The Seal Point Siamese is considered the standard color point of Siamese cats and until the early to mid-20th Century, virtually all Siamese had seal brown points and fawn-colored bodies. Only since then have the chocolate Siamese and Blue Siamese gained in popularity.
Even today, it is Seal Point that is the one most of us picture when we think of the Siamese cat breed. As well as the brown seal points, the Siamese is known for its large ears, muscular frame, and blue eyes. They are also said to be dignified, elegant, and even regal. They make good pets, although they do have a somewhat high price tag, which may put a lot of owners off.
Breed Overview
Suitable for:
Cat lovers looking for an independent feline companion
Temperament:
Intelligent, affectionate, sensitive, playful
The Seal Point Siamese is the most common color point of Siamese cats with a fawn to cream body and brown seal points. The nose and pads will also be dark brown. The brown points can be very dark and may appear chocolate, but they should be a little lighter than this in color.
Seal Point was once the only recognized color of Siamese, but other markings have become acceptable in recent decades.
Seal Point Siamese Breed Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Seal Point Siamese in History
The Siamese is native to Thailand, which was formerly known as Siam. This is an old breed, with the first records of the breed in Thailand originating between the 14th and 18th Centuries, although the breed likely existed before that date.
The Siamese was taken to Burma in the 18th Century, which is how the Burmese cat got its start, and by the turn of the 20th Century, the Siamese’s popularity had spread to England and other parts of Europe.
The Siamese Cat Club was established in England in 1901 and the breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1906.
The first Siamese in the U.S. actually predates those in England by nearly 20 years, having been first introduced in 1878. At that time, the Seal Point Siamese was the only officially recognized coloring of the Siamese, though several other colors are now officially recognized.
How Seal Point Siamese Cats Gained Popularity
The breed’s popularity really took off with its introduction to England. In 1885, a year after the first breeding pair were taken to the country by the British Consul-General, Edward Blencowe Gould, the breeding pair and their three offspring were shown at the Crystal Palace Show in London.
Their unusual physical appearance, and their friendly behavior, meant they were popular at the exhibition, and this started the country’s fascination with this Asian breed. More Siamese were taken to the UK and bred. While some described them as being an unnatural nightmare of a cat, others called them the Royal Cat of Siam and their popularity grew.
However, they were still quite difficult to obtain, but their recognition by the Cat Fanciers’ Association 20 years later shows that they had gained popularity by then.
Formal Recognition of Seal Point Siamese
The Siamese has become one of the most widely recognized cat breeds in the world, and it is a popular pet and show cat in many countries. Despite only finding its way outside Asia in the 19th Century, it gained recognition quickly. The Cat Fanciers’ Club, in the UK, recognized the breed in 1902 and it was then recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in the U.S. in 1906.
As the original color of the breed, the Seal Point is recognized by those clubs and associations that do recognize the breed, although many have opened their books further to allow for other color points.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Seal Point Siamese
1. The Seal Point Coloring Develops as the Cats Age
Siamese cats are born with a creamy white coat and pink pads and noses. As they age, the points and pads change color and darken, until they take on the deep brown hue that we know as Seal Point.
2. They Are Prone to Being Overweight
Siamese Cats have big frames and are muscular cats. They also grow quickly, and, without a good diet and regular exercise, they can put on a lot of weight in a relatively short time. Owners need to keep an eye on their weight to ensure they don’t become overweight or obese.
3. Seal Point Siamese Cats Can Be Easy to Train
Siamese Cats are known to be very intelligent, which means they can be easy to train. A lot of owners have taught their Siamese to play fetch and perform some other tricks and commands. However, they can be quite independent, so while a Siamese might know what commands mean, it won’t necessarily perform that command to order, every time.
4. Seal Point Is 1 of More Than 30 Color Variations
Seal Point is the original color marking of the Siamese breed. It has a tan or creamy-colored body with deep brown markings around the nose and cheeks, on the ears, feet, and tail. It also has dark brown nose leather and pads. However, while this was once the only recognized color, fanciers’ associations now recognize more than 30 different colors.
5. They Don’t Have the Best Eyesight
One of the physical features that Siamese are known for is their blue eyes. But the same gene that gives them these blue eyes also causes poor eyesight. At least compared to other cats. They can struggle to see in the dark. And they can find it difficult to differentiate colors.
Does The Seal Point Siamese Cat Make a Good Pet?
The Seal Point Siamese Cat can make a wonderful pet. They are known for being loving and affectionate and are also playful and can be quite mischievous, which makes them a fun cat to have around. Their intelligence means that the breed can also be trained, although their independence means they won’t necessarily respond to commands every time.
The Siamese is known to be a vocal cat, and it isn’t afraid to use its voice to get the attention of its human owner. Some owners like this conversational attribute, but it also deters other potential keepers.
Conclusion
The Seal Point Siamese Cat is a muscular, strong cat that is intelligent, playful, and loving, although it can have an independent streak. They are vocal and the Siamese will use its voice to get the attention of its owner, which it craves and thrives on.
While other colors and markings are recognized, the Seal Point markings are considered the original color for this particular breed. And while the brown areas can get very dark and almost look chocolatey in color, they should not be that deep of a brown when you get up close.
Featured Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock
