Lynx Point Siamese: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The Lynx Point Siamese is not a separate breed but is one pattern seen in the Siamese cat, according to The International Cat Association Breed standard for the Siamese. The Cat Fanciers Association does not recognize the lynx-point pattern in Siamese; only solid-colored points in four colors (seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac) are permitted in the CFA breed standard. 

The CFA and the Canadian Cat Association both recognize a separate breed, called the Colorpoint Shorthair, which is essentially a Siamese with more allowable colors and patterns, including lynx point. So, if you are looking for a Lynx Point Siamese, consider searching for a Colorpoint Shorthair in the lynx point pattern. 

The lynx point pattern consists of tabby markings within the points on the extremities (head, legs, and tail). Lynx Point Siamese come in several colors, including blue, blue-cream, chocolate, chocolate tortie, cream, lilac, lilac-cream, red, seal, and seal-tortie. 

Lynx Point Siamese Characteristics

Like all Siamese, the lynx point Siamese is active, outgoing, affectionate, and curious. Siamese are some of the most intense “Velcro cats,” a nickname that refers to their need to be close to—often touching—their favorite humans. They want to be part of the action and will follow you all over the house to learn what’s going on that day. Because they are so friendly, Lynx Point Siamese usually get along great with other household pets, including other cats and cat-friendly dogs. As is true with most Siamese and colorpoint shorthairs, the Lynx Point Siamese is an extremely vocal breed. If the cat is awake, it's likely to be “chatting” away with loud yowls and meows. Lynx Point Siamese are highly intelligent and can even be trained to do fun tricks. Try positive training methods, such as clicker training, and use plenty of yummy food rewards. 

History of the Lynx Point Siamese

The Lynx Point Siamese was created in the U.S. sometime during the 1940s or 1950s when some breeders began experimenting with color in the Siamese breed. A red tabby American shorthair was bred to a seal point Siamese and a whole new world of color opened up for the Siamese breed. These new cats looked just like Siamese in all ways but color, coming in more than the four solid traditional Siamese colors. Some also featured patterns within the color points, including lynx point (tabby markings) and tortie point (tortoiseshell markings). 

Some cat registries decided to recognize these cats as an entirely separate breed from the Siamese, calling the new breed the colorpoint shorthair. Other cat registries decided that these were still Siamese cats, so they adjusted the breed standard for the Siamese to include the new colors and patterns. 

The colorpoint shorthair comes in 16 different colors, including solid color points (red, cream, seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac), lynx point (blue, blue-cream, chocolate, chocolate tortie, cream, lilac, lilac-cream, red, seal or seal-tortie) and parti-color point (blue-cream, chocolate-tortie, lilac-cream or seal-tortie).

Lynx Point Siamese Care 

The Lynx Point Siamese’s coat is short, smooth, and easy to care for. The coat doesn’t shed excessively. Brush weekly with a rubber curry brush, grooming mitt, or soft bristle brush to remove loose hair. Bathe these naturally clean cats occasionally to keep the coat soft and shiny. Trim your lynx point Siamese’s nails weekly or every other week and check inside the ears every so often to look for any signs of dirt. If the ears look dirty, clean them with a pet ear cleanser and cotton ball or gauze square (never stick anything like a cotton swab into a cat’s ear). If the ears look red, inflamed, or excessively dirty, or if you notice your Lynx Point Siamese shaking its head or scratching at its ears, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian to rule out ear mites or an ear infection.

Lynx Point Siamese are highly active. Help them get enough exercise by providing plenty of climbing opportunities, perches, and scratchers. Help ensure your Lynx Point Siamese scratches in the right places (and not your carpet or the sofa) by placing more than one scratcher of varying types. Some cats like vertical scratchers (such as posts or cat trees), others like horizontal scratchers that lie flat on the ground (like cardboard or sisal scratchers), and some cats enjoy scratching vertically and horizontally. It won’t be hard to engage your Lynx Point Siamese in play sessions to burn off energy—this breed loves to play. Try a variety of toys, such as feather teasers or fishing pole toys, furry mice, jingle balls, interactive toys that move, and puzzle toys that the cat must manipulate to extract a treat. 

Common Health Problems

Some purebred cats are more prone to developing certain genetically linked health issues. The Lynx Point Siamese is at risk for the same issues seen in the Siamese and the colorpoint shorthair, including crossed eyes and other eye issues, a liver disorder called amyloidosis, renal amyloidosis (a related disorder affecting the kidneys), dental problems, breathing issues, such as asthma and bronchial diseases, and congenital heart defects, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Responsible cat breeders test their adult cats for breed-related health issues and do not breed affected cats so as to avoid passing on problems to future generations. Most reputable breeders also usually offer a health guarantee on their kittens.

Appearance

The Lynx Point Siamese is very graceful and refined, muscular without being bulky, and very athletic. The breed is medium-sized with fine bones and a long, tubular body with tapering lines. The legs are long and well-muscled but finely boned. The rear legs are slightly taller than the front legs. One of the breed’s trademark characteristics is its wedge-shaped head with flat forehead and fine muzzle. The Lynx Point Siamese’s very large ears are wide at the base and continue the lines of the wedge. The medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes, which are always a deep, vivid blue, slant toward the long, straight nose. The short coat is tight, close-lying, fine textured, and glossy.

Diet and Nutrition

The Lynx Point Siamese is lightly but muscularly built. This is an active breed that tends to get a lot of exercise if provided with enough engagement and opportunities to run, climb, and play. Though they are less likely to pack on the pounds compared to more sedentary breeds, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your cat’s weight to make sure they're staying lean. If you’re not sure of your cat’s ideal weight, ask your veterinarian. Keeping your Lynx Point Siamese lean may help to prevent the development of certain health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Always feed your cat measured amounts of food at regular meal times (twice a day for adult cats) and avoid free feeding (leaving food out all day), which can lead to overeating. Your veterinarian or breeder can recommend a healthy food for your Lynx Point Siamese.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Lynx Point Siamese 

Though the Siamese is a popular breed, Lynx Point Siamese are somewhat more challenging to find than Siamese of traditional colors. Your best bet is to search out an excellent breeder who breeds Siamese to the TICA breed standard, or someone who breeds colorpoint shorthair cats (CFA breed standard). The Cat Fanciers Association and The International Cat Association publish lists of Siamese and colorpoint shorthair cat breeders on their websites. If you are rescue-minded, you might also be able to find an adult Lynx Point Siamese by searching animal shelters or breed-specific cat rescue groups. 

Lynx Point Siamese Overview

The Lynx Point Siamese cat is a sociable, affectionate, and energetic companion. If you’re looking for a cat to keep you company, look no further. This breed is unlikely to stray far from your side, happy to follow you around as you go about your day and trying to take part in every activity you do. They are so connected to their people that they simply don’t do well when left alone all day. Some cat breeds are independent and content to sleep the day away while you’re off at work or activities, but Lynx Point Siamese will get lonely if you aren’t around a lot. If you must be away, consider a feline friend for your cat to cuddle and play with. This breed is extremely vocal, and though breed lovers adore the loud yowls and meows of the Lynx Point Siamese, not everyone appreciates such a loud cat.

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you like the Lynx Point Siamese, you might also like these cat breeds: 

·      Colorpoint Shorthair

·      Oriental Shorthair

·      Siamese Cat