page title icon Flame Point Siamese: Facts, Genetics, and Personality

by Linda Mathews Last Updated January 16, 2023

Siamese cats are real royal favorites since for a long time they have lived exclusively in the palaces of the royal families. Nowadays, many people adore them due to their kindness, grace, and boundless love for the owner.

Siamese cats are beautiful creatures with a light-colored body (the Siamese cat colors encompass shades from beige to cream or dark cream); their paw pads, ears, tail, and face (points) are dark brown or black. The Siamese cat Flame Point (also known as Red Point Siamese cats according to the Australian Cat Federation) is not a separate breed, it is one of the varieties of the Siamese breed. These felines have a creamy body, and their limbs are reddish. Their face also has a reddish color, and the eyes are blue. So, the term Flame Point appeared because of the recognizable red color.

This shade is found not only in traditional Siamese cats but also in other cat breeds, as well as in mixed cat breeds.

In this article, we will talk about the genetics that determines the Flame Point color of cats, the peculiarities of their breeding, the flame point cat personality, the health characteristics of flame tip Siamese, and the cost of keeping these cats. If you are thinking about purchasing the Flame Point Siamese, then read on.

Height 16-21 inches
Weight 9-14 pounds
Lifespan 15-20 years
Suitable for Families, families with kids, singles
Red point Siamese personality Intelligent, caring, affectionate, playful

What Creates the Colorpoint Pattern?

The main distinguishing feature of this interesting effect, called acromelanism, is that the full expression of the pigment is observed only on the points – the face, ears, paws, and tail. The pigment melanin is responsible for the color of the coat, and its absence leads to the appearance of white or creamy coat color. To produce melanin, the body uses tyrosinase (a special enzyme). The Color gene is responsible for this effect in its recessive variation (c), which can be combined with all the other varieties of feline colors.

The colorpoint pattern is closely related to the cat’s thermoregulation, since a high temperature inhibits the production of melanin, so all colorpoint kittens are born completely white and as they grow, their points gradually acquire the colorpoint pattern. The tail is painted first due to a low temperature in this area, then the ears, face, and legs gradually darken; their coat color is completely formed only by the year of the flame point kitten’s life, but it does not end there – this process lasts a lifetime.

The Flame-Point Variant

Flame Point Siamese cats are pretty rare felines. Fire Point Siamese cats have a colorpoint pattern, the color of their points is red or orange. Genetically Flame Point Siamese cats are tabby cats, but due to the suppression of melanin production, the base color of the coat is beige, and the striped pattern is visible on the forehead in the form of an “M” mark.

What Does A Flame Point Siamese Cat Look Like?

What Does A Flame Point Siamese Look Like?

All Siamese cats have a distinctive colorpoint coat pattern and blue eyes. The Flame Point Siamese cat is distinguished by a slender, flexible body, long legs, large ears, and a wedge-shaped head. The traditional type of Siamese cats has a rounder head and a more rounded body. How big do Flame point Siamese get? Flame point Siamese males and females can reach between 16 and 21 inches tall when fully grown.

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) states that the Siamese breed has four original colors: chocolate, blue, lilac, and seal. Flame Tipped Siamese cats, tortie point Siamese cats, and lynxes are considered part of the Colourpoint Shorthair breed in the CFA. Besides, according to the International Cat Association (TICA), flame or red points are allowed. The points can be of any color, the only requirement is that the difference between the points and the main color should be noticeable.

How Are Flame Points Bred

The fire Siamese cat is a cross between a purebred Siamese cat and an American Shorthair striped red or orange cat. In this case, the points turn orange, that is why this cat is called the Flame Point. Besides, these cats also have piercing blue eyes, which are a distinctive feature of Siamese cats. About 75% of Flame Point Siamese cats are male. Breeders began to breed the Red Point Siamese cats only in the 1930s, numerous experiments were carried out, which is why it has been managed to preserve the ideal features of Siamese cats and this unique coat color.

What Is The Personality Of A Flame Point

What Is The Personality Of A Flame Point

Flame Point Siamese cats, just like orange tabby American Shorthair cats, are known for being sweet, gentle, and easy-going felines. Flame Point Siamese cats possess many of the unique personality traits of the Siamese cat breed, that is why they are loud and talkative, affectionate, and sometimes extremely needy. These friendly felines get along well with other cats and other animals, so they are perfect for families. 

They are very active and curious, so if you see a cat sitting in an unusual place or stuck behind the sofa, then in most cases, it will be a Siamese flame point cat. These cats are very loving and sometimes they insistently demand attention and affection from their cat owners with a loud meow.

Besides, Flame point Siamese kittens and cats are patient, so they are great companions for families with small children. Flame points are also gentle, curious, calm, and very intelligent. Also, they will be happy to learn new commands and tricks, providing that their owners use positive reinforcement.

Are flame point Siamese cats mean? Their strong and domineering nature is frequently misinterpreted as nasty or aggressive since they like playing and may be tenacious in getting what they want.

What Are the Typical Health Issues of a Flame Point Siamese?

