Pure Black Siamese Cats: Do They Exist?

There is no such thing as a pure Black Siamese cat. A genetic mutation that occurred in the breed prevents its coat from expressing any type of solid colour, including black. This phenomenon gives Siamese cats a unique colouring that ranges from deep brown to charcoal grey.

The Pure Black Siamese Cat is a myth.

Cat lovers frequently ask: “Are there any black Siamese cats?” All-black Siamese cats do not exist. The breed has a unique form of albinism that suppresses black colouration from fully appearing.

A special gene called the Himalayan gene in Siamese cats makes their hair follicles thermosensitive. Siamese cats have the mutant enzyme tyrosinase, which produces the pigment melanin at temperatures below 97°F (36°C). The mutated enzyme cannot work at temperatures above 102°F (39°C).

As a result, cooler areas of a Siamese cat’s body, such as her extremities like the face, tail, and legs, are darker in colour. Parts exposed to more heat will have lighter colouration.

The genetic mutation also causes a lack of pigmentation in both layers of their iris. It explains why all Siamese cats have striking blue eyes.

A Black Siamese Cat is not a solid black feline.

Seal Point Siamese cats are technically black cats. However, because of the Himalayan gene, melanin production in warmer parts of the body is hindered.

Thus, instead of possessing all-black fur, they have dark brown pigmented areas on their pale cream or white bodies. Out of all the breed’s coat colours, the seal point tends to be the darkest.

Let us take a look at other standard Siamese Cat colours to know how they differ from the seal point variety:

Chocolate Point Siamese Cats

These felines have an ivory-white base coat with cocoa-coloured points containing a slight pink undertone. They can be easily mistaken for seal points because of their close similarity in colour.However, if you look closely, the brown pigments of Chocolate Point Siamese cats have a slight pink undertone. It is a physical trait non-existent in the seal point variety.

Blue-Point Siamese Cats

They have a white or cream body with blue undertones. Darker pigmentations on their fur come in a slate grey colour or dark blue-coloured points.

Lilac-Point Siamese cats

These felines possess the lightest body colour in the breed. They have glacial white base coats adorned with pink or frosty grey-coloured points.It is important to note that all Siamese cats are born white regardless of their coat colour. A mother cat’s womb has a consistently warm temperature. Thus, the dark pigments of Siamese kittens’ coats cannot be expressed yet.

Once they are born, their extremities become exposed to cooler temperatures. After a few weeks, their coloured points will begin to show.

The Oriental is the closest breed to the mythical Pure Black Siamese cat.

Whilst a pure black Siamese cat does not exist, a breed that closely resembles it does. The Oriental breed has the same genetic makeup as the Siamese breed, minus the Himalayan gene. It means her fur can have a fully solid black colour.

The Oriental’s eyes have a deep green hue due to the absence of genetic mutation or alteration. On the other hand, Pointed Orientals typically have blue eyes.

White and bi-colour Orientals can have either blue or green eyes. Some are even born with odd eyes where one eye is blue and the other is green.

Personality-wise, the Oriental is just as outgoing as the Siamese cat. Both breeds are extroverted felines that can get along well with humans and pets. Oriental and Siamese cats are very vocal too. They will not hesitate to produce a variety of sounds whenever they are seeking attention.

All-Black Siamese cats are most likely mixed-breed felines.

Can Siamese cats be black? Siamese cats cannot be pure black. But solid black cats can be part-Siamese.

Black kittens resembling a Siamese cat can be produced by mating a Siamese with a black-furred feline like a black Oriental cat. Colour points in Siamese cats happen when the offspring receives two copies of the recessive gene from their parents. Those who did not inherit it obtain a solid black coat.

It is also possible for black cats with Siamese lineage to possess one copy of the Himalayan gene. If bred with a feline carrying the same recessive gene, the potential to create all-black part Siamese kittens will decrease.

That being said, many cat breeds and even regular household cats naturally possess black coats. Some breeders might try to pass off a different breed of the feline as part Siamese.

You might wonder: “How can I tell if my black cat is Siamese?” The most reliable method is to have your solid Black Siamese cat genetically tested.

Remember that full black colouration is impossible to produce in the breed. So, do not expect your pet to be a purebred Siamese cat. The ideal result would be a cross between a Siamese and a black cat.

Black Siamese cats are more common than you think.

Are black Siamese cats rare? Black Siamese cats are not particularly rare or hard to find. In fact, the Seal Point, which has the darkest colour, is one of the most classic and ancient Siamese cat colourations.

Cat enthusiasts interested in a Seal Point cat will have little difficulty finding one. However, if you are looking for a purebred, solid black Siamese cat, your search will be in vain. As we have said, they simply do not exist.

Shady breeders will take it as an opportunity to run scams. Cats with black fur of unknown lineage will be advertised as “Pure Black Siamese Cats For Sale.” Expensive prices are placed on them because they are marketed as rare felines.

For this reason, it would be a safer option to look for alternative breeds of purebred black cats. There are many to choose from, including the Bombay, Ragamuffin, and Persian cats. Take time to do your research about their personalities too. It helps you find the most suitable feline companion for you.