A Lynx Point Siamese can exhibit a variety of stunning colors, always characterized by distinctive tabby markings on their points. The specific colors found in Lynx Point Siamese include blue, blue-cream, chocolate, chocolate tortie, cream, lilac, lilac-cream, red, seal, and seal-tortie.
Understanding Lynx Point Siamese Colors
The term "Lynx Point" refers to the specific pattern and not a single base color. Unlike solid-point Siamese cats, Lynx Points display clear tabby stripes and markings within their "points"—the cooler extremities of their body such as the face, ears, paws, and tail. These tabby markings are what give the "lynx" designation, resembling the coat pattern of a wild lynx.
The Spectrum of Lynx Point Hues
The beauty of the Lynx Point Siamese lies in its diverse palette. Here's a detailed look at the range of colors you might find:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Seal Point | The most traditional and darkest point color, a rich, dark brown, almost black, with distinct tabby stripes. |
| Blue Point | A diluted version of seal, presenting as a deep, slate blue-grey with clear blue tabby markings. |
| Chocolate Point | A warm, medium brown, resembling milk chocolate, with distinct chocolate tabby stripes. |
| Lilac Point | A diluted chocolate, often described as a frosty grey-pink or dove grey, with delicate lilac tabby markings. |
| Red Point | Points show a warm, orange-ginger hue with visible red tabby stripes. |
| Cream Point | A diluted version of red, appearing as a soft, pale cream with subtle cream tabby stripes. |
| Seal-Tortie Point | A combination of seal and red patches within the points, displaying tabby markings in both colors. |
| Blue-Cream Point | Features patches of blue and cream within the points, each showing its respective tabby pattern. |
| Chocolate-Tortie Point | Presents patches of chocolate and red within the points, with tabby markings in both colors. |
| Lilac-Cream Point | A beautiful mix of lilac and cream patches on the points, with distinct tabby stripes in each color. |
What Defines a Lynx Point Pattern?
The defining characteristic of a Lynx Point Siamese isn't a single color, but rather the unique pattern of tabby stripes and rings that are visible on their "points."
- Facial Markings: Often, Lynx Points will have an "M" shape on their forehead, typical of many tabby patterns, along with penciling around their eyes and striped cheeks.
- Ear Markings: Their ears will show distinct tabby stripes.
- Legs and Paws: Their legs will have clear tabby rings or stripes, and their paw pads may be consistent with their point color.
- Tail: The tail will be ringed with tabby stripes.
These tabby markings stand out against the lighter body color, which typically ranges from an ivory or cream hue, depending on the specific point color and genetic makeup.
The Genetics Behind the Beauty
All Siamese cats, including Lynx Points, owe their distinctive point coloration to a temperature-sensitive albino gene. This gene restricts full color development to the cooler parts of the body (the "points"), while warmer body areas remain lighter. In Lynx Points, an additional tabby gene is present, which causes these beautiful striped patterns to express within the colored point areas.
For more information on the Siamese breed and its variations, you can visit reputable sources such as:
- The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) - Siamese
- The International Cat Association (TICA) - Siamese Breed
[[Siamese Cat Colors]]
