Siamese cats are popular for their handsome looks and are well known for their loud, feisty personalities. If you love Siamese cats but are looking for a calmer kitty, the Lynx Point Siamese cat might be the perfect cat for you.
What is a Lynx Point Siamese Cat?
The Lynx Point Siamese is a cross between a seal point Siamese and a shorthaired tabby cat. They are also referred to as colorpoint shorthairs. A Lynx Point Siamese has the color points of a traditional Siamese with the pattern of a tabby cat.
The origins of the Lynx Point Siamese
Although the Siamese cat originated in Thailand (formerly Siam), it is widely believed that the Lynx Point Siamese resulted from cross-breeding in the 1940s.
An owner of a seal point Siamese and a shorthaired tabby cat allowed them to breed and the first Lynx Point Siamese kittens were born.
The first Lynx Point Siamese kittens were very similar to the Siamese but had more laid-back personalities. One of these kittens was bred with another Siamese and the breed was further developed.
By the 1960s, the Lynx Point Siamese was gaining in popularity because of its pretty markings and gentle nature. They are not purebred cats but are considered Siamese crosses. It’s fair to say a Lynx point Siamese is half siamese and half tabby.
Other names for Lynx Point Siamese cats
In the US, the Lynx Point Siamese tends to be referred to officially as a Lynx Colorpoint Shorthair. In the UK they are known as Tabby Point Siamese cats.
The Lynx Point Siamese cat appearance
Lynx Point Siamese cats have a similar appearance to traditional Siamese cats. They are of medium build, with slender yet muscular bodies.
They have delicate paws which help make them sure-footed and masters of climbing and jumping.
The weight of a Lynx Point generally ranges between 6 and 12 lbs. As with other breeds, males are usually larger than females.
The Lynx Point Siamese can be one of eight colors with varying patterns. These include chocolate, seal, caramel, cinnamon, apricot, red, lilac, or blue. A blue Lynx point is sometimes referred to as a silver point siamese.
Distinct color rings extend over their faces, legs, and tails. These generally darken as the cats get older.
Like many other breeds, the Lynx Point Siamese can also have a tortoiseshell tabby pattern, though this is a rare occurrence.
Lynx Point Siamese price
Prices of Lynx Point Siamese can vary depending on where you buy one. A reputable breeder will charge more but you will receive a well-bred, healthy Lynx Point Siamese kitten that has been fully vaccinated. You could pay upward of $500. Beware of cheaper kittens – there’s usually a reason for a low price.
Beware of cheaper Lynx Point Siamese kittens – there’s usually a reason for a low price. You might pay as little as $200 but your kitten could have inherent health problems and cost you more in vet fees in the long run.
Lynx Point Siamese cat personality
Though not as loud, lynx points exhibit many of the well-loved Siamese personality traits. As well as being sociable, intelligent, and playful, they tend to be more laid-back.
If you’ve met a Siamese cat you’ll know how amazing this breed is. The Lynx Point is a toned-down version, perfect as a pet for any family.
If you have to leave a Seal Point Siamese alone, make sure it has plenty to occupy it or may become quite destructive due to boredom.
Allow it space to use up energy but move valuables and delicate items into safe zones! Provide plenty of toys and a cat climbing tree if you have enough space.
When you’re at home, your Seal Point will want to spend time with you. It will sprawl on your desk, or block your view of the TV, follow you into the bathroom, the kitchen – anywhere you happen to go.
There will be non-stop chat too. This might be annoying to some people but endearing to most cat lovers.
Are Lynx Point Siamese cats rare?
A Lynx Point Siamese cat with color points and a traditional tabby pattern coat is not rare. However, those with a tortoiseshell pattern are very rare and you’ll be extremely lucky to finds one of these.
If you do happen to find a tortoiseshell Lynx Point Siamese, expect it to be more expensive than the variety with a tabby coat.
Lynx Point Siamese compared to standard Siamese
These two cats are very similar in appearance and personality. They are a similar size and build and both are athletic.
The obvious difference is in their coat patterns. Siamese cats have pale-colored bodies with darker extremities or points. Lynx Points have dark points and tabby patterned coats.
Standard Siamese cats are notably more talkative than Lynx Point Siamese cats. They meow a lot more and approach and rub against their owners more than any other cat.
