Siamese cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, and among the main reasons are their charming personality, their beauty and elegance, and, of course, the fact that they are one of the oldest cat breeds known. These affectionate cats originate in ancient Siam, now known as Thailand, and are believed to have walked among us since the 14th century or earlier. But have you ever seen a black Siamese cat? Keep reading to find out more.
These cats, formerly revered in Siam because they were believed to have special powers, are divided into different categories according to their physical characteristics. For example, the first division is between the traditional Siamese and the modern Siamese, and from here, there are other subcategories. The conventional Siamese are the classic, apple-headed, and old-style, while within the current category are the wedge and the light-colored variations.
Four variants are considered the classic or the most common if we talk about colors. Those are the seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point. However, when it comes to colors, the variations are endless, so you can also find a red, flame-point or caramel-point Siamese. If you are interested in adopting a beautiful Siamese, you will have many options, from light to very dark shades.
And speaking of colors, we will dedicate ourselves to debunking a myth about these legendary cats this time. It’s time to unmask the truth behind the so-called black Siamese cat. Does it exist?
Let’s talk about Siamese cat colors
Its characteristic color pattern makes a Siamese a Siamese, with the body being white or cream-colored and its limbs or points of a darker hue. As mentioned above, the accepted colors of a Siamese are four:
- Chocolate point: As the name suggests, they have chocolate-colored tips, while their body is usually cream or ivory colored, and their nose is typically light brown or pink.
- Seal point: The darkest version, dark brown/black points. These cats have a cream-colored body, seal (dark brown) mask, paws, and tail. The term seal was given because a cat with this color resembles the dark face of an actual seal.
- Blue point: These cats have white bodies with beautiful light bluish-gray points. The facial, ears, and tail markings tend to be very faint, while their nose and paws are a beautiful gray slate.
- Lilac point: They have an ivory coat and beautiful lilac-gray colored points, crowned by a cinnamon-pink nose and paw pads. This is the rarest type of Siamese and, therefore, the most sought-after.
Although there are more variations in the shades of these colors, the general rule is that the body is always of a light color, and the tips of a darker one. That is, no Siamese cat is only one plain color. And if you are wondering why all these cats have such a distinct coat pattern, the answer will take us on a quick trip through feline genetics.
The Himalayan gene
The so-called Himalayan gene is responsible for the particular coloration of Siamese cats. What causes this gene is a different arrangement in the pigment of the fur of various animals, such as cats, rabbits, and some rodents. Also known as the pointed gene, it causes the coloration of the animal’s fur to be concentrated only in the colder areas of the body, i.e., the extremities.
That is to say, the pigment that will have its coat depends on the temperature. The higher the concentration of heat, the less color, and vice versa. For this reason, the cat’s belly and chest are usually light and its extremities, more exposed to the cold, are darker in color.
When Siamese cats are born, their coat is entirely white, as they come from being in their mother’s warm womb, and it is not until days after birth that their actual color begins to define itself, often influenced by the region in which they live. The color of the Siamese’s points can continue to vary throughout their lives, generally becoming darker over time.
That said, it should be clarified that a Siamese cat must have the Himalayan gene to be considered as such.
Does a black Siamese cat exist?
The answer is no. For a cat to be considered Siamese, it must have the Himalayan gene, which necessarily makes its coat white with touches of another color. Even in the case of seal-point cats, they often have large portions of their body covered in a shiny black coat, but by the same effect of the gene, their torso and belly will show at least some hints of white.
If you have ever seen a cat that looks like a black Siamese, it is most likely an Oriental cat, as they are the same breed, just without the pointed gene that affects their coat color. In terms of character and physical attributes, they are identical cats, with the difference being that the Oriental cat can be found in any color, including black. Of course, they probably won’t have the deep blue eyes that a Siamese would.
Black Siamese cat: Enigma uncovered
Next time someone tells you they have a black Siamese cat, now you know they probably don’t know much about this breed, or who knows, you might even unmask a scammer trying to sell you a black kitten posing as an exotic Siamese. And if you like loving black cats with outstanding personalities, we recommend you look at oriental cats, although it will be a bit tricky to find a completely black one because they are very sought after.
For a beautiful Siamese or a dazzling Oriental, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000, so look around and choose a reputable and very responsible breeder. You can also go to your local shelter and give a chance to a kitten looking for a home; you are likely to find a Siamese, as they are a trendy pet.
Have you ever heard of or seen a black Siamese? We would love to hear your story in the comments.