The Colourpoint Shorthair was derived from efforts to produce a cat with red point colour, a non-traditional colour for Siamese.  These breedings also produced tortie points and blue cream points.

In the early 1960's, breeders also did experimental breedings to bring the tabby or lynx point gene into their breeding program.  These new colours were voted down by the Siamese breeders.  They felt the introduction of cats other than Siamese made these cats hybrids.  In 1964 these colours were accepted as a new breed - the Colourpoint Shorthair.

The CPSH is a long-bodied, fine-boned, leanly muscular cat with long, slender legs and a whip-like tapering tail.  The wedge-shaped head has a long, straight nose, almond-shaped, slightly slanted eyes and large pointed ears.

The soft, fine coat is easy-care.  The body colour is pale with contrasting solid colour or tabby pattern on the points (the mask, ears, legs & tail).

The CPSH displays all the characteristics of the Siamese.  They have a capacity to be extra-affectionate, extra-noisy, extra-demonstrative, extra-active and extra-playful.  They have been credited with great intelligence and are ideal pets for those who are prepared to give and receive a lifetime of devotion.