Siamese Cat Breed Facts and Information

The Siamese: The "Chatty Cathy" of Cats

Siamese Cat Facts - Siamese Cat History - Siamese Cat Appearance
Siamese Cat Personality -  Siamese Cat Grooming - Siamese Cat Health Problems
Is a Siamese Cat the Right Choice for You? - Siamese Cat Kitten Adoption
Siamese Kittens For Sale - Siamese Cat Breeders - Siamese Cat Rescue

Siamese Cat Facts

One of the oldest breeds of domestic cat, the Siamese is probably one of the most popular and easily recognized breeds in the world.  Sporting a cream or buff-colored body with striking darker colored points, these beautiful cats captivate any who have a flair for the exotic and the extravagant.  Wonderful companions for the family, the elderly, and for the single-human household, once you’ve had the good fortune to meet a Siamese cat, chances are you’ll never forget him.

The History of the Siamese Cat

Unlike many breeds of cat, the traditional (or Apple-headed) Siamese is what is known as a natural breed of cat - one that developed on its own, with no intervention from man.  His likeness has been found in written manuscripts dating back to somewhere between 1350 and 1700 but it’s likely that the breed is much older than this.  According to legend, these magnificent animals were used to guard the Buddhist temples and were only raised by the monks, therein.  The only others to raise Siamese cats were the royal family -  the Siamese cat was a sacred animal and, therefore, not for everyone. />
Many legends and tales surround the Siamese cat - there were stories to explain why the Siamese cat’s vivid blue eyes were usually crossed and why there was a kink in the end of his tail.  When the breed first made its way into the west, during the mid-to-late 1800’s, these were actually desired traits and were actually advertised as ways of authenticating that the Siamese was, indeed, a purebred.  Surely no proper Siamese cat would be born without such legendary qualities!

It was said that the crook in the Siamese cat’s tail developed as a means of holding his mistress’ rings while she bathed; the Siamese holding such a job in such high esteem that he forever kinked his tail so he would never lose the royal Princess’ rings.  Other tales say that a pair of Siamese cats were entrusted to watch over a golden goblet, once used by the Great Buddha.  When the temple monk disappeared and was gone for a long time, the male Siamese set out to search for a new monk, while the pregnant female stayed behind to guard the goblet.  So intently did she stare and squint at the goblet that her eyes became crossed and, even as exhaustion overtook her, she wound her tail tightly around the goblet so that none could steal it away.  So tightly did she wrap her tail around the goblet, that it became forever kinked.  Buddha, seeing how the little cat honored him so, was pleased and from that point on, the Siamese kittens she bore and all Siamese cats afterwards would bear the crossed eyes and kinked tail with Buddha’s blessing.

Through the years, however, the traits that the Siamese cat was once prized for, came to be known as faults and, through selective breeding, the crossed eyes and kinked tail were bred out of the Siamese breed.  Along with this selective breeding, the compact body and round apple-headed Siamese were almost bred out, with judges and breeders seeming to favor the tall and lanky wedge-headed Siamese cat.  Fortunately, some of the breeders were determined to maintain the traditional apple-head Siamese and have continued to breed and preserve the old-style cat, despite the change in trends.

Siamese Cat Appearance

The Siamese cat is a wonder to behold, whether you prefer the traditional apple-head variety or the more modern and svelte wedge-head Siamese.  Few people can look upon this breed and not instantly recognize him; famous the world over, it’s no wonder why these beautiful felines remain a popular favorite.

What few people realize is that the Siamese cat is actually born white, but that the “pointing gene” that he is born with is heat sensitive.  As the Siamese grows older, his colder extremities darken until he has the characteristic coloring of the breed.  Amusingly, however, they are genetically black cats - all of their color simply manifests at their pointed areas.

There are two styles of Siamese cat in existence: the traditional, or apple-headed, Siamese has a more compact, cobby body type, whereas the more modernized wedge-headed Siamese is long and lithe with a definite wedge-shape to his head.  The wedge-head has become more popular amongst show cats and breeders, though the traditional style has been making a comeback amongst those who prefer the Siamese as a pet.

Show Siamese are only recognized in four colors: the seal point, chocolate point, blue point and lilac point, though breeders have developed numerous other colors, such as the lynx or tabby-pointed Siamese.  While these may be of Siamese stock, they are recognized as shorthairs and not as show-quality Siamese.

Siamese Cat Personality and Temperament

 

There is no cat quite like the Siamese.  Known for his sometimes aloof and regal bearing, this beautiful cat is also known as one of the more vocal breeds of cat in the world.  Those who have had the good fortune of owning a Siamese will usually vouch that this unique breed literally “talks” to people.  They will vocalize when they are happy, when they are upset, when they play or even when greeting you at the door - they are the proverbial “Chatty Cathy” of the cat world.

The outgoing personality doesn’t end there, however.  In fact, the Siamese is a very open and well-behaved individual with other animals and children alike, provided he is raised in a household where he is acclimated to such things.  Rather than being nasty-tempered, if a Siamese is annoyed by rough puppy play or the grasping hands of a child, they are more likely to flick their tail and promptly remove themselves from their presence, rather than resorting to using paws or teeth. 

Siamese Cat Grooming Requirements

Care of your Siamese kitten is relatively easy.  A weekly brushing will help to remove any excess dead hairs, keeping hairballs to a minimum, and will help to remove any excess dander.  While the Siamese cat does shed fairly frequently, this weekly brushing will help keep it under control and prevent the majority of light buff hairs from transferring to all of your dark clothing.

Siamese Cat Health Concerns

An ancient breed, the Siamese is generally healthy and long lived. As with any purebred cat breed, care must be taken when selecting a breeder to ensure that the breeder is breeding responsibly by health testing cats prior to breeding to ensure than any genetic defects are not present which can be passed on to litters of kittens.

Health problems that can occur in the Siamese cat breed include, but are not limited to the following:

• Susceptible to respiratory infections and pneumonia

• Feline Megacolon

• Pancreatitis

• Kidney disease

• Premature tooth loss

• Some breathing problems

Is the Siamese the Right Cat Breed For You?

If you believe that a cat should be seen and not heard, the Siamese is definitely not the breed for you - very vocal, these cats can be downright demanding with their calls and this can grate on the nerves of any who do not appreciate a very vocal cat.  The Siamese is also a very friendly, people-oriented cat though he can be somewhat wary of strangers.  If you’re looking for a good family cat, chances are that you won’t find one much better than the classic Siamese.  Most who gaze into her crystal blue eyes fall captive to this beautiful and engaging little feline.