Why Do Siamese Cats Get Darker? (4 Reasons Why!)

Do you have a Siamese cat? You may have noticed its coat getting darker over time. There is a simple genetic reason for this.

Why do Siamese cats get darker? Siamese cats carry a gene for a temperature-sensitive form of tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes pigment. It works in cooler parts of the body, so the face, ears, paws and tail turn dark. Cooler conditions and age can make more of the coat darken.

Below are the main reasons a Siamese darkens, what you can and can't change, and answers to common questions.

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4 Reasons Why Your Siamese Cats Get Darker

Temperature

Temperature is the main reason. The Siamese pattern comes from a mutation in the tyrosinase gene that makes the enzyme temperature-sensitive.

Research on the same kind of mutation shows the enzyme fails at normal core body temperature but can make pigment at cooler temperatures. That is why the cooler "points" (face, ears, paws and tail) are dark while the warmer body stays pale.

Cats that spend time in a cool environment may grow darker fur, because their skin is cooler when new hair grows.

Hair that regrows on a shaved patch, such as after surgery, often comes in darker because the bare skin is cooler. It usually lightens again after the next shed.

Diet and Health

A Siamese needs a complete, balanced cat food like any other cat. Poor nutrition and illness can affect coat quality and color.

If you feed your cat vegetarian food, this could be the cause of serious nutritional problems. Cornell notes that cats are obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found only in animal products.

If your cat's coat changes color suddenly or unevenly, see your vet.

Old Age

Siamese kittens are born pale. In the warm womb, the enzyme can't make much pigment, so the points develop gradually after birth.

As Siamese cats age, their body coat usually darkens too. Older cats often lose some of their contrast between body and points.

The Sun

Some owners think strong sun is one of the reasons why your Siamese cat looks different, with dark points turning slightly reddish or faded. There is little research on this, so treat it as a minor factor.

Light-colored cats can sunburn, especially on the ears and nose, so shade is a good idea anyway. Ask your vet about sun protection; don't use human sunscreen on your cat without their advice.

How To Stop Your Siamese Cat From Getting Darker?

You can't stop it. Darkening is built into the Siamese genes and is a normal part of aging.

It isn't a health problem, so there is no need to try to prevent it.

Keep Them Warm

Keeping your cat indoors in a comfortable home is good for its health. It may also slow seasonal darkening a little.

Don't put clothes on your cat to change its coat color; most cats don't need them and many find them stressful.

Feed Them Healthy Foods

Feed a complete and balanced cat food and keep your cat at a healthy weight. Play every day for exercise.

A good diet supports a healthy coat, but it won't stop normal darkening.

Limit Their Sun Exposure

Give your cat shady spots and don't let it bake in strong sun for hours, especially if it has pale ears or a pale nose.

What Age Do Siamese Cats Stop Changing Color?

There is no fixed age. Siamese cats tend to keep darkening gradually throughout life.

Do Siamese Cats Change Color During Summer?

Cats in warmer conditions may grow slightly lighter fur, because the enzyme is less active in warmer skin. The change shows up as new hair grows in.

Do Siamese Cats Get Darker When They Get Older?

Yes. Most Siamese cats darken with age. Like other cats, some also get a few gray hairs in old age.

Color is not a reliable way to tell a cat's age, though. Ask your vet if you need an age estimate.

Do Siamese Cats Get Darker In The Winter?

They can. In cooler conditions, more of the skin is cool enough for the enzyme to work, so new fur may grow in darker.

Why Are Siamese Kittens Lighter Than Adults?

The womb is warm and stable, which keeps the enzyme from making much pigment. After birth, the cooler points start to darken first.

Can Siamese Cats Change Color From Dark To Light?

Yes, a little. New fur that grows in warmer conditions can be lighter, but most Siamese still become darker overall as they age.

Conclusion

Siamese cats get darker because their pigment enzyme only works in cooler parts of the body. Cold weather, shaved patches and age all make more of the coat darken.

This is normal. If your cat's coat changes suddenly or comes with other signs of illness, see your vet.

Source: petskb.com, cathealth.com, pets.thenest.com

Sources

• A tyrosinase gene missense mutation in temperature-sensitive type I oculocutaneous albinism, PubMed Central (NIH)
• Temperature sensitive oculocutaneous albinism associated with missense changes in the tyrosinase gene, PubMed Central (NIH)
• Feeding Your Cat, Cornell Feline Health Center