The Cameo was regarded as a delicious accident for a great many years, but towards the end of the 1950s, the breed was formally registered in the United States. The formula for creating Cameos turned out to be extraordinarily straightforward, with kittens of consistent coloring appearing in the first hybridization. Apart from Red and Cream Cameos, there are Blue Cream and Tortoiseshell variations.
There are two levels of color tipping to the fur. In the Shell Cameo, color is restricted to the very tips of the fur to give a soft sheen like mother of pearl. The Shaded Cameo has heavier tipping, and normally occurs in the first crosses between a Chinchilla and a Red or Cream cat.
In all Cameos, the undercoat should ideally be as white as possible with the tips shading to red or tortoiseshell in the Red series, and shading to cream or blue cream in the Cream series. The deepest intensity of color is most defined on the mask, along the spine from the head to the tip of the tail and on legs and feet. The light points occur on the frill, flanks, undersides and ear furnishings.
A Persian Red Shell Cameo has fur that is tipped at the very ends to give a shimmering effect.
| coat | thick, dense, silky, full frill at neck and shoulders |
| eyes | large, round, deep orange or copper |
| grooming | demanding, thorough, daily |
| temperament | placid |
Cameo Persian Cat
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