Flame Point Siamese Cat – Key Facts

You might have seen a Flame Point Siamese on the Internet or at your local pet store. Chances are- it instantly caught your eyes, and now you want to know all about the Flame point Siamese breed. 

Three words that best describe Flame Points are fun, intelligent, and playful. They make excellent family pets and are very protective of their owners. 

What’s interesting about Flame Points is that you won’t find them on most cat registers in the world. Until the 1930s, there were no Flame Point Cats; only Balinese, Blue Point, and Chocolate Point Siamese breeds were there. 

So, where did Flame Point Siamese cats come from, and what is their personality? We have more than a dozen facts about Flame Points today. Keep reading to find out!

Flame Point Is One of the Rarest Siamese Breeds

Flame Point Siamese is a rare breed of cat. It showed an orange color point and was initially bred around the 1930s after multiple attempts. It took breeders a lot of experimentation to develop the orange “flame points” and Siamese traits. 

This breed wasn’t recognized until 1972, when Flame Points were often mistaken as American Tabbies. During that time, Britain was importing Blue Point Siamese and Seal Point breeds from America. 

It was Britain where the Flame Point Siamese was patented under “Red Point Longhair” as a new breed of cats. Even now, most people cannot tell a half-Siamese from a purebred. Because these cats are so rare, they’re priced between $400 and $1000 in most states. 

They’re Bred by Crossing a Purebred Siamese with an American Shorthair Tabby 

Purebred Siamese cats have different-colored fur on their face, ears, tail, and paws. On the other hand, Flame Points have orange streaks on those areas and a beautiful white coat.

To make this color point variation, breeders cross a purebred Siamese with an American Shorthair Tabby. 

It’s the reason why some Flame Points have a short coat and sometimes a tabby pattern in their fur. Flame Points are named so because the orange streaks cover every hair from their nose to whiskers. 

Flame Points are Known for Their Blue Eyes, Pointy Ears, and Striped Orange Tail 

Flame Point Siamese cats have orange color points on their ears, face, and paws. They also flaunt a creamy white coat and striped orange tail. It’s good to note that Flame Point cats are slightly larger than purebred Siamese. Flame points are easily recognizable by their blue eyes, tabby pattern, and slender body.  

Most cats in this breed develop orange fur around their eyes, forehead, and nose. Some will have a distinctive coat pattern in the shape of an M, which comes from their Shorthair tabby genes. More often than not, the bodies of Flame Point Siamese cats are either plain or covered in a slight orange tinge. 

They Have a Beautiful Silhouette and a Thick Cream/White Coat 

The orange and white coloring of Flame Point Siamese cats results from a rare genetic blueprint. Much like our own body, Flame Points produce natural pigments called “Melanin.” It’s made at the base of their hair and is responsible for the white/orange color points.  

But can Siamese breeds have long hair? Of course, the Balinese type is famous for its silky, medium-length coat and plumy tail. Please note that it’s the result of natural mutation, and most Siamese colorpoint breeds have short hair. 

As we see it, Flame Points acquired their short yet thick coat from the American Shorthair breed. Male cats are larger than females, and they both flaunt a distinct orange coloration on certain parts of their bodies.

Flame Point Kittens Are Born with White Fur 

That’s right! When Flame Point kittens are born, they have no trace of orange in their fur. During this time, it’s hard to tell them apart from other breeds, which is why adoptive families have to wait a few weeks to pick up a Flame Point kitten.

Flame Point Siamese kittens are born with a heat-sensitive version of tyrosinase. When the temperature is high, the tyrosinase enzyme in their body fails to produce melanin.  

Before being born, the kittens are kept warm in their mother’s womb. The heat renders the tyrosinase ineffective, so Flame Point kittens are unable to produce orange pigments until they are born. 

It’s Easy to Identify Them by Their Orange Color Points 

Original Siamese cats have long legs, a solid-colored tail, and light shading in their belly. They also have pointed ears and piercing blue eyes. After breeding, Flame Points show a stripy white and orange tail from their American Shorthair heritage.

The Siamese genetics pass on in the form of slight orange shading across their face, ears, and paws.  

According to Animal Genetics, animal bodies produce the enzyme- tyrosinase. Tyrosinase mutations develop coat pigmentation in all cats, including the color points of Flame Point Siamese.

