Point coloration refers to animal coat coloration with a pale body and relatively darker extremities, i.e. the face, ears, feet, tail, and (in males) scrotum. It is most recognized as the coloration of
Siamese and other breeds of
cat, but can be found in rabbits as well. Point coloration is a form of partial
albinism resulting from a
mutation in
tyrosinase, an enzyme involved with
melanin production. The mutated enzyme is heat-sensitive; it fails to work at normal body temperatures, but becomes active in cooler areas of the skin. As a result, dark pigment is limited to the coldest areas of the body, that is, the extremities. Pointed
kittens are born white, since there is little temperature difference in the womb. As the kitten ages, the cooler areas darken while warmer areas remain cream to white in color. Points are not limited to solid colors or dark colors. It is possible to have a red (orange color) or fawn (pale warm gray) point. It is also possible to have a
tortoiseshell or
tabby point. If the points are not black or at least very dark, the coloration is called colorpoints.
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