Siamese Cats. Siamese cats information guide, including a breed profile on Siamese cats, typical Siamese cat behaviour, breed history, and links to other sites about Siamese cats.

SIAMESE CATS

Siamese cats are considered one of the oldest breeds of all our cats and the most popular of all pedigree cat breeds.

They are intelligent with an inquisitive personality and a loving nature. Siamese cats have sleek lines, striking colour contrast, finely chiselled aristocratic heads, deep blue almond eyes, and short silky coats.

Combine this beauty with intelligence, an inquisitive personality and a loving nature and you have the essence of the Siamese cat.

History

Siamese cats originated hundreds of years ago in Siam (now Thailand). They appeared in the West in the mid-to-late 1800s.These early cats were delicate and subject to health problems.

They had crossed eyes and kinked tails, thick, round heads and solid, muscular bodies that distinguish the traditional Siamese from today's show Siamese - characteristics now considered faults.

Traditional Siamese are purebred cats, descended from the original cats imported from Siam.

Today, there are two distinct varieties, one of which is the Traditional. Traditional Siamese cats are rare, though they seem to be making a comeback.

Description

There are two known body types for the Siamese - most cat fancy associations recognize only the first.


Modern Siamese is the cat type most frequently observed in cat shows. It is easy to distinguish by its svelte elongated silhouette and its wedged head shape.

Traditional (Apple-Head) Siamese are larger than the Modern (Show) Siamese, with a rounder head shape and a less extreme look.

The Traditional is much closer to the Siamese cat as it originally was.

All Siamese cats share the colourpoint pattern, where the cooler body parts (feet, tail, and face) are of a darker colour than the rest of the body.

Kittens are born without the dark markings and develop them throughout the first weeks of their lives.


The different colours accepted by all cat fancy associations are seal (dark brown), chocolate, blue, and lilac (light grey with a pink tinge).

Some associations also recognize red and cream point as Siamese, as well as the various combinations of tabby (lynx) or tortoiseshell point patterns. Other associations class these varieties as Shorthair Colourpoints and refer to them as a different breed.

Characteristics and Temperament

Modern (Show) Siamese have affectionate inquisitive personalities, although the Modern is likely to be more independent than the Traditional. Modern Siamese cats are House cats.

Traditional Siamese cats make extremely good pets being affectionate, intelligent, and full of personality. The variety is very robust, and generally has very few health problems. Traditional Siamese cats are House cats.

Overall, Siamese cats are calm, affectionate cats, typically healthy and long-lived - 15-20 years is average, and over 20 is not uncommon.

Special Needs

Siamese cats need relatively little grooming. Their close-lying coat can be gently brushed just once a week to remove dead hair.


This breed has several distinctive genetic faults, all of which are cosmetic and require no medical treatment. These include crossed eyes and a kinked tail. These faults are becoming more rare with time as breeders try to breed them out.