Seychellois

Overall description of the breed

The Seychellois, an elegant and distinct feline breed, takes its name from the beautiful Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean, which have inspired its exotic charm. This breed was born from the desire to combine the unique appearance of the Siamese with the bicolor coat of the British Shorthair. Its history is a fusion of characteristic traits from these two beloved breeds.

The history of the Seychellois begins in the 1980s when two French breeders, Patricia Turner and Michelle Berthier, set out to create a new breed by crossing Siamese and British Shorthairs. The goal was to preserve the slender silhouette and colored points of the Siamese while introducing the bicolor coat of the British Shorthair. The result of their efforts emerged as cats with short and silky coats, distinctive colored points, and a marked contrast.

The ancestors of the Seychellois are the Siamese and British Shorthairs, two cat breeds with well-defined characteristics. Siamese cats are known for their colored points, piercing blue eyes, and chatty personality. British Shorthairs, on the other hand, are valued for their dense coat and robust appearance. The crossing of these two breeds gave rise to the Seychellois, which combines the best characteristics of each breed.

The morphology of the Seychellois reflects a harmony between the traits of the Siamese and the British Shorthair. This cat displays an elegant and well-proportioned silhouette with fine, muscular legs. The coat is short, soft, and shiny, with colored points on the ears, muzzle, legs, and tail. The contrast between the white coat and the colored points is one of the most striking features of the Seychellois.

The colors of the Seychellois vary depending on the colored points. Traditional point colors include chocolate, seal, lilac, and blue. These colors are often accompanied by a white coat that creates a striking and unique contrast. This combination gives the Seychellois a dynamic and elegant appearance, reminiscent of the exoticism of the islands that inspired its name.

The personality of the Seychellois is largely influenced by its Siamese ancestors. These cats are known for their social nature, expressive vocalization, and closeness to humans. Seychellois cats are often described as intelligent, curious, and interactive. They enjoy playing, exploring their environment, and engaging in lively conversations with their owners.

The average weight of a Seychellois generally ranges between 3 and 5 kg (6.5 to 11 lbs), depending on size and individual genetics.

Regarding official recognition, the Seychellois is recognized by feline organizations such as the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) and The International Cat Association (TICA). FIFé recognized the Seychellois in 2003 and established breed standards for its distinctive appearance and characteristics. TICA also recognized the Seychellois a few years later and provides it with the opportunity to shine on the feline exhibition stage.

In conclusion, the Seychellois embodies the enchanting spirit of the islands that inspired it. Its exotic beauty, social personality, and striking colors make it a favorite among enthusiasts of unique feline breeds. Thanks to the efforts of breeders and recognition by global feline organizations, the Seychellois has found its place in the world of purebred cats, offering a unique experience to those who welcome it into their homes.