The elegant and affectionate Siamese cat breed has four major breed colors. These are the Chocolate Points, Blue Point Siamese cats, Seal Point Siamese cats, and the Lilac Point Siamese cats. Of all the Siamese variations, it is the Lilac Point Siamese cats (also called the Lavender Siamese cat) that are the most recently recognized.
With their china blue eyes and distinctive light cream Lilac Point coat color, their pale appearance makes them stand out but they have all of the charming characteristics of their other Siamese cats cousins. To help anyone that is thinking of inviting one of these stunning cats into their home, we have painstakingly researched all the expert opinion to compile a complete guide of everything you need to know about the Lilac Point Siamese cat.
What is a Lilac Point Siamese Cat?
Lilac point is a particular coloring that is found in the Siamese cat breed. It is characterized by a light colored coat and pink paw pads and nose. The distinctive feature is the frosty grey ‘points’ on the tips of the ears, paws, and tail. This is often confused with the darker grey points in the Blue Point Siamese breed.
History of the Lilac Point Siamese Cat
The Siamese are an ancient breed and can trace their history as far back as the temples during the reign of the King of Siam in Thailand. As one of the oldest cat breeds, they have adapted to human company over thousands of years and this may be why they are so sociable.
Lilac point Siamese cats are actually a crossbreed between the Blue Point Siamese cat and the Chocolate Point Siamese cat so they are regarded as a kind of diluted Chocolate Point. In fact, it can often be very hard to tell the difference between a Blue Point cat and a dark Lilac Point Siamese.
Considering how popular the Lilac Point Siamese cats are now, it is surprising to learn that they had a bumpy start as a breed. In the early cat shows, they were dismissed as a poor quality Blue Point Siamese rather than a separate breed. In 1955, however, they were finally recognized as the fourth Siamese breed.
Breed Appearance
Male Lilac Point Siamese cats can grow up to 12 pounds in weight and females can reach around 8 pounds making them smaller, on average, than the Seal Point Siamese cats. However, they have a similar tubular body and face. The other Siamese breeds are known for their electric blue eyes but the Lilac Siamese has china blue eyes instead.
There are some variations to this standard. The Applehead lilac point Siamese cats have a larger and rounder face. They are also bigger and more muscular and can weigh up to 18 pounds. These are the traditional Siamese breed that was first imported from Thailand.
As a genetically diluted Chocolate point, their coat is short and has the lightest coloring of all the Siamese cats. Everything about their coloring is soft and pastel. They have a pale pink undertone that is revealed in the pale pink shade of their paw pads and the lavender pink nose leather. Most of their fur includes cream and magnolia colors. A Lilac Point kitten is born with a pale colored coat and retains it throughout their life.
Then, of course, there are the distinctive lilac points and mask around the face. The difference is that Lilac Points have a silvery grey or frosty grey coloring, whereas Blue Points have slate grey colored points.
There are several other Siamese variations in terms of color. The Lilac Lynx Point Siamese cat has different coat markings. There are lilac rings that run from their cheeks, and legs and up through their tail. They are actually a combination of the Lilac Point and the Tabby cat.
Quick facts about Lilac Point Siamese Cats
- It is very unusual to find two Lilac Siamese cats that look the same. They have a slightly different shade of grey colored points. This characteristic adds to the unique charm of the Lilac point.
- A Lilac Point Siamese cat can live for at least 15 years which is quite a long lifespan for cats. This is great news for a cat owner that wants a companion for over a decade and perhaps even two!
- The Lilac Point is one of the most loyal of the cat breeds. They will often bond with one member of the family more than anyone else which is a trait seen more often in dogs.
- Lilac Points (and other Siamese cats) are very vocal! Their meow sounds very like a baby crying and humans find it impossible to ignore. They will vocalize to demand attention or food. This is thought to be a sign of how long they have lived with humans. They have learned how to get what they want!
Things you Should Know About Lilac Point Siamese Cats
Health
Cat owners will be pleased to hear that the Lilac point Siamese cat is generally a healthy breed. However, there are some conditions that it is more prone to. Here are some of the main ones to be aware of.
Mediastinal Lymphoma
Some lines of Lilac Point Siamese cats are prone to develop a type of cancer called lymphoma. They are most likely to get a lymphoma located in their chest which is called mediastinal lymphoma. The cancer is actually located in the space between the pleural sacs in the lungs. Symptoms include a cough, open mouth breathing (as the cat tries to get more breath into their body), a loss of appetite, and weight loss.
