A cream point cat is a cat that has a mostly white body with color only on the face, ears, tail, and paws. The colored points are a light tan or cream color, giving the cat a distinct and beautiful look.
Origin of the Cream Point Cat
Cream point cats originated from Siamese cats. Siamese cats carry a gene that causes the pointed pattern seen in cream points. When this gene is present in a cat that also carries the gene for white spotting, it results in a mostly white cat with colored points.
The first cream point cats appeared in England and America in the late 1800s and early 1900s as crossbreeds between Siamese and white cats. Early breeders began selectively breeding cream points to develop the consistent color points and mostly white bodies we see today.
While they originated as hybrids, cream points are now recognized as a distinct breed by cat registries like The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). They can be shown in competition and bred to maintain the ideal cream point look.
Appearance of Cream Point Cats
Here are the key features of a cream point cat’s appearance:
- Mostly white body – Around 80% of the cat’s body should be sparkling white.
- Colored points – The face, ears, paws, and tail will be lightly colored in cream, pale brown, or tan.
- Blue eyes – Cream points typically have striking blue eyes. Eye color is related to coat color. The pigment that causes the cream points also limits melanin and pigment in the eyes, resulting in blue eyes.
- Pink nose and paw pads – Due to the limited pigment, cream points usually have a pink nose and paw pads.
The overall look is a white cat with delicate cream-colored accents on the points. The coloring should be even and well-balanced on both sides of the cat’s body.
Variations in Cream Point Coloring
While most cream points have a light tan or buff color on the points, there are some variations in shading:
- Pale cream – Very light, almost white cream coloring. This can occur in cooler-colored cats.
- Dark cream – Warm, richer cream approaching light brown. More common in cats with warmerpointed parents.
- Lilac cream – A pinkish light tan resulting from a dilute pigment gene. Lilac cream points may have blue or aqua eyes.
- Cinnamon cream – A warm, rosy tan color on the points.
The exact shade can vary between individual cats. But generally, the points will be some shade of cream, buff, tan, or very light brown. Too much pigment is undesirable in show cats.
Popular Breeds of Cream Point Cats
Cream points are found in these cat breeds:
- Siamese – The original source of the colorpoint gene. Siamese cats recognized as cream points will have a white coat with cream-colored points.
- Balinese – The long-haired cousin of the Siamese can also have a cream point coat.
- Ragdoll – Ragdoll cream points have the breed’s signature large size, laid-back personality, and blue eyes with cream points.
- Birman – Cream point Birmans have long, silky fur, white socks, and cream points on the face, ears, tail, and legs.
- Snowshoe – Snowshoe cats with cream points will have white feet against the cream points.
- Siberian – Siberia’s long-haired cats can also have cream point coloring.
In pedigree cat breeds like these, cream points are the result of carefully controlled breeding to produce the perfect coat color. Cream points can also occur in domestic mixed breed cats as well.
Genetics Behind Cream Point Cats
Two different genes produce the unique cream point look:
- The colorpoint gene – This is the same gene that creates the colorpoints on Siamese cats. The gene causes higher concentrations of pigment on the cooler areas of the body – the face, ears, legs, and tail.
- The white spotting gene – Also called the piebald gene, this gene restricts pigment production to the points, leaving the rest of the body snow white.
Together, these two genes limit pigment to the small points on an otherwise white cat. This contrasting color pattern is what defines a cream point cat.
Do Cream Point Cats Change Color as They Age?
Cream point kittens are born very pale, almost completely white. As they mature, the color develops on the points until the cat reaches full color by about 2 years old.
Many cream point owners enjoy watching the cat’s coat color come in gradually. The points get darker a little at a time with the ears and tail showing color first. By one year old, the full cream pattern is usually visible.
While the points deepen slightly with maturity, they will remain in the cream to pale brown range. The cat’s body will stay snow white barring any staining or dirt buildup in the coat.
Grooming and Care of Cream Point Cats
Here are some tips for keeping a cream point cat looking its best:
- Brush frequently – Daily brushing removes loose hair and prevents matting in the medium-length coat.
- Bathe when needed – An occasional bath keeps the white coat sparkling.
- Clean face and ears – Gently wipe the eyes and face each day using a warm, damp cloth.
- Trim nails – Clip nails carefully every 2-3 weeks.
- Protect from sun – Limit sun exposure which can cause burns on the pink nose and ears.
- Clean litter box – Scoop litter daily and change it out weekly.
The mostly-white coat shows dirt easily, so take care to keep it clean. Grooming keeps the coat in top condition so the cat stays beautiful.
Do Cream Point Cats Have Health Issues?
For the most part, cream points are healthy cats. But due to their Siamese ancestry, they do have some health conditions to be aware of:
- Respiratory problems – Siamese are prone to lung and breathing issues. Keep the cat indoors in a smoke-free home.
- Dental disease – Brush teeth and provide dental cleanings to prevent periodontal disease.
- Crossed eyes – Some cats may be wall-eyed or cross-eyed. Usually not a health concern.
- Hearing issues – Partial deafness can occur, especially in blue-eyed cats.
- Sensitive digestion – Diet may need to be changed if cat has an upset stomach.
There’s also a small risk of point color dilution over generations when cream points are bred together. Following breeder guidelines helps produce healthy kittens.
Cream Point Cat Personality and Temperament
As descendants of the Siamese, cream point cats tend to share some of the breed’s energetic, social, and vocal personality traits. However, thanks to their hybrid background, cream points are somewhat more laidback than traditional Siamese.
Here’s what you can expect from a cream point cat in terms of personality:
- Intelligent and communicative – Cream points are smart, intuitive cats who like to vocalize and interact with their owners.
- Playful and energetic – These active cats stay busy playing and don’t mind learning tricks.
- Affectionate – Cream points form close bonds with their families and prefer to stay near their favorite people.
- Adaptable – While very attached to their families, cream points tend to get along well with kids, other pets, and new situations too.
- Best in an active home – These cats thrive when kept engaged with playtime, training, and lots of quality time with their owners.
With their dashing good looks and outgoing personality, it’s no wonder cream point cats make such delightful companions!
Is a Cream Point Cat Right for You?
Before bringing one of these beautiful cats home, be sure you can provide:
- Lots of interaction and playtime
- A smoke-free indoor home
- Daily grooming
- A high-quality diet
- Yearly vet visits
- Ample toys, perches, and activities
Cream point cats thrive when living with active owners who enjoy interacting with their pets. Their striking good looks and happy personality make them a wonderful choice for cat lovers.
Fun Facts About Cream Point Cats
- Cream points are nicknamed “snow whites” in Europe.
- They were among the first colorpoint cats recognized as a distinct breed.
- Cream point coloring also rarely occurs in Oriental Shorthair cats.
- Famous cream point cats include Cole and Marmalade, internet cat celebrities.
- It’s impossible to predict exact point coloring from birth. Only the general color family can be known.
- Although crossed eyes are common, most cream points have normal vision and only minor depth perception issues.
- The cream point gene is co-dominant. Cats only need one copy to show the trait.
- Cream points can compete in colorpoint competitions if their points are clearly visible by 8 months old.
Conclusion
With their striking sky blue eyes, snowy white fur, and delicate cream points, cream point cats have a uniquely beautiful look. While originating from hybrid Siamese, they are now established as a distinct breed with a delightful personality. Active families will find these affectionate, elegant cats to be a wonderful addition to the home.
