One of the most striking features of any Siamese cat is his beautifully patterned coat with its light body and darker extremities, also called points. The Chocolate Point Siamese is one color variation of the breed. Chocolate point refers to the cocoa brown color of his points – his legs, mask, ears, and tail. A Chocolate Point Siamese’s body is ivory except for the points, which are, as the name suggests, a warm chocolate brown. His nose and paw pads are cinnamon-pink, and his eyes are blue.
Siamese cats will amuse you with their playful antics. Fun-loving and affectionate, Chocolate Point Siamese cats are generally healthy pets. There are prone to a few health problems you’ll need to keep in mind. Their light-boned frames weren’t made to carry much extra weight, so keep an eye on your feline friend’s body condition. If he begins to put on weight, limit calories if necessary. Additional opportunities to exercise during the day may be all she needs.
Weight6-12 Pounds- Height9-17 Inches
- Lifespan7-15 Years
- ColorsChocolate Points On Ivory
Build And Size
Physically, the Chocolate Point Siamese is no different than the other Siamese color varieties. Svelte but muscular, Siamese cats typically weigh between six and twelve pounds. Modern show-style Siamese cats have an extreme look, quite angular and slender. The original Siamese brought to the United States were lithe, athletic cats, but not as thin as the extreme type we see today. Through the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, breeders selected Siamese cats for their longer, slimmer heads. The most recent style of Siamese is quite extreme. The modern show-style Siamese has a very elongated head and a flat profile.
Siamese Genetics Explained
The colorpoint trait has a fascinating effect on the cat’s coat. Like a cup that changes color according to the temperature of the liquid in it, the color of the Chocolate Point Siamese’s coat is deeper where his body is cooler. This mutation, known as Himalayan, alters tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin (pigment) production. Melanin controls hair color. Where his body is warmest, the Himalayan mutation deactivates the enzyme. The warmer the area of the body, the less melanin is produced to color the coat. This partial albinism allows the base coat color to be still seen but at different concentrations.
Coat And Color
Siamese coats must be colorpoint to meet the breed standard. A Siamese’s points can be seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac. Each is a Himalayan mutation on the primary coat color. Chocolate Point is a genetic variation on a basic brown coat. The same genetic mutation causes not only his body to be lighter than his extremities, but his eyes to appear blue. The partial albinism means there’s no pigment in his iris, and the blue remains visible. The Siamese’s short coat is fine textured and glossy, but he does shed like other cats. Although he sheds, he produces less of the allergen, Fel d 1, the protein that typically triggers a cat allergy.
Personality
The Siamese is not only physically beautiful but also a delightful companion. Gregarious and talkative, these athletic cats are great climbers. They’ll appreciate the addition of a cat tree in their home. Siamese can even be trained to walk on a leash. They may not love a bath, but they usually don’t shy away from water and may enjoy dipping a paw in your bath. Siamese cats do well with children and other pets. Your Chocolate Point Siamese will want to be by your side wherever you are.
Grooming
Siamese cats, regardless of color, are easy to keep looking sleek and beautiful. You’ll likely only need to brush their coat twice a week. During shedding season, grooming with a gentle tipped slicker brush should do the trick to help remove excess hair. Follow up with a soft bristle brush to stimulate the oils in his coat and keep their coat healthy. These few essential tools should help you address their grooming needs.
Like any cat, your Siamese needs regular dental care. Although it’s a task that takes patience and time, you should accustom him when he is just a kitten to having his teeth brushed gently. Be sure to use veterinary toothpaste only. Gently handling his paws and extending his claws will help make clipping his nails less frightening for him.
Feeding
Feed him kibble, canned, or fresh cat food specially designed for his life stage. He should grow slowly but steadily during his entire first year. Siamese cats can become overweight. If your cat is heavy, it’s best not to feed free-choice dry kibble.
Choose a complete and balanced diet for your feline that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. Animal meat is the most significant part of the feline diet in the wild. Cats consumed high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Their prey provided adequate vitamins and minerals. Regardless of which type of food you choose, read the label. Meat, meat by-products, or seafood should be among the first few ingredients. The food should contain enough animal-source ingredients to supply essential amino acids and fatty acids without additional supplements.
Health
Urinary Tract Disorders
The number one reason cats visit the vet is Lower Urinary Tract Disease (LUTD). LUTDs can be triggered by infection, inflammation, diet, and stress. LUTD most frequently affects middle-aged, overweight cats that don’t get enough exercise, use an indoor litter box, stay indoors only, and don’t drink enough water. Stressors such as a change in routine may also increase the risk.
Because purebred Chocolate Point Siamese cats may have genetic predispositions, you’ll need to understand them and know what to look for. All modern cats face health problems from obesity and teeth and gum disease, but there are some specific health disorders to which they are more susceptible than other breeds.