The Lynx Point is communicative but as persistently as the standard Siamese. Its laid-back nature has been inherited from the short-haired tabby side of the family!
It is sometimes thought that a Lynx Point Siamese is a domestic Lynx cat, related to the wild Lynx. There is, in fact, no relationship between the two.
Because of the stripes in their tabby pattern, the Lynx point Siamese is sometimes referred to as a striped Siamese, a Siamese Tiger cat, and even a Tiger Point Siamese.
Do Lynx Point Siamese cats shed?
Though the Lynx Point cat is a short-haired cat, it will shed just like a standard Siamese cat sheds. You may not notice it as much because of the short length of each hair.
All cats have a major shed twice a year and many tend to shed throughout the year to an extent too.
Regular grooming controls Lynx Point shedding and prevents your cat from developing furballs. This saves you a lot of vacuuming and from having to clear up hairy cat vomit!
If you have cat allergies, the Lynx point may set them off. This cat still has the proteins in its dander, urine, and saliva that trigger allergic reactions in some people. No cat is hypoallergenic.
Lynx Point Siamese cat life expectancy
A Lynx Point Siamese cat can live for 15 to 20 years – which is longer than some breeds. Take good care of your Lynx Point and it may even exceed this.
These days, well-bred purebred cats live just as long as mixed breeds because reputable breeders have worked do hard to eradicate genetic diseases by screening breeding cats.
The Lynx Point is generally a healthy breed because it is a mix of purebred cats with good health reputations.
How did Lynx Point Siamese cats come to exist?
The Lynx Point Siamese was created by the accidental breeding of a Seal Point Siamese and tabby American shorthair cats around the mid-20th Century.
The result was beautiful Siamese kittens with tabby points and they soon gained popularity as family pets with their lynx markings, range of colors, and laid-back nature.
This low-maintenance cat with tabby markings soon became popular with Siamese owners
These chatty cats with their distinctive appearance were soon recognized by the Governing Council Of The Cat Fancy (GCCF) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).
Are Lynx Point Siamese Real Siamese?
Lynx Point Siamese are not real Siamese in as much as they are not purebred.
A pointed cat with tabby markings in its points is known as a Lynx Point Siamese when it is the result of a cross between a Siamese cat and a short-haired tabby.
What is a Lynx Point Siamese cat? conclusion
As with other cat breeds, there are many variations of Siamese cats and the Lynx Point with its beautiful markings is one of them.
Lynx Point Siamese cats are similar to standard Siamese cats but with tabby points and the addition of wild Lynx patterns on their coats. They are usually calmer and a little quieter but just as affectionate and adorable to own.
From red points to blue eyes, you can take your pick from a range of colorings but will be lucky to find a rare tortoiseshell version.
With its sturdy frame, a Lynx Point Siamese is fine around children. Many owners also report that they are ideal companions too.
The Lynx Point Siamese may be a beautiful cat with short fur but like all cats, it will shed.
If you suffer from allergies, and wonder are Lynx Point Siamese cats hypoallergenic, the answer is no, they are not a hypoallergenic breed. One could trigger an allergic reaction.
Before you buy one, call around your local cat shelters in case they have a rescue cat desperate for a loving home.
Finally, another beautiful colorpoint short-haired cat is the rare Flame Point, another Siamese cross-breed.
Here are some of my favorite products for cats
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found it helpful whether you own a cat or are considering it. I thought I’d share a few of the cat products I love which you might find really useful too.
The following are Amazon affiliate links, and if you decide to use them, I’ll earn a small commission from Amazon at no cost at all to you.
An indoor cat tree: This is an excellent item to satisfy a cat’s urge to climb and scratch. There are several sizes to choose from so you can pick the right height for your home. Our cats love this Amazon Basics tree with multi-levels, scratching posts, and a little hideaway.
Drinking fountain: Cats love to drink from flowing water. Many don’t seem to drink enough so a fountain is a good way to get them interested. This Orsda Fountain is quiet, has a large capacity, and looks stylish too.
Scratcher Lounger: The more cat-scratching posts you have the better. Many cats like to claw horizontally which is why we chose the PetFusion Ultimate cat scratcher. It has seen quite a bit of action from 4 Maine Coons but still looks great.