Flame point Siamese cats have a cream base color and orange tabby points on their nose, ears, feet and tail. They are social, affectionate, curious, and very vocal. These cats are also known as red point or red lynx point Siamese. They were created by crossing the better-known traditional Siamese cat colors with orange tabby cats from other short coated breeds. Those kittens were then bred back to traditional Siamese cats. So, new lineages arose with many Siamese qualities, and orange tabby points.
Contents
- Are they still pedigree cats?
- Flame point colors and characteristics
- Are they good pet cats?
- Finding a flamepoint kitten
Does The Flame Point Siamese Cat Actually Exist?
Because there are orange tabby cats in the family tree, the exact status of flamepoint Siamese cats isn’t universally agreed upon. And some people in the cat community don’t accept that they are Siamese cats at all.
In the United States the main cat breed registry – the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) – only recognises Siamese cats with seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac points. Instead of recognizing flame point Siamese cats, the CFA accepts another breed onto their registry – the Colorpoint Shorthair. A cat identical to the Siamese but with colors that include red or apricot flame points.
However, the International Cat Association does accept flame point cats onto their Siamese register. So, the breed status of your flame point cat depends upon where you live and which breed registry you’re affiliated to!
Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Rare?
Depending where you live, flame point Siamese cats are somewhere between “somewhat rare” and “nonexistent due to registration rules”. Where they are accepted as a possible Siamese color, they are still somewhat rare, because the traditional colors remain more popular and sought after.
But, besides flame point pedigree cats, there are lots of kittens still being born from accidental (or deliberate) matings between cats of different breeds, mixed breeds, or unknown ancestry. In the UK for example, over 92% of all cats are thought to be mixed breed. Less than 1% are purebred Siamese. So it’s quite possibly more likely that you’ll meet a mixed breed cat with flame point coloring than a purebred cat!
What Do They Look Like?
Cats described as flame point Siamese have a typically Siamese silhouette, and a short cream coat with red points covering their muzzle, ears, legs and tail. The exact hue of their points can vary from golden apricot to deep copper. There are usually visible stripes of darker color within it.
Due to a quirk of how red pigment is inherited by cats, around three quarters of flamepoint Siamese cats are male. You can see a beautiful example of a cat which matches that description in the picture below.
How Big Do Flame Point Siamese Get?
Siamese cats are long, but slender. They typically weigh less than 8lbs. As you would expect, Colorpoint Shorthairs are very similar in shape and size. But the weight range of the typical male extends a bit higher. Up to around 12lbs.
Mixed breed flame point cats can be much more variable in size. Their adult weight will depend upon factors like their sex, and their ancestry.
Are They Friendly Cats?
Siamese cats are famously chatty, curious, and sociable. They live for interaction and engagement, and follow their owners round making a lot of noise. If they’re allowed to roam outside, they might also try visiting the homes of your neighbors in search of attention too!
They don’t cope well with being left alone for long periods however, and they can resort to destructive behaviors around the house, or hair pulling as a displacement activity. Flame point Siamese cats are likely to share these traits. Colorpoint Shorthairs in particular are often described as being very like Siamese.
Are Flame Point Siameses Good Pets?
You don’t have to look far online to find lots of happy cat owners who are besotted by these felines. These affectionate, social cats are a good match for homes where one or two people have a lot of time to interact with them. For example, with retired couples. Or families, where everyone between them has a lot of time to play games and dispense cuddles.
Purebred Siamese cats are prone to a number of genetic diseases. But red Colorpoint Cats are less so, and mixed breed cats with flame points are even less so again. So, they have lots of potential to be wonderful pets in the right home.
Flame Point Siamese Health Issues
Whether your flame point Siamese-looking cat can be officially registered as a Siamese or not, they likely have a large amount of Siamese heritage. And this is likely to be reflected in their overall health.
Siamese cats are prone to heart disease, respiratory disease, problems with their eyesight, and kidney failure. Colorpoint cats are prone to most of the same kinds of inherited diseases as the Siamese cats, since they have a lot of Siamese ancestry. But there’s evidence that those diseases actually materialise less often, since they benefit from a wider genepool due to outcrossing.
