Siamese Cats are one of the oldest and most well-known cat breeds in the world. You may be wondering why they are so popular, or you might want one as a pet.
Whatever the case, this guide will certainly come in handy! So read on and discover what makes Siamese cats special!
What Do Siamese Cats Look Like?
The Siamese cat breed, affectionately called Meezers, is known for its good looks, which is why they get lots of attention at cat shows.
Size and Shape
These cats are small to medium-sized, with an elongated, muscular body and a wedge-shaped head. The face is quite triangular. They have a long neck and a slender tail.
The legs of the cat are long and slim, with the back legs being slightly longer. The ears are pretty large and deep. They are also triangular, but with rounded tips.
Coat & Point Coloration
The Siamese cat’s coat is soft, short, and glossy with a fawn or cream color. The unique pattern on their ears, face, paws, and tail is called ‘point coloration’ and is one of their most distinguishing features.
The color points include lilac, blue, seal, and chocolate. The color of the color points depends on the ancestry of the cat.
Siamese kittens are born with a mostly white coat. After birth, the cooler areas of their body begin to darken. This is why the points, being the coolest parts of their body, display distinct colors.
Eyes
These cats have almond-shaped blue eyes with a slight slant.
Personality of the Siamese Cats
Now that we’ve established what these cats look like, let’s dive into their nature and disposition!
Intelligent & Trainable
These cats are highly intelligent, making them quick learners and easily trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement.
Sociable
They are also very social animals that crave companionship and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
Siamese cats can form strong bonds with their families. They are known to be affectionate and enjoy human interaction.
Talkative and Playful
Siamese cats are often described as being communicative and vocal. They have a loud and distinctive meow that they use to get their owner’s attention.
They are also known to be very active and playful, often engaging in games of fetch and chasing toys around the house.
The History Of The Siamese Cat Breed
The story of these felines starts in Southeast Asia, specifically the nation formerly known as Siam, now called Thailand. Back in the 14th century, these cats were treasured by those in power.
The Cat-Book Poems
These cats were so adored that they were often depicted in ancient manuscripts, known as the Tamra Maew, or ‘The Cat Book Poems.’
These manuscripts were written during the Ayutthaya empire, sometime between 1351 and 1767. The writings showed how these cats were perceived.
They were a symbol of good fortune and protected their human companions not only in life but also in the afterlife.
Popularity Boom
In the late 1800s to early 1900s, Siamese cats made their way to other parts of the world. They were given as gifts to diplomats and visitors and began to be displayed at cat shows, including the first-ever one in Crystal Palace in 1871.
The first Siamese cat in the U.S was a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes from the American Consulate in Bangkok.
Over the years, breeders selectively bred cats with desirable traits, such as slender bodies and triangular faces. The new and old versions of these cats are considered different breeds by cat fanciers, with the traditional Siamese now called ‘Thai‘ cats.
Crossed Eyes and Kinked Tails
Legends say that these cats were chosen to protect royal treasures. Because they were so focused on their task, their eyes became permanently crossed, and they held the treasures so tightly with their tails that they developed kinks.
Of course, we now understand that these traits are passed down through their DNA. These characteristics used to be more common among the breed. Selective breeding has made these quirky features less common.
Caring For Your Meezer: What It Needs
Siamese cats are generally easy to care for, but they do have certain needs that should be met by their human companions.
Grooming
Coat: Groom their coat weekly to remove loose hair and reduce shedding.
Dental Health: Brush their teeth every day to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
Claws: Trim their claws every so often to reduce damage to your furniture.
Nutrition
Provide Siamese cats with high-quality cat food rich in protein. There should be an adequate amount of meat in their diet.
Consult your vet to discuss portions and meal times. Cats at different life stages have different nutrition needs.
Physical and Mental Stimulation
These cats are quite playful and active. Thus, they need to expend their brain power and stretch their muscles.
Provide them with opportunities for interactive play. Give them puzzle toys, window perches and cat trees to alleviate any possible boredom.
Provide them with exercise, including supervised outdoor time. Give them opportunities to explore new things and places.
Attention
These cats are quite affable and require attention. They need human interaction and cannot be left alone for too long.
It’s not as if you have to shower them with attention all the time, but they need to be shown affection. You must dedicate some time to play or groom them.
Health Concerns for Siamese Cats
Siamese cats are generally healthy cats and can live up to two decades. However, they are prone to a few health concerns that potential owners should be aware of.
Respiratory Issues: One common issue is respiratory infections due to their brachycephalic skull shape.
Dental Issues: Siamese are prone to periodontal disease and should have their teeth checked regularly.
Heart Issues: Congenital heart defects and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which can lead to serious health issues if not monitored.
Psychogenic Alopecia: Excessive grooming can cause hair loss.
A Legacy of Cat Breeds With Siamese Ancestry
The Siamese breed has played an important role in the creation of several other domestic cat breeds. These cats have passed on their distinctive traits to their descendants, including genetic mutations. Some of these breeds include:
Himalayan
Burmese
Balinese (Long-haired Siamese)
Tonkinese
Ragdoll
Colourpoint Shorthair (including Lynx Point Siamese)
Final Thoughts
Siamese cats tend to make wonderful pets. They are laid-back and get along well with humans and other pets. They shed less and don’t require too much grooming.
It’s important to give them proper attention and monitor their diet and health. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if you have any concerns or queries regarding your cat.
