fine coat stays clean easily. A bath is only needed if they get very dirty or sticky, and stroking with damp hands can help lift loose hair.317

How often does a Colorpoint Shorthair need brushing?

Once a week is plenty, and many enjoy it as bonding time. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing. Their short coat needs very little maintenance.317 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Colorpoint Shorthair's claws, and how often?

Trim every two to three weeks, using proper cat nail clippers. Start with just one or two claws per session to build trust. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Colorpoint Shorthair need?

Daily play is essential for this athletic, clever cat. They love heights and inventing games, even with a simple paper ball. Pet Wiki recommends daily play sessions.31 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Colorpoint Shorthair's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth regularly, ideally daily, as Pet Wiki suggests every two days. For ears, check weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for the best routine. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Colorpoint Shorthair live?

They typically live between 8 and 12 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life indoors.1

Is a Colorpoint Shorthair good with children and other pets?

Yes, they often get along very well with other cats and are affectionate and chatty. With proper introduction, they can also be wonderful with respectful children.31

Can a Colorpoint Shorthair be left alone?

They need daily interaction and company, so they are not suited to being left alone for long periods. They bond closely and thrive with attention or another cat friend.31

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Hill's - Colorpoint Shorthair hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, temperament, activity, care
  2. Wikipedia - Colorpoint Shorthair en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, colours
  3. CFA - Colorpoint Shorthair cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, fun facts
  4. Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
  5. cfa.org cfa.org
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.