The Siamese cat is most famous for having beautiful blue eyes, but they also have highly social and playful personalities. They’re almost dog-like in their loyalty and trainability, providing families with years of affection and companionship.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!These blue-eyed, chocolate Siamese originated in Thailand known as Siam, which sits in the heart of Southeast Asia between Cambodia and the Laos border. (The word “Siamese” also refers to the people Of Thai.
Pet owners will of course enjoy the antics of their Siamese cat, but the breed does come with a predisposition for health problems because of their asthma also known as allergic bronchitis. Learn more about the distinctive Siamese cat.
Siamese Breed Overview
OTHER NAMES: Applehead, Old-style Siamese, classic Siamese, sandy, smokey
PERSONALITY: outgoing, affectionate, highly social
WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
LENGTH: About stand 28-30cm tall
COAT LENGTH: Short hair and long hair
COAT COLORS: seal point, chocolate point, blue point, lilac point
COAT PATTERNS: Bicolor, color point
EYE COLOR: blue eyes, paler, grayer shade of blue
LIFESPAN: 15 to 18 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: yes
ORIGIN: Thai as Thailand
Siamese Cat Characteristics
Siamese cats are friendly and smart, and they love to hunt. They are known to capture rodents and insects with precision, but their hunting instincts don’t translate to an aggressive temperament toward humans.
These cats are excellent jumpers, which may make for some frustration, but remember the Siamese cat’s playful nature is a gift. The Siamese cat has a wonderful personality and makes a great, affectionate addition to any family.
| Affection Level | Top-notch |
| Friendliness | Top-notch |
| Kid-Friendly | Top-notch |
| Pet Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Vocalize | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the Siamese Cat
Siamese cats entered history in the 19th century BC. Back then, English speakers used the word “Sandy, smoky, Baily” to refer to odd-looking cats. A popular choice for farmers looking to limit rodent populations, Siamese cats still occupy the Thai today.
Folktales and myths surround the Siamese history, too. Two Siamese cats, one male, and one female were left to guard a sacred golden cup once used by the Buddha. Another: Siamese cats were frequently spotted in temples and royal homes since legend has it that they ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to their owners. Some believed that any cat in close contact with a Siamese could pass along the tail and mouth appearance to their kittens. In actuality, this arises from a genetic mutation.
In 1884, he gave his sister Lillian a present when he brought Pho and Mia, the first Siamese, to the UK. In 1885, Kalahom, Karomata, and Duen Ngai, their litter, were first displayed at the Crystal Palace cat show. Despite their early deaths following the presentation, additional Siamese were brought into the nation.
Siamese Cat Care
siamese cats need care that’s typical of any domestic breed: a moderate amount of exercise and a regular grooming routine. Knowing your cat’s needs makes caregiving straightforward and effective.
Exercise
The Siamese cat’s exercise needs aren’t major, but they benefit from 30 to 60 minutes of designated playtime daily to satisfy their playful nature. Like many cats, the Siamese loves to run and climb, so providing plenty of play opportunities will keep them happy. Remember how well they can jump? You’ll want to give them something high to aim for.
siamese are natural hunters, so they’ll be engaged by small plush toys that mimic trapping and retrieving. but their keen senses and quick reflexes make them effective predators.
Grooming
Daily—or at once or twice weekly—brushing is essential to limiting a Siamese cat’s shedding. A longhaired Siamese will require more intensive grooming than a shorthaired Siamese, but a regular brushing schedule is important, no matter the coat length.
Siamese cats are prone to shedding, particularly in the spring and fall.
Siamese Common Health Problems
Siamese cats’ common health problems often
Asthma: Siamese cats are more prone to developing asthma, as well as overweight kitties.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in some Siamese bloodlines in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind over time
Hip dysplasia is a health condition that many cat breeds are susceptible to developing, including the Siamese
Cardiovascular disease: Siamese Cats can suffer from a variety of heart issues, but many are preventable through routine care.
Periodontal disease: Gum disease doesn’t just affect humans! Cats often suffer from tooth and gum problems, just like we do. And Siamese cats are prone to developing gingivitis
Kidney disease: Waste materials from the blood are filtered into the urine by the kidneys of cats. Kidney illness in Siamese may be brought on by infections.