Only 25% of Flame Point Siamese Cats Are Female 

When it comes to red tabby cats, females are often outnumbered by males. So, we weren’t surprised when we found out that females constitute 25% of the Flame Point family. Behavioral patterns also differ from male to female. The girls are quick-tempered and energetic. And the males are more laid-back and like to lounge in the sunlight. 

They’re Surprisingly Active, Fun-Loving, and Social 

Among the pure breeds, Flame Point Siamese cats can be a little too friendly. Nevertheless, they’re active, dignified, and intelligent creatures and deserve all the love. They get along perfectly with other pets. Because Flame Points are also protective of their owner, they might initially feel jealous of new pets and fight for your attention. 

Might Boss Around Other Cats (Even Dogs!) 

Flame Point Cats are their own boss. Once they settle in your family, they try to control other pets if they steal the spotlight away from them. It’s better to bring new pets in a short time after adopting a Flame Point because the longer it stays as the only pet, the more entitled and moodier it gets. 

Not always, though. Our neighborhood Flame Point Siamese cat is the friendliest cat we know! 

Flame Point Siamese Cats are Intelligent, Loyal, and Protective  

These cats are very intelligent and are able to sense your mood. If you two have good bonding, they alter their behavior as a form of support. Flame Points are able to follow most commands as long as they’re not too complex. They’re as loyal as puppies and will try to cheer you up when you’re feeling down. 

Personality Traits: Chatty, Curious and Gentle

Remember Si and Am, the evil Siamese cat twins from the movie Lady and the Tramp? It turns out real Siamese cats are nothing like our two feline antagonists. Flame Point Siamese are very much energetic and friendly in real life.

They love to explore the neighborhood and will guard the house while you’re away for work. Most owners prefer to keep their Flame Point Siamese as an indoor cat since they often run off to new territories.  

You Can Tell Half Flame Point Siamese Cats by Their White Paws 

After a few weeks, Flame Point or Red Point Siamese kittens develop orange colorpoints in their paws, ears, and nose. However, half Flame Points will have white fur on their paws. They shouldn’t be mistaken with Snowshoe Siamese or the rare Flame Point Siamese breeds.

Training Them Takes Time, Patience, and Effort 

As energetic Siamese cats are, they don’t like to play by the book. So, if you’ve been trying to make your Flame Point follow the rules, you need to stay patient. The easy way to do this is to offer treats or some positive reinforcement. They’re curious about springs; wool felt balls, catnip toys, and boxes.  

Flame Point Siamese Cats Are Expressive and Vocal 

Flame Points constantly vocalize and express their feelings to you. They can get too attached and have a hard time being alone at home. It also means they’re wary of your feelings and will try to resonate with you. Flame Points are on good behavior most days of the week.

On such days, they adoringly meow at you and most things they hear. But don’t fall for these tricks. Flame Point Siamese are slick, and they’ll meow away until you give them treats or cuddle them.  

Flame Point Kittens Can Develop Obsessive Behaviors 

Flame Point Siamese cats are no stranger to pica- a condition where cats consume things that are not food. Kittens are usually prone to such disorders, and most of them grow out of it as well. Full-grown cats may display behaviors like excess licking and biting when they’re stressed out. It’s vital that Flame Point Siamese cats feel loved because of their friendly persona. 
Flame Point Siamese cats are no stranger to pica– a condition where cats consume things that are not food. Kittens are usually prone to such disorders, and most of them grow out of it as well. Full-grown cats may display behaviors like excess licking and biting when they’re stressed out. It’s vital that Flame Point Siamese cats feel loved because of their friendly persona. 

Bottom Line 

Before we go, are you ready for another fact about Flame Point Siamese? Well, here it goes. The Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s largest registry of cat breeds, doesn’t register Flame Point as an actual breed. The breed is categorized under “Colorpoint Shorthair,” as is Seal, Blue, Lilac, and Chocolate Point Siamese.

A true Siamese ancestry is verified by the CFA for these four specific colors, sadly excluding our favorite Flame Point cats and others such as lynx point siamese cats. In some countries, the Shorthair term only refers to cats of Himalayan or Parisian ancestry. Now that just blows our minds! If you want more facts about popular breeds, then stay tuned.