Amyloidosis
Amyloid protein can build up in the brain of human dementia patients, but in cats, it can accumulate in the internal organs. Amyloid buildup can cause organ failure. While there’s no cure for amyloidosis, diet and medication can support the affected organ.
Megaesophagus
In Megaesophagus, the tube to the stomach (esophagus) acts as if it is stretched out. Food never makes it to the gut but instead is regurgitated. Siamese cats have some genetic predisposition for megaesophagus. Consult your vet if your kitten regurgitates food frequently in a tube shape. Feeding your cat as she “stands” or changing the consistency of his food may help, but the prognosis is poor for animals with this condition. They often aspirate pieces of food, which causes pneumonia.
Cancer
Lymphoma, thymoma, and adenosarcoma strike Siamese cats more than many other breeds. Lymphoma causes the production of abnormal white blood cells, and symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and labored breathing. A blood test can check for lymphoma. Thymoma is a specific type of lymphoma that can occur in the chest of younger cats. Both generally respond well to chemotherapy. Adenosarcoma can cause sudden vomiting and diarrhea because the tumor can constrict the intestines. With such symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Just as anesthesia means without feeling, hyperesthesia means that your Siamese feels sensations excessively. Affected cats become hypersensitive to touch and may cry, run away, or try to gnaw the sensation away. Your veterinarian will determine the root cause of symptoms and, if necessary, prescribe medication to lessen your cat’s discomfort.
Convergent Strabismus And Nystagmus
Convergent strabismus isn’t a problem in Siamese cats, but you may notice it in them and possibly in Siamese blends. Strabismus is the term for crossed eyes, and nystagmus is the rapid side-to-side movement her eyes may exhibit. In Siamese cats, these conditions don’t appear to decrease their vision.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) causes blindness. It is a recessive genetic trait, so a cat can pass it on to its kittens even without showing the disease, and it usually doesn’t strike until cats are one and a half to two years old. Anyone considering breeding their cat should have it tested to see if it carries the gene. Still, in the case of an accidental litter, a carrier parent may inadvertently perpetuate the gene. There’s no cure for PRA, but with your help, your cat can learn to manage her surroundings.
Training
Your Chocolate Point Siamese will be easier to train than many breeds. He’s so agreeable that you can probably teach him to walk on a leash. He may enjoy learning to play fetch with you, too. Be patient and sparingly use treats to reward him.
Common Training For Cats
- Use the scratching post or cat tree only.
- Keep claws retracted when playing with people.
- Eliminate only in the litter box.
- Biting is for toys only.
- Games and tricks.
- Standard commands like sit, stay, roll over, jump, high-five, play a game, time to eat, come here, etc.
- Familiarity with the grooming process.
- Familiarity with being bathed.
- Riding calmly in the car.
Finding A Kitten
Chocolate Point Siamese, and Siamese in general, are highly sought after for their wonderful personality and beautiful coat. They command a premium. You can expect to pay from about $600 to $1500 for a kitten. Depending on the breeder or seller, the price may be more. Be sure your breeder offers a health guarantee, and they should be able to answer your questions and show you your kitten’s parents. Be wary of anyone selling kittens who is evasive or seems to produce too many litters yearly.
Before picking up your kitten, prepare your home for his arrival. Have his litter box waiting and prepare the area where you plan to feed him. You’ll need a bed for him, a crate for transport, some toys, and the essential grooming tools. Establish a relationship with a local veterinarian for your kitten’s first vaccinations and a general wellness check. Expect to spend about $100 to $300 for supplies if you’re starting from scratch.
Rescues And Shelters
Check your local shelter often to see if a Chocolate Point Siamese needs a new home. Purebred Siamese cats are popular and usually expensive, but you may be able to find a cat with a color point pattern. The most important thing is whether or not the two of you click. Spend some time and find the individual best suited to your personality. The Humane Society of the United States, your local shelter, and your veterinarian are reliable resources for finding reputable shelters and rescue groups. You can expect to pay an adoption fee of between $60 and $120 to get a Chocolate Point kitten resembling a Siamese at a shelter.
Final Thoughts
There are few felines who will declare their love for you as loudly as a Siamese and few as beautiful as the Chocolate Point variety. Your Hershey-hued feline companion with his in-your-face personality will keep you entertainedYou’llhis antics and bring you joy with his affection. You’ll need to monitor his weight and be vigilant for signs of declining health. Schedule regular veterinary visits to ensure his health.
Play with your cat to provide exercise and strengthen your bond. A healthy Chocolate Point Siamese is not a short-term investment but a friend and responsibility for the next fifteen years. Remember that each cat is a unique individual. Playful and vibrant, your feline friend promises years of fun and laughter.
