Lilac Point Siamese Cat Breed Overview: Traits, Care & More

While most people have heard of the Siamese cat, well known for their unique color point appearance and striking blue eyes, not as many have heard of the Lilac Point Siamese. Lilac Point Siamese are also called Lavender Point. These cats have a very charming, exotic look, though they are often confused with the Blue Point Siamese.

Lilac Point Siamese cats have warm gray to light brown color points. The Blue Point Siamese is darker, with a deeper gray tone. Along with Blue and Lilac, there are also Chocolate and Seal Point Siamese. Lavender Point kitties were not always welcomed or recognized; many felt they were simply muted versions of the Blues. Today they are sometimes called rare as they are less common than the other varieties.

The Siamese cat, also called the Meezer or Mese, is famous for their unique appearance, playful personality, and affectionate nature. Let’s get to know a little more about the Lilac Point variety and what makes them stand out in the crowd.

Siamese Genetics Explained

Color point cats like the Siamese have pale coats with darker colored points. Points, in this case, are their ears, mask, legs, and tail. This coloration happens because of a specific blend of genetics. Meezers have a modifier gene that inhibits pigmentation development in their coats when they reach between 100- and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The color genes activate in cooler areas of the body, including lower limbs, tail, face, and ears. The warmer parts of the feline’s body remain pale, resulting in lighter-colored, white coats. When they are in the womb, kittens are very warm and do not develop any color. This is why Siamese kittens are born entirely white.

Part of the Siamese cat’s genetics includes the enzyme tyrosine. This is a crucial element in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that causes the color in a cat’s hair, skin, and eyes. Siamese kitties and other feline breeds with color point markings have a defective form of this enzyme. It does not function properly when at a normal body temperature. Because of this, these felines only develop pigmentation in cooler areas of the body. Some owners may even notice their Meezer’s coat getting darker in cooler months.

History

Siamese kitties are thought to be an ancient breed originating in the area of the world once known as Siam, now known as Thailand. The breed is mentioned in ancient manuscripts dating back to 1350. They were once called Thai cats or Wichien Maat. These kitties were a favorite, exclusive pet to Royals and the wealthy. At one time, Siamese cats were considered guardians of Buddhist temples.

The breed was exclusive to the area of Siam for hundreds of years but eventually made its way to Great Britain in the late 1800s. They were first shown at the Crystal Palace cat show in London in 1871. Shortly after that, the exotic looking came to America. The breed was first introduced to the United States in 1878 as a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes. First Lady Lucy Hayes named this cat Siam, and soon after, breeding increased in both the US and England.

Not much is known about the development of the Lilac Point Siamese, and for a long time, it was considered a variation of Blue. It is believed that some owners liked the lighter Lavender Point coloring and worked to breed felines specifically for this characteristic. Though originally classified as lower-quality Blue Points, the Lilac Point was recognized as an official breed color in the United States in 1955. Though officially recognized, they are more challenging to find than some other Meezer coat variations.

Size & Appearance

Lavender Mese has the same size and builds as other color varieties. They are muscular, strong, and athletic and usually weigh between 6 and 12 pounds when fully grown. Most stand between 9 and 15 inches tall. They have flatheads, tall pointy ears, and slim bodies. Eyes are almond in shape and are always blue in purebred Meezers Their eyes are often crossed, though this is not part of the breed standard.

The Lavender Mese looks similar to Blue and Seal. They do have some unique physical characteristics. Lavender cats have a light, pale brown coloring on their points, sometimes described as a soft, warm gray. This coloration has been labeled as lilac.

Coat & Color

A Lavender Meezer has glacial white fur covering their entire body without shading. The fur on the ears is referred to as a frosty or warm gray, with a pinkish tone on ears, feet, tail, and mask. Lilac kitties have lavender-pink nose leather and paw pads. Though these kitties are called lilac and often described as gray, their point colors can encompass light brown tones.

Siamese kitties have fine, soft, glossy coats. They regularly shed like most other breeds but produce less of the allergen Fel d 1 that often triggers cat allergies in humans. Because of this, Meezers are often a top choice for allergy sufferers, though they are not hypoallergenic.

Personality

Meezers are talkative, energetic, and highly interactive pets. The Lilac Point kitty is an intelligent, active, and affectionate breed. They are lovable for their gentle and caring nature, and they make unforgettable additions to the family. Mese kitties are very social, and they enjoy spending time with their human companions. They are also very curious and playful and often play games with their owners.

These kitties are famous for having loud voices and being quite vocal. They express themselves quite a bit through loud meowing and body language. These felines are incredibly smart and like to be around people. Though they are affectionate, Meezers are pretty independent and can be very opinionated.

Grooming

Lavender Point Meezers are moderate shedders that need regular grooming and brushing. They do not require as much grooming as longer-haired or heavily coated felines. Once or twice weekly brushing is helpful to loosen hair and help stimulate oil production to help keep their skin and coat healthy. A soft-tipped slicker brush and a soft bristle brush are very helpful tools for this breed.

Along with regular brushing and very occasional bathing, these kitties need regular nail trimming and teeth brushing to stay healthy. It is best to get your cat used to grooming, especially brushing, teeth cleaning, and nail trimming, at a young age, so this is an easier process when they are older and much larger. Make sure to invest in feline-specific nail clippers, as well as toothpaste. Never use human products like that for your pet.

Feeding

Felines are obligate carnivores meaning their diets must be meat-heavy. They need high-quality animal proteins to survive and develop properly. Make sure to feed your cat high-quality pet food made from natural, superior ingredients. Avoid foods that use artificial flavorings, chemical additives, and fillers like corn and wheat gluten. It is also essential to avoid foods that use unnamed meat byproducts. Stick with brands that list name meats as the first several ingredients. Felines require a diet that is full of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and plenty of nutrients.

Your cat will need a diet that includes high-quality dry kibble and canned or wet food. There are plenty of options to choose from that are suitable for any owner’s budget. Some owners feed their pets fresh meals, which are more expensive but offer top-quality nutrition and flavor. These are an excellent choice for kitties with digestive issues, including those with stinky litter box habits.

Check food labels to see what ingredients are used and where food is made. Look for brands that meet the American Association Of Feed Control Officials’ pet food guidelines.

Health

Meezers are adults when they reach one year old but will continue to physically mature and fill out over the next year. They have an expected lifespan of 7 to 15 years. Though this breed is generally healthy, there are some common health concerns they can be prone to developing. Owners may want to investigate pet insurance for this breed, as it can help cover emergency and unexpected care costs.

All modern cats are at risk for health problems from teeth and gum disease as well as obesity and weight gain. Because these kitties are purebred, Siamese cats have a genetic predisposition to some health concerns.

Cancer

Unfortunately, this breed is highly susceptible to cancer. These include lymphoma, thymoma, and adenosarcoma. These cancers affect Siamese kitties more than any other breed. Some blood tests can check for cancers, and some are treatable with chemotherapy. In some cases, surgery will also be necessary. Lymphoma is the most common form of cancer in cats. It generally happens more in older cats and grows in the small intestines. Lymphoma is a very aggressive cancer, but many cases are treatable. Cats that are positive for the feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus are at higher risk of developing cancer.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

This is a condition in which a kitty is extremely sensitive to sensation and touch. Affected cats become incredibly oversensitive to touch. They do not like it and will try to get away from anyone touching them as soon as possible. In some cases, this condition is treatable with medication.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

This condition is genetic and causes blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy is a group of degenerative diseases that impact photoreceptor cells in the retina. The disease causes these cells to deteriorate and will eventually lead to blindness. The inherited form of this disease is called retinal dysplasia and is often diagnosed when kittens are two to three months old; an adult-onset form can present between two and five years old.

Separation Anxiety Syndrome

Meezers are susceptible to developing separation anxiety syndrome. They become attached very quickly and want to be a part of your routine. Cats become bored, scared, and restless when their owners leave. Some can even develop loneliness and depression. Your cat may engage in activities like sucking on a blanket or other material to self-soothe. In some cats, separation anxiety can be severe, and they will be destructive. In this case, you may need to look into crate-training them when you leave.

Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus is a condition in which the esophagus behaves as if it is stretching out, and food never goes all the way to a feline’s gut. Instead of being digested, food is regurgitated and thrown up. It can also cause them to aspirate pieces of food, leading to pneumonia. Unfortunately, the Siamese has a genetic predisposition for this condition. It can be quite severe and is hard to treat.

Amyloidosis

Amyloid protein build-up in a cat’s internal organs can lead to organ failure. This condition has no cure, but is treatable through diet and medication. This is the same protein that builds up in the brains of human dementia patients. In felines, it builds up inside their organs.

Exercise & Training

Meezers are a breed that is very energetic, curious, athletic, muscular, agile, and like to play. It is helpful to make sure they get regular physical exercise every day. Providing cat towers, climbing steps, and exercise wheels is a great way to ensure your cat gets plenty of physical stimulation.

These cats are very receptive to training and are very smart. Some owners are even able to train them to walk on a leash. With patience, positive reinforcement, and plenty of treats, you can train a Meezer to do tricks, play games, and listen to several commands. Along with litter box training, some common training areas should be touched on for every cat, regardless of breed. These will help set boundaries and expectations for proper behavior, ensuring peaceful coexistence between humans and felines.

Common Training For Cats

• Do not bite people or other pets.
• No scratching walls or furniture.
• Keep claws in when playing with people.
• Proper litter box behavior, no playing around.
• Not to play on furniture, countertops, or under cabinets.
• Training to tolerate bathing, teeth cleaning, and grooming.
• Tricks and games like walking on a leash, fetch, hide and seek, etc.
• Proper car behavior.
• Commands like sit, stay, roll over, jump, high-five, play a game, mealtime, come here, no, and more.

Breeders & Kitten Costs

Lilac Siamese cats are purebred, so it may be necessary to look for a breeder to find one. They are not as common as the other color point variations. There is a range of prices for these kitties. Companion cats are always less expensive than show-quality kittens. Pet quality kittens will range between $600 to $800. A show-quality kitten from a reputable breeder can cost $2500 or more.

Reputable breeders and kittens from champion bloodlines will have higher price tags than independent and accidental breeders. It is important to ask your breeder questions, look at previous litters, and meet parent cats before making a final decision. Make sure to ask for health screenings, especially because Siamese kitties are prone to so many hereditary health conditions.

Rescues & Shelters

Finding Siamese or Meezer mix kittens in shelters and rescues is not unusual. Though Lilac Point cats are harder to find, there is always the possibility that they may end up in a shelter. You can look to local groups first and ask your veterinarian for recommendations. There are several national rescue organizations like the National Animal Humane Society, as well as breed-specific rescue groups that you can look at.

For owners who do not want a kitten, a shelter cat can be a fantastic opportunity to give a kitty in need a loving home. Rescue kitties are far less expensive to adopt but may not always be purebred.

As Family Pets

The Lilac Mese makes a wonderful family pet. These kitties are affectionate, smart, and like to be involved with your daily activities. They do better in homes where someone will be around most of the time. Separation anxiety can lead to behavior problems, so ensure you can give your pet plenty of attention. These kitties are playful, easily trainable, and make for exciting companions.

They get along well with other pets and children. Homes with young children must make sure both kitties and kids know proper behavior. Kitties do not like rough handling, so always supervise when around young children. Lavender Point kitties are wonderful pets with the right training and care.

Final Thoughts

Lilac Point Siamese are beautiful cats and are sometimes hard to find. They have a high price tag and can cost at least $500 for a healthy purebred. The Lavender Mese has a lively, friendly personality and striking good looks. Their exotic coats, brilliant blue eyes, and intelligence make them very compatible companions. They are prone to some health conditions, so owners will need to prepare for that.

You will not be disappointed when welcoming home a Lavender Mese as your next feline family member. Cat owners must prepare for the costs of care and all that come with being a responsible pet owner. Raising a pet kitty is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it comes with a lot of personality. This lovely breed is well worth the effort and will add countless moments of love and joy to your life.