Siamese Tabby Cat Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
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Mixing two cat breeds is always a dicey proposition. Will the kittens take after one parent breed more than the other, or will they become a new, unique thing? Will that totally unique thing be a cuddly kitty or a complete nightmare of a cat?
Fortunately, whoever took a chance by mixing a Siamese with a Tabby accidentally created greatness. These cats, also known as Tabby or Lynx Points, are as adorable as they are well-behaved, and they’d make a wonderful addition to any household.
The Earliest Records of Siamese & Tabby Cat Mixes in History
It’s not known for sure when this mix first came into existence, but it’s generally believed that they came onto the scene in the UK sometime in the early 1940s. As with many animal hybrids, it’s thought that the first litter of Tabby Points was probably unplanned.
As is often the case, though, this new and unique cat garnered quite a bit of attention, and many cat lovers were clamoring to get their hands on one. Breeders started to create as many Tabby Points as they could (on purpose this time).
While they’re still not as common as many other mixed breeds, Tabby Points have a dedicated following that continues to grow as more people realize how wonderful these little kitties can be.
How Siamese & Tabby Cat Mix Gained Popularity
Siamese and tabby mixes earned their popularity the old-fashioned way: by winning over converts one at a time.
The cat’s adorable appearance and affectionate personality make them incredibly likable, and it doesn’t take long for anyone who spends time with them to want one of their own.
Siamese cats have a loyal following of their own, so devotees of the breed were a natural fit for this mix. Siamese breeders capitalized on this new fascination, and they started pumping out Tabby Points as quickly as they could.
At that point, it was simply a matter of letting the cats win people over with their looks and personality.
Formal Recognition of Siamese and Tabby Cat Mix
Siamese and Tabby mixes began to be accepted by the Cat Fancier’s Association in the 1960s, but they were accepted under another name: Colorpoint Shorthairs.
At that time, though, the only color that was deemed acceptable was red. Through a seemingly endless succession of votes and meetings, other colors began to gain recognition as well, with Colorpoint Shorthairs only gaining full acceptance in 1980.
Regardless of what you call them, these cats have struggled to earn success in cat shows and other competitions. However, if you don’t care about titles or pedigrees, you’ll find that these cats are some of the best pets on the planet—and that’s worth any number of grand champion trophies.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Siamese & Tabby Cat Mixes
1. These are People-Oriented Cats, Almost to a Fault
Tabby Points love to be around their humans, and if you’re home, you’ll likely find them snuggled up next to you (or demanding that you pet them). While this is both fun and flattering, it can also lead to behavioral problems.
The issue is that these cats have terrible separation anxiety. They don’t do well when left at home alone, so if you can’t be home much, you should either get them a friend, have someone check in on them throughout the day, or adopt a different breed.
The other option is to come home to a depressed cat that spent the whole day destroying all your stuff.
2. They’re Easy to Train
If you’ve ever wanted a cat that you could teach to do tricks, the Tabby Point is a great choice. These are supremely intelligent cats, and they can quickly pick up all sorts of behaviors if you have the time and patience to teach them.
Even if you don’t want to train them, you can have a blast playing games with them, as they need plenty of mental stimulation and will reward you if you challenge them intellectually.
3. They Have Long Lifespans
The average lifespan for one of these cats is anywhere between 15 and 20 years, although it’s not unheard of for them to live much longer than that.
How long they live will depend on various factors, of course, including the quality of the diet that they’re given and how much exercise you provide. Regardless, don’t get one of these cats unless you’re willing to commit for the long haul.
Does the Siamese and Tabby Cat Mix Make a Good Pet?
Siamese and Tabby mixes are fantastic pets, and they’re possibly the perfect kitty for people who don’t like cats.
They’re affectionate and playful, and they don’t require much in the way of grooming. As long as you’re willing to provide them with plenty of attention, you’ll have a pet who worships the ground that you walk on.
They do have their fair share of health problems, more so than you’d expect from a mixed breed. However, as long as you take good care of them, you shouldn’t have to worry about spending too much on vet bills.
Final Thoughts
Although they’re not as well known as either of their parent breeds, Siamese Tabby mixes are just as wonderful. These cats are born lovers, and they’ll happily spend every one of their days curled up in your lap, soaking up affection.
It may be a bit of a chore to find one, though, as they still haven’t caught on in popularity to the extent that they deserve. That seems likely to change in the future, as more people realize what wonderful pets they can be.
They go by many names, but regardless of what you call them, a Siamese and Tabby mix is likely to become one of your favorite breeds.
Featured Image Credit: Seattle Cat Photo, Shutterstock
