Colorpoint Shorthair
Also called Colourpoint Shorthair
From United States and United Kingdom, from about 1948; bred from Siamese crossed with other shorthairs (notably a red tabby American Shorthair) to add new point colours123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Hill's: males 8-12 lb, females under 8 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, fine, glossy close-lying coat
A sleek, refined cat of medium size, all long lines, with a long tapering wedge-shaped head, large pointed ears, vivid blue almond eyes, a slender neck and a long thin tail. The short coat is fine and shiny and lies flat, with a light body and darker colour on the face, ears, legs and tail.241
Personality what they are like
Much like its Siamese relatives: chatty, clever and eager to be involved in everything. It gives a lot of affection and asks for plenty of attention in return, and many get along very well with other cats. It also has a mind of its own.24
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Athletic and inventive, loves heights and needs daily play; a scrunched-up paper ball can be as popular as a bought toy.24
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very little needed; stroking with damp hands lifts loose hair, and many enjoy a brush as bonding time.24
Home where they are happiest
Indoor home with cat trees and perches for climbing.4
Company who they like around
Needs daily interaction and company; often bonds closely with other cats.24
The story where it all began
Around 1948 breeders in the US and Britain wanted a Siamese-type cat in red, so they crossed Siamese with other shorthairs, including a red tabby American Shorthair. Red, cream and tortie points came first, gained CFA championship status in 1964, and lynx points followed, with all lynx and tortie colours in place by 1969.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- Accepted for registration in the late 1950s; championship status 19642
- WCF
- Recognised1
- TICA, GCCF, FIFe
- Not a separate breed; these colours are shown within Siamese1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Colorpoint Shorthair. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Colorpoint Shorthair, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by age, activity and food type. Your vet or breeder can give you a routine that suits your cat best. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day.
What should a Colorpoint Shorthair eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality balanced cat food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.5
Does a Colorpoint Shorthair need baths?
Very rarely. Their short, fine coat stays clean easily. A bath is only needed if they get very dirty or sticky, and stroking with damp hands can help lift loose hair.246
How often does a Colorpoint Shorthair need brushing?
Once a week is plenty, and many enjoy it as bonding time. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing. Their short coat needs very little maintenance.246 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Colorpoint Shorthair's claws, and how often?
Trim every two to three weeks, using proper cat nail clippers. Start with just one or two claws per session to build trust. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days.6 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Colorpoint Shorthair need?
Daily play is essential for this athletic, clever cat. They love heights and inventing games, even with a simple paper ball. Furry Diary recommends daily play sessions.24 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Colorpoint Shorthair's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth regularly, ideally daily, as Furry Diary suggests every two days. For ears, check weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for the best routine. Furry Diary plan
How long does a Colorpoint Shorthair live?
They typically live between 8 and 12 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life indoors.4
Is a Colorpoint Shorthair good with children and other pets?
Yes, they often get along very well with other cats and are affectionate and chatty. With proper introduction, they can also be wonderful with respectful children.24
Can a Colorpoint Shorthair be left alone?
They need daily interaction and company, so they are not suited to being left alone for long periods. They bond closely and thrive with attention or another cat friend.24
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia - Colorpoint Shorthair en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, colours
- CFA - Colorpoint Shorthair cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, coat, colours, temperament, grooming, fun facts
- Wikipedia - List of cat breeds en.wikipedia.orgused for origin
- Hill's - Colorpoint Shorthair hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, temperament, activity, care
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.