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the cells in the immune system .siamese cats are prone to developing lymphoma
Progressive disease Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a common genetic disease in Siamese cats, and Appleheads are no exception.
Pancreatitis Inflammation of the pancreas is a defining feature of pancreatitis. The pancreas, a sizable organ located beneath the stomach, is responsible for producing many hormones and digesting enzymes in Thai cats.
Siamese Appearance
The appearance of the Siamese cat is their trademark: a blue or grayer shade of blue eyes.
Siamese Cats are a small to medium-sized breed of cat with well-defined slender aristocratic features. Typically, a Siamese cat’s hind legs are longer than its front legs, creating a round appearance. There are two main types of Siamese cats: the traditional kind, which has a little fat body and a rounded head (not as rounded as the later American Apple-head mix); and the contemporary type, which is extremely thin and has a wedge-shaped head.
Siamese have small noses, and large eyes and ears. Their eyes are usually a variation of a blue color.
Siamese cats can have either long or short hair, and fur is short, soft, and silky. The most common colors are seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac,
Siamese cats have long, thin frames with strong bodies that are slim. He is easily recognized because of his long, slender limbs and tails as well as his highly contrasted colorpoint pattern. His colorpoint coats, which have darker, masquerade-like fur near the face, ears, legs, and tail, create the appearance of mystery.
The Siamese cats may shed less than other breeds, but they’re hypoallergenic. (low to medium cat is truly hypoallergenic.)
Siamese Diet and Nutrition
Like all cats, the Siamese requires a balanced diet of protein, vitamins and minerals, fats, and water. Their cat food should include fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids to keep the short and soft coat Siamese coat healthy. Amino acids are essential for vision and heart health, and fiber is necessary for digestion and weight control.
A Siamese cat does well on wet or dry commercial cat food, especially when meat is the first ingredient. Wet food may need to be warmed up, as Siamese cats are not fond of chilled meals. Siamese cats should not be given cow’s milk, as lactose can build up in the intestines and cause digestion problems.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Siamese Cat
You may be able to find a purebred Siamese cat through a breeder in your area or through a shelter or adoption agency. A Siamese kitten’s cost might vary depending on the breeder, the cat’s location, and its quality. A Siamese kitten may normally be purchased for $300 to more than $1,200 on Average. Some may even come close to $2,500.
( the Balinese began as a natural mutation of the Siamese breed and is virtually the same cat but has a medium-length silky coat and a distinctly plumed tail, it is also known as the purebred long-haired Siamese.)
Types of Siamese Cats
- “Seal point” Siamese cat with dark brown points.
- “Chocolate point” Siamese cat with lighter brown points, closer to the color of milk chocolate.
- “Bluepoint” Siamese cat with gray/blue points.
- “Lilac point” Siamese have the palest points. Their points are light gray, sometimes almost pink-tinted.
These four categories are only variants of a theme; they all have essentially the same personality. The Siamese are the ancestors of several different breeds, including the Oriental, Balinese, Tonkinese, and Havana Brown.
Siamese Cat Overview
The blue-eyed Siamese cat makes for an excellent pet. Their playful nature, sociability, and intelligence are compatible with all families. Before adopting or buying a Siamese cat, be aware of potential health issues related to genetics or other issues.
Pros
- Active, playful breed
- Great mouser
- Intelligent, highly trainable
Cons
- Predisposed to allergic problems
- Likes high perches, might jump up to shelves, tables, or counters
- Needs consistent grooming
More Cat Breeds and Further Research
When determining if the Siamere cat is right for you, be sure to research all aspects of the breed and consult other Siamere cat owners, breeders, and rescue groups for more information. Similar cats include:
- Himalayan Cats
- Devon Rex Cats
- Cornish Rex Cats
- Munchkin Cats
FAQ
- Are Siamese cats rare?
Siamese cats aren’t rare, per se, but they aren’t as common as domestic breeds you can find in the United States. and many other European and Asian countries.
- Why are Siamese cats so special?
Siamese cats are friendly, playful, intelligent, and loyal. They make for great companions and are well-suited for families with children.
- Can I find a Siamese cat at a shelter?
While the most reliable way to find a Siamese is through a breeder, some shelters may have Siamese cats up for adoption. Some rescues specialize in blue-eyed cats.