Siamese cats gained popularity to become one of the most famous domesticated cats in the United States of America and Europe.
The larger share of this fame is primarily due to the strikingly amiable behavior. However, the pointed coat of Siamese cats also makes them an interesting breed.
It is hard to believe that Siamese cats are albino, but they come into this world entirely white cats. The albino genes are also responsible for their unique color pattern.
All Siamese cats have a unique type of color pattern, which we call pointed color. In this color pattern, some of the specific parts of the coat get a color.
The color darkens depending on the temperature. In this article, we will discuss the unique feature of Siamese cats and know everything you need to know about the coat’s changing color.
Do Siamese Cats Change Colour?
As we have mentioned earlier, Siamese cats are born white, and they start to change color after their birth.
The color of the fur depends on the genetics of the parents. But the location of these colors depends on the temperature of that part of the skin.
Siamese cats change their color when they are young.
If the Siamese cat is changing color when they are adults, there can be several other reasons. We will go through each one of them to give you a better understanding of their unique feature.
Reason Why Siamese Cats Change Their Colour?
For kittens, the reason behind the change in their color is the temperature of the body. However, there can be several other reasons that can cause this change.
We will look into all the possible causes, but let’s start by understanding the unique type of gene that controls this change.
Himalayan Gene:
The color of the coat directly depends on the temperature of the skin. Siamese cats have a gene, which we call the Himalayan gene in their epidermis cells.
This unique set of coded genes prevents the activation of an enzyme that controls melanin production.
If the skin temperature is above 98°F, the Himalayan gene does not let the enzyme work, and as a result, the particular portion of the coat doesn’t develop any color.
When the Siamese kitten is inside a womb, the kitten’s temperature stays at nearly 101°F. As a result, the kitten does not undergo any coloration.
This albino or Himalayan gene is responsible for the Siamese cat to be entirely white after birth. However, the temperature of the skin changes as they come into the world.
Siamese cats show the earliest signs of coloration at the age of 1 week. There are parts in their body that are significantly colder than the stipulated temperature.
These parts slowly develop a color that depends on the other coloration genes.
The face, legs, ears, and tail develop this dark color. We call them points. As a result, we call this unique type of color pattern a pointed color pattern.
The body’s neck and rest have a better temperature regulation, and these parts keep having a white color.
Seasonal Change:
The seasonal change is responsible for the temperature change of the body. In summer, Siamese cats shed their coats and develop a lighter shade.
However, as fall comes to an end, the Siamese cats’ actual colors are visible on the tapered portions.
Fever:
If the cat has a fever, the temperature of the body rises as well.
As a result, the Siamese cat’s color can have a lighter shade than the usual condition. You have to take the cat to a veterinarian to check for any underlying disease.
Diet:
A sudden change of color from black to a light brown shade may be indicative of an insufficient diet. Tyrosine is an essential nutrient that helps in the development of melanin.
The deficiency of this particular ingredient in the diet can cause discoloration of the coat’s dark portions. So, you have to make sure that the cat is receiving the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals.
Other Health Problems:
Several health conditions can also be responsible for the discoloration of the Siamese Cats.
Some of the diseases that cause tyrosine metabolism are liver diseases, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract problems, kidney stone, etc. You have to take the cat to a veterinarian to rule out these possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here, we will answer two frequently asked questions about the changing color of the Siamese Cats.
Do Siamese Cats Get Darker As They Get Older?
Yes, the age of the Siamese cats affects the color of the fur. Like any other cat, the hair of the cat turns grey as they get older. If the Siamese cat has a naturally dark coat, this change will be more apparent.
Do Siamese Cats Get Darker In The Winter?
As we have discussed, the presence of albino or Himalayan genes in the Siamese cats’ cells determines the coloration of the coat.
When the temperature of the skin goes below 98°F, the coloration starts to take place. So, in the winter, the coat of the Siamese cats gets darker.
Conclusion:
Siamese cats do not stop to amuse us with their unique set of characteristics. The changing color of the Siamese cats is probably one of the most exciting processes to observe.
The coloration happens when they are mere kittens, and they continue to do so till they are one year old.
Only if the Siamese cats undergo coloration out of the norm, you have to check with a veterinarian to make sure that it does not have any underlying health condition.
Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.