It is suspected that this cancer is found more often in cats that have been exposed to the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and to the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). A vet may need to carry out blood tests, x-rays and biopsies to make a diagnosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to improve quality of life but there is no cure.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
The retina is a layer of light sensitive cells that is located at the back of the eye. It collects the image and sends it to the brain via nerve impulses. In progressive retinal atrophy, the cells of the retina start to die. The retina stops working as it should and a cat’s eyesight starts to fail. At first, they may have impaired vision but it can result in complete blindness. There is no effective cure. It is a condition that needs to be managed to try to make the quality of life as good as possible.
Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma
This is a rapidly growing intestinal cancer that can cause a blockage quite quickly. As the food cannot pass through properly, it can result in vomiting and diarrhea and a rapid loss of weight. Surgery is needed to remove the original tumor. If it has spread to the local lymph nodes, chemotherapy will also be needed.
Pica and Vomiting
Siamese cats vomit more than many other cat breeds and experts have not yet discovered the reason for this. Also, some lines of Siamese cats like to eat things that are not actually edible. This is called pica and is found in other animals including humans. There are reports of Siamese cats eating woolen clothes and plastics.
Systemic Amyloidosis
A genetic mutation in some lines of Siamese cats results in a build up of a certain kind of protein in several organs. The build up in the kidneys and liver causes chronic kidney disease and liver disease. This can lead to poor appetite, weight loss, and lethargy.
Feeding
Your Lilac Point Siamese cat needs a balanced diet with plenty of protein. Cats cannot get all of the essential amino acids that they need from plant protein so they are called obligate carnivores. The source of protein can be chicken, lamb, beef or fish. Taurine is one of the amino acids that meat provides and it is essential for a cat’s heart health.
Cats need very little carbohydrate because they are able to burn protein to get energy. However, they do need fiber and a range of vitamins and minerals. Lilac Point Siamese cats can have sensitive stomachs and this can often be managed with the correct diet. They need at least 3% fiber in their diet and which will help with their digestion. They need minerals such as calcium for bone health and muscle movement and vitamins to help with immunity and many other body systems.
Lilac Points can eat dry or wet food but be careful about how much you feed them. Do not free-feed – always stick to a strict feeding schedule as they can be prone to obesity. When cats are overweight, it puts a strain on their joints and on all their other organs. As many Lilac Points are indoor cats they may not get a lot of exercise and may need fewer calories than an outdoors cat.
Care
Lilac point Siamese cats do not need any particularly special care. All cats need their basic needs to be met. This means that your Lilac Point will need a high quality diet and a constant supply of fresh water. Sometimes, it can be quite challenging to get your cat to drink enough water. Make sure that the water is changed several times a day or consider a water fountain.
Let your Lilac Point Siamese cat spend time with and around your family. They like to be with humans and may not be happy if the house is empty all day. They need a draught-free and comfortable place to sleep. A litter tray is also essential and needs to be constantly changed to keep it clean. Cats can be fussy about where they poop and pee!
As Lilac Point Siamese are one of the more expensive cat breeds, some owners like to keep them as inside cats so that they can keep an eye on them. However, you should still provide worm and flea treatment and speak to your vet about appropriate vaccinations.
Grooming
Lilac Points have short fur and will need very little in the way of grooming. However, you should brush your Lilac Point Siamese cat softly with a soft brush once a week. Also, check that their claws do not need trimming. If you notice that they are scratching sofas and carpets, you can get them a cat tree to practice using their claws on instead. This is more important if they are not allowed outside.
It is a good idea to get your Lilac Point Siamese kitten into the habit of having their teeth cleaned as part of their grooming routine. Start by letting them lick a small amount of toothpaste off your finger. Then try putting the toothbrush in your cat’s mouth. It can take two months for them to allow you to actually brush their teeth but it is worth it. Many cats suffer from dental disease. In fact, 70% of cats in the US have some sort of dental disease by the time they turn three years old. Infected gums contain bacteria that can travel to other organs of the body via the bloodstream and cause serious health issues.
Temperament
Lilac Point Siamese cats make great family pets. If you are already a cat lover, you will adore them and if you are not too sure about cats they will soon convert you to be a fan of felines. The Lilac Point’s charming facade hides a curious and playful personality. They are not freaky cats that can’t cope with human company. Quite the opposite. These cats tend to seek out humans and want to be with the family. The Lilac Point Siamese personality is very friendly!
This is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you will get a playful feline companion who wants to interact with you. On the other hand, they do need quite a lot of attention. You will need to make time in your daily schedule to play with them and keep them amused. You will also need to invest in plenty of interactive toys to keep them busy when you are not available.
A Lilac Point Siamese cat has loads of energy and will be happy living with children of all ages although very young children should always be supervised when interacting with any animal. They will even learn to love the family dog.
Sources:
- Siamese, International Cat Care
- Feline asthma: what you need to know, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
