Yes and no. The Siamese cat’s coloration system functions in a complicated way. Although you cannot find an all-black Siamese cat, the breed can technically acquire the said color until a specific and common intervention occurs within his body and this takes place in just a matter of time.
If you are looking for a black Siamese cat, the one you will end up with is a Siamese who has color points. This means he will only be black visually on certain areas like the face, tail, legs, and ears which are also known as the extremities. To save yourself from confusion and dodge away unscrupulous breeders who try to make huge financial gains by selling “rare black Siamese cats”, this article is for you.
Understanding the Himalayan Gene
Also known as the pointed gene, the Himalayan chromosome is the one that causes the Siamese breed to have pointed coats. Due to this present genetic code, the Siamese cat is subjected to partial albinism and is highly heat sensitive. When the cat’s body temperature reaches over 95° F, the development of the whole fur’s color is totally restricted. However, if the warmth drops, the gene allows the concoction of the pigment assigned. This explains why the chest, stomach, and torso are paler than the rest of the cat’s body.
What is shown below is a Siamese cat who is supposed to be black in coat color. But, the Himalayan gene made the majority of his body go lighter.
When a Siamese cat is born, its fur is all white thanks to its mother’s warm womb. The coat’s color points then gradually show after 2 or 3 weeks of being in the outside world. Due to the difference in temperature regarding several areas in the Siamese cat’s bodies, the edges would typically look dark. It takes time as well before you can ultimately determine the cat’s hues whether it be brown, cream, lilac, blue, orange, or seal.
Another thing to also know about is that the Himalayan gene is a recessive one. Since Siamese cats have this within themselves and are passed on continuously from parents to offspring, having color points have become their identifying trait.
Seal Point Siamese- A Technically Black Cat
If you really are after a fully black Siamese cat, the Seal Point Siamese would be the right fit for you. He is genetically black but the particular heredity unique to the breed messes up the way his coat color should be expressed in his entire body. As a result, appearance-wise, your preference for a black cat will not be exhibited by this particular Siamese.
Due to the presence of the said Himalayan gene, the Seal color of the cat is not developed fully in select body parts. However, if this gene is absent from the body, it is to be expected that the feline will be totally black! Unfortunately, if that is the case, the cat will not be deemed a Siamese at all. You can’t get it both ways, it seems!
If you go for the Seal Point Siamese, try to observe how its fur goes darker as he transitions slowly from kittenhood to adulthood. It is a truly mesmerizing feature distinctive to the Thai cat breed.
What Black Cat Is Similar to the Siamese?
Since no Siamese cat can possibly acquire a full black appearance, looking for other options such as adopting a black Oriental Shorthair would be a better choice rather than wasting your time looking for a breeder to breed your desired cat. If you ever come across someone who offers black Siamese cats, the actuality behind it is that the feline is of Oriental descent.
Below is an image showing what an Oriental Shorthair looks like.
The Oriental cat shares a similar genetic makeup as the Siamese cat only that he does not carry with him the recessive Himalayan gene. This simply means that he can be wholly black and dark as you like. Finding a black Oriental can be quite difficult as he is rare, but finding one would be worth the trouble. He is at the same price range as the Siamese cat and he is available in practically any color such as the following:
How Much Is a Black Siamese Cat?
If you mean the Seal Point Siamese cat, then the price would be $1,200 from a reputable breeder. A show-quality Siamese is far more expensive since he technically passes all breed standards and the cost may start at $2,500. There can be an increase or decrease regarding the fees as several factors are considered by breeders. The age, quality, demand, and breeder’s reputation are just some of the influential elements regarding cat price.
Meanwhile, if you mean to ask about the black Oriental cat whom you have mistaken as a Siamese, the price ranges from $600 to $1,000. The show-quality one can be up to $3,000.
Can a Mixed Siamese Cat Be All Black?
It is possible, but achieving the desired outcome is not only uncertain but also difficult. When you breed a Siamese cat with another type of black feline, you do not have the guarantee that the kittens will only acquire the black fur from the other breed and the rest of the features the Siamese cat has. The offspring has a tendency of not looking and acting like the Siamese breed.
However, if you breed a black Oriental Shorthair with the Seal Point Siamese. There is a chance that at least one or two kittens in the litter will be fully black. This breeding program can get tedious and would require a huge and lengthy effort. Even with the right parents, you will still have no assurance whether or not you will achieve your desired outcome.
To save you from getting yourself into all avoidable hassles, simply opt to have the pure black Oriental considering that he is almost the same as the Modern Siamese in several aspects as well as in appearance.
17 Other Breeds of Cats That Have Black Coats
Aside from the Oriental Shorthair, you can also look upon various other cat breeds that can have black coats in replacement to your first pursuit which is to go after a “black Siamese cat”. Here are a few which you can consider:
- Siberian Cat
- Turkish Angora
- American Bobtail
- Japanese Bobtail
- Exotic Shorthair
- Scottish Fold
- American Shorthair
- American Curl
- Selkirk Rex
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Maine Coon
- Devon Rex
- Cornish Rex
- British Shorthair