Special Care Requirements
Since they have short coats, these cats need very little grooming. But, it’s still a good idea to get them used to being handled, touched all over, and having their ears, eyes and mouth examined from a young age. This will make veterinary check ups less stressful for them in future.
Taking a close looks at their physical condition at home every week means you’ll spot the early symptoms of illness quicker too. Like most cats, flame point Siamese – whatever their ancestry – love playing with toys, climbing, and interacting with their family. And of course, they benefit from a high quality, nutritionally complete diet.
Are Flame Point Siameses Hypoallergenic?
For some people, their dream cat is one which doesn’t aggravate their allergies. Sadly, no cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, since all feline produce allergens in their saliva.
Their saliva coats their fur when they wash themselves, and the allergens become airborne as the saliva dries. So, flame point Siamese cats are not hypoallergenic. But some people with allergies might react less severely to them because their fur is short and fine. So, it may require less licking to keep clean.
Breeders and Kittens
Purebred flame point kittens – either Siamese or Colorpoint Shorthair – can be expensive. This is because their coloring is uncommon. The exact cost will depend upon where you are, whether anyone else is breeding flame point cats locally, whether the kittens’ parents hold any show titles, etc.
But, don’t let a breeder convince you that the only way to get a flamepoint cat is by paying a lot of money. As we’ve seen, mixed breed kittens and rescue cats can also have beautiful flame points. And since they all have some Siamese ancestry, they are likely to have more than just their pattern in common with Siamese cats.
These cats are amazing!
I took my flame point siamese kitten at promenade in Riga. He loves to play – you just throw toy and he brings it back to you like dogs do. Also, when i wash dishes he gets comfortable at kitchen and scans everyting i do and when i look at him no matter how long, hes staring back. Of course not for 10 min, lets be real. Happens when i do laundry or makeup, anything. This type of cat is funny and loyal.
Another story! My boyfriend does not allow our cat to climb on tables or anything higher than chair. I allow and so, when im in kitchen alone, cat climbs everywhere but when my boyfriend comes to us, cat instantly jumps off to ground, everytime.
When i watch tv and cat looks at me, i understand that he wants to come next to me on pillow and so i call him over by hitting pillow and he comes to me.
Every person that has been at my house says that he is very different, lovely and especially funny.
So glad that i took him from citys danger three years ago. But only today i did a reasearch on this topic and im actually very surprised.
Good information, thanks!
Have a perfect weather day!
Anita.
Love these cats!!
I have a female and she is awesome. She was an outdoor cat someone was looking to get rid of so I took her in. She’s been indoors ever since. She is heavier than I’d like but we are working on that. She is definitely attached to me. She will curl up beside me every night and sleep. She follows me room to room. She is not as vocal as most Siamese. She lets me know when she’s hungry, one of the few times she meows. She does growl a lot at my son. He loves her but doesn’t understand he annoys her lol. These cats are absolutely gorgeous. She is more of a cream color with orange points. Everyone that sees her comments on how pretty she is. I had no idea how rare a female is. Thanks for all the info. I’ve had her for almost 4 years (she’ll be 6 in July). I’m so happy to have her.
I was asked to babysit this little guy 1 year ago. It was going to be a few days so he could be placed in a good home. I had lost my blue point siamese (SHEBA) after 15 years and didn’t want to get another ever again, too painful when they pass. To make a long story short I named it Duchess and a couple of months larer I took him to get shots, deworming only to find out he was a he and a flame point, I had never heard of that breed. My SIMBA is now 1 year old and I don’t know what I would do without my beautiful, loving little boy!!
I have adopted an abandoned kitten from the farmland of my father about 15km from the city. My daughter observed that its eyes are clear blue, its tail, ears and nose are red. Actually after navigating on google, my daughter realized that this female kitten is a flame point siamese cat. Lucky to have adopted this kitten as our new family member :)!
