Snow Tiger cats, also known as Lynx Point Siamese and Balinese, captivate cat enthusiasts with their striking lynx color points and tiger-like markings. These elegant felines feature four popular lynx color points: Seal Lynx Point, Chocolate Lynx Point, Blue Lynx Point, and Lilac Lynx Point. Resembling miniature white Siberian tigers, Snow Tigers combine the short-haired Siamese body type with tabby-pointed patterns derived from Color Point Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair, and other breeds. Their cream or white bodies contrast beautifully with banded stripes on points, making lynx color points a hallmark of this hybrid breed. Whether you’re a breeder or pet owner considering a Snow Tiger, understanding these color variations ensures you appreciate their unique beauty and heritage.
Snow Tiger cat with lynx point markings
Close-up of lynx point Siamese fur pattern
Balinese Snow Tiger displaying color points
Seal Lynx Point Snow Tigers
Seal Lynx Pointed Siamese and Balinese cats exhibit excellent contrast with a light cream or off-white body and light chocolate-colored banding or striping on the four legs. The tail is either solid dark or ringed in dark chocolate nearing black, while the face features a mask of light black or brown tabby markings, with darker nose fur. Ears remain solidly dark, darkening further with age, yet maintaining clear contrast against the pale body. Nose leather is typically fully black or pink with a dark outline. In Balinese Snow Tigers, tabby markings often appear lighter due to their finer undercoat.
Seal Lynx Point Siamese kitten
Seal Lynx Point Balinese adult cat
These traits align with standards from registries like the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), emphasizing pale body tones free from extraneous patterns. Seal Lynx Points are foundational in Snow Tiger breeding, offering robust health and striking visuals prized by fanciers worldwide.
Chocolate Lynx Point Snow Tigers
Chocolate Lynx Pointed Siamese and Balinese boast a pure white body paired with dark beige or caramel striping on the legs. The tail displays solid dark brown or ringed brown patterns, and the face mask shows faint light brown tabby markings, often with cinnamon-colored nose fur. Ears are solid light brown, intensifying over time while preserving contrast with the white coat. Nose leather is pink with a darker outline, complemented by cinnamon freckles.
In Balinese varieties, lighter undercoats soften the tabby patterns further. This color point draws from Chocolate Point genetics, ensuring vibrant yet subtle appeal. Breeders note their affectionate nature, making them ideal family pets.
Chocolate Lynx Point Siamese profile
Blue Lynx Point Snow Tigers
Blue Lynx Point cats feature a white body with slate gray banding on the legs, a solid dark gray or black tail (solid or ringed), and faint gray tabby face masks. Nose fur tends toward light brown, with solid gray ears that darken with maturity. Nose leather is pink edged in thick dark outline, with brown freckles. Balinese Snow Tigers may show darker markings from their grayish-cream undercoat.
Blue Lynx Point Balinese in motion
This dilution of Seal Lynx genetics produces a softer, silvery look, popular for its elegant subtlety. According to Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) histories, such points trace back to early 20th-century tabby Siamese experiments.
Blue Lynx Point Siamese close-up
Lilac Lynx Point Snow Tigers
Lilac Lynx Points present the most delicate variation: a white body with very faint lilac striping on legs, solid or ringed lilac tail, and subtle lilac-grayish tabby face mask. Nose fur is light brown, ears solid lilac darkening on face and tail over time. Pink nose leather with dark outline pairs with lilac freckles, enhanced by pure white Balinese undercoats for lighter markings.
Lilac Lynx Point Siamese kitten
Lilac Lynx Point Balinese adult
Derived from diluting Chocolate and Blue, Lilac Lynx Points exemplify refined beauty in Snow Tigers.
Additional Lilac Lynx Point example
History and Development of Snow Tiger Lynx Points
The Snow Tiger name evokes the lynx-like stripes mimicking white Siberian tigers, applied to both short-haired Siamese and long-haired Balinese hybrids. Originating from Applehead Siamese crossed with Color Point Shorthair (CPSH) or Oriental Shorthair, their rise began in the 1960s. Early “tabby point Siamese” appeared in 1902 literature like Frances Simpson’s The Book of the Cat, gaining traction in 1940s Scotland as “silver point Siamese.”
Historical Color Point Shorthair image
GCCF recognized Tabby Point Siamese in 1966, laying groundwork for CPSH in solid, lynx, tortie, and bi-color patterns including Seal, Chocolate, Blue, Lilac, and more. CPSH standards mirror Siamese except for expanded colors, with pale bodies, solid ears (thumb print mark), and dominant tabby patterns.
Color Point Longhair (CPLH) shares identical traits minus coat length.
Temperament and Characteristics of Related Breeds
Snow Tigers inherit traits from CPSH, Oriental Shorthair, and Javanese. CPSH cats are affectionate, intelligent, vocal, and social, thriving with interactive owners. They adapt to dogs, fetch, and perch high for views.
CPSH temperament showcase
Oriental Shorthair, from ancient Thai origins, offers 300+ colors in solid, smoke, tabby, and bi-color. Medium-large with wedge heads, large ears, and muscular elegance, they live 12-15 years. Highly social, vocal, and dog-like in loyalty.
Javanese, a longhaired CPSH variant, features silky plumed coats in lynx and tortie points. Playful, intelligent, and people-oriented, they vocalize needs and excel with children.
Javanese Lynx Point example
Oriental Shorthair variety
Snow Tiger family photo
Caring for Lynx Color Point Snow Tigers
These cats demand minimal grooming due to lacking undercoats, but regular play prevents boredom-induced mischief. Provide elevated perches and quality nutrition for optimal coat contrast. Consult veterinarians for breed-specific health, as hybrids boast vigor from diverse genetics.
Snow Tiger grooming scene
Conclusion
Lynx color points define Snow Tiger Siamese and Balinese, blending Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac variations into stunning, tiger-esque felines. Rooted in CPSH, Oriental, and Javanese lineages, they offer affectionate temperaments, intelligence, and beauty. As popularity grows, seek reputable breeders for healthy kittens. Reserve your Snow Tiger today for a lifetime of companionship—consult CFA or TICA standards for authenticity.
References:
- Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) Breed Standards
- Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) Historical Records
- The Book of the Cat by Frances Simpson (1902)
- Encyclopedia of Cat Breeds by J. Anne Helgren (Barron’s Educational Series)
Breed showcase collage
Lynx point tail detail
Balinese undercoat example
Siamese Lynx Point adult
