Seychellois

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• GroomingWeekly brushing

  A weekly brush keeps shedding under control.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Perfectly happy indoors — add vertical space to climb.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment13–17 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Progressive retinal atrophy · Dental issues · Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The Seychellois was created in Britain in the 1980s by Patricia Turner, who crossed Siamese with tortoiseshell-and-white Persians and bred back to Oriental type. The aim was to reproduce the piebald colourpoint cats described on the Seychelles islands. FIFe recognises it in three grades by how much white the cat carries, from a mostly coloured cat with white feet to an almost entirely white one with a coloured mask and tail. Both shorthaired and longhaired varieties exist. Underneath the coat it is a Siamese in every behavioural sense. Seychellois cats are extremely vocal, physically affectionate to the point of clinginess, and genuinely distressed by long hours alone. They are best kept in pairs, want to be involved in whatever you are doing, and respond well to clicker training and leash walks. They are not a good match for a household that is empty all day. Coat care is light: a weekly comb for the shorthair, twice weekly for the longhair, since neither has a woolly undercoat. Health follows the Siamese family. Choose a breeder who screens for progressive retinal atrophy and heart disease, be alert for amyloidosis in the line, and start dental care early, because this group is prone to periodontal disease well before old age.

• How much play does a Seychellois need?

  High. Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• How much grooming does a Seychellois need?

  Weekly brushing. A weekly brush keeps shedding under control.

• Is a Seychellois suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Perfectly happy indoors — add vertical space to climb.

• Is a Seychellois a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Seychellois live?

  13–17 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Seychellois?

  Keep an eye out for Progressive retinal atrophy, Dental issues, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!