Mr. Bojangles is a flame point that I got from a foster mom. I didn’t know he was until one of my fb friends told me! He’s beautiful with all the personality of a flame point but I’m sure he’s not getting enough attention. I work 12 hour days and my 12 year old cat ninja isn’t a snuggle guy nor does he like to play with the kitten … any suggestions?
We recently adopted a flame point Siamese kitten and he is the absolute sweetest little guy. He is so social and has zero fear of the other, more grumpy, cat in our house. I love his personality and his carefree curiosity. What a great find this sweet boy is for us.
I adopted Alfie (Chicken Alfredo) in June of 2021 when he was 8 weeks old. He is now 8.5 months old. 11.6# about 15” high at his back and about 32” long including his tail. He is massive. To put it in perspective the same day we adopted him we adopted a 4-5 week old female orange and white tabby. She is tiny at about 6#. He’s already nearly the size of my 8 year old Maine Coon Mix! He was showing only the slightest reds at the very tips of his ears when we brought him home. He now is gorgeous with a still quite white coat with dark orange pints and a striped tail.
He is super silly and demands attention when I’m in my bathroom or in my office but most times will be offended I even looked in his general direction in the bedroom (the other rooms are off my bedroom) unless I have a toy to play with. The kittens are not allowed to roam the house much, as my teen kids are slobs and will leave paints out and all sorts of things for them to get into. I am home almost all the time but he has 2 adults and another kitten (they’re all super bonded) to play with and snuggle with. He is vocal especially when his sister is upstairs and he is downstairs. Or when I shot the door to the bathroom, and at feeding time. But sometimes he just likes to talk to me.
He is super sweet and super smart and so very beautiful. He looks very much like a Siamese, and even has crossed crystal blue eyes (poor thing but it IS so cute). I can no longer imagine life without him.
I just adopted a flame point year-old male that needed to be rehomed. I appreciated the article because he is a big boy (long and tall, but not heavy), so my guess is that he is part “other.” Either way, Felix is adorable, loving, and definitely wants all of my attention when I’m home. I do work, but I get up extra-early each morning to spend a couple hours with him and late afternoon and evenings are for him. He seems to be adjusting quickly, and is already “talking” to me when the room service is inadequate.
I recently found a beautiful flame point kitten hiding under my car. He came to me when I called him and began purring. He was obviously well cared for and happy so I posted an ad in my local neighborhood app. One other person had seen him and said his owner was trying to find a home for him. Well, I immediately took down the post and my little Sammy has been an absolute pleasure for these last 2 weeks! He is very affectionate and playful. I think he’s about 4-5 months old. I will take him to see my excellent vet in a week or 2 for his vaccine shots and neutering. I’m so happy he chose me and he gets along fine with my other 2 cats. I’m thrilled to have this gorgeous little guy in my family!
I have two flame tip Siamese kittens ( the twins).they have a blue – grey Siamese brother and looks like a striped calico brother. But here’s what’s confusing to me. Their father is the only male cat to have mated with her because they have never been outside. Ever. Heather Mom or dad seem to be Siamese. But these boys are no doubt flame tip. From looks to personality. They are for months old and must say the coolest kittens . Let me know where to send pictures. I love to show them off. Have a great day.
Read last comment. That’s me Tara flame tip twins.
We just lost our Peaches to a heart condition at the age of 7 and we are devastated. She was gorgeous, hot tempered and an absolute love. She would pee on the bed to let you know how she felt about that separation the vacation subjected her to. We just kept washing the bed clothes because whatever shortcomings she had were made up by the love she gave us. RIP beautiful Peach. You will love this expressive and loving breed. I had no idea how rare females were. We cherished every day (even those with a trip to the laundromat) because she was totally worth it. Jeez I miss her.
I have a rescue kitten that I found while on a walk with my therapist. We ended up naming him Unique. He was really sick when we found him. Constant cold in his eyes. Luckily my therapist helped us take care of him. Originally, from what we could tell, he was pure white but as he got older he got some orange on him. I didn’t find out what he was till the other day while I was doing some research. And they are very much correct about the roaming to the neighbors. Except he got shot with a bebe gun by one of my neighbors. Luckily it wasn’t too bad. We have been doctoring it. It’s getting better.