Flame point Siamese cats have the health of regular Siamese cats and have the same health problems. Flame point cats, just like other Siamese cats, feature signature blue eyes. Therefore, and at a young age, these domesticated cats can suffer from retinal atrophy. Red point cats are very active, so over time, they can develop arthritis, hip dysplasia, and hyperesthesia. When Flame points become older, these cats may suffer from dental issues and polycystic kidney disease.

Are Flame Point Siamese Cats Rare?

Flame Point Siamese cats are very rare. These cats are not considered purebreds, so they are very difficult to find since breeding such cats is not a priority for many breeders. However, in some cases, you can find a reputable breeder who may have mixed breeds, including Red point cats. However, the most popular option is to adopt a new pet from shelters or rescue centers. You can search for cats in shelters in your area or find cats using petfinder.com.

What Are the Other Color Points for Siamese Cats?

What Are the Other Color Points for Siamese Cats?

Blue point 

Blue points cats tend to have a bluish set of fur on their face, ear tips, tails, and legs. Sometimes a bluish tone is found on white fur.

Seal point 

Seal points are a color variation of Siamese felines, they have a white, an off white body, or a fawn-colored coat and dark points of extremities.

Chocolate point Siamese cat

Chocolate point colorpoint cats have a cream body and chocolate markings.

Cream point

Cream pointed Siamese cats are a cross between the red point Siamese, domestic shorthair, and Abyssinian felines. Their bodies are soft white, and there is an orange color on their faces, paws, and tails.

Lilac point Siamese cats

Lilac points are great pets that are known for their lilac-grey color-point coat.

How Long Do Flame Point Siamese Live?

Usually, Flame point cats live up to 20 years with proper care.

How Much Do Flame Point Siamese Cats Cost

The average Flame point Siamese price is $400-600. Depending on the reputation of the breeder, the region, as well as the conditions of keeping the kittens, the price may be slightly higher. Besides, certain colors of Siamese felines may cost more than other color variations. For instance, Chocolate points or lilac points felines are pretty hard to find, so their price tag may be different.

Where To Find A Flame Point Siamese For Adoption

If you are lucky enough to find Flame Points, then look for shelter ads in your area, contact adoption centers to find out if some kittens are available for adoption. If you want to rescue cats, then hurry up because they are very quickly taken from the shelter.

Do Flame Point Siamese Cats Shed?

Flame points are on the Siamese side, so they shed just like Siamese felines. However, compared to other popular breeds (e.g. Persian cats), they shed less. However, cat lovers with allergies should be careful if they choose this particular breed, as Flame Points are not hypoallergenic. So, it is better for allergy sufferers to find other pets.

Things to Know When Owning a Flame Point Siamese

Things to Know When Owning a Flame Point Siamese

If you want to welcome this special Flame Point Siamese kitten to your family, then consider the following things.

  • Food & Diet Requirements

Cats are carnivores, so their food must contain at least 25% protein. Besides, if you buy ready-made food, then the first ingredient must be whole meat (chicken, turkey, beef, tuna). Dry food contains special additives that prevent tartar and diarrhea. However, it is not recommended to feed cats only dry food, it is necessary to add additional moisture to the diet: for instance, wet food or semi-moist food, as well as canned food. A varied diet (dry food in combination with wet food) helps avoid various health problems such as gastrointestinal upset, dental disease, and dandruff. Besides, after consulting your veterinarian, you can switch to homemade cat food.

  • Exercise

Flame Point Siamese cats are very curious and active. They love to explore all areas of their home. Besides, like all cats, they love to play with boxes, and they will be happy to play with kick toys. On top of that, Flame Point Siamese cats love to hang out in places with good vantage points. Therefore, we recommend that you consider buying multicomponent cat trees (with ladders, beds, and tunnels). Orange Point Siamese cats need daily exercises, so you should play with your cat several times a day. For cardio workouts, we recommend choosing a penlight or a string cat toy.

  • Training

Unlike their counterparts, who are difficult to train, Flame Point Siamese cats quite easily learn simple commands such as sit, lie down, and others. The principle of training these cats is similar to the principle of training dogs – you must be patient, repeat the commands several times, and stimulate your felines with treats.

  • Grooming

It is quite simple to groom your Flame Point Siamese. It will just take you a few minutes to comb your cat’s hair and clip its nails.

  • Male vs Female

Females and males differ in both physical and emotional characteristics. Male Siamese cats are usually larger in size, and they also weigh more than females. Female cats are more temperamental and more active, while males are lazier and prefer to mess around. On top of that, regardless of gender, the Flame Points are not completely hypoallergenic, but they shed less than other breeds.

What Other Breeds Come in Flame Point?

Other breeds of cats, including Siamese, can have flame point coloration. Persian, Himalayan, Colorpoint Shorthair, and Ragdoll are among the most well-known breeds. It is feasible to have a cat with flame point coloration that is not one of these breeds, but rather a domestic short-haired or long-haired cat.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cat with a striking appearance and flamboyant personality, then the Flame Siamese Cat is your best bet. We hope that this article was useful to you, and now you know all tidbits about this wonderful cat breed.