With their brilliant blue eyes and striking coat pattern, the Siamese cat is a loyal and chatty companion with irresistible charm.
History and origins
The Siamese cat breed is one of the oldest and most recognisable in the world, with a history dating back to ancient Siam, now modern-day Thailand. Originating from the temples and royal households of Siam, these cats were highly regarded and revered. Depictions of Siamese-like cats can be found in ancient manuscripts like the ‘Tamra Maew’ (The Cat Book Poems) from the 14th century.
In ancient Siam, Siamese cats were considered sacred and often kept by royalty and Buddhist monks to guard the temples. They were believed to bring good luck and were sometimes used in religious rituals. The breed’s introduction to the Western world began in the late 19th century when the King of Siam gifted a pair of Siamese cats to an English Consul-General in Bangkok. These cats, named Pho and Mia, were brought to England, beginning the breed’s popularity in Europe. The first recorded appearance of a Siamese cat in Europe was at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in London in 1871, where they drew considerable attention due to their unique appearance compared to European cats of the time.
The first Siamese cat in the United States is said to have been given to First Lady Lucy Hayes (wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes) in 1878 by the American Consul in Bangkok. Subsequently, they began to gain recognition in the United States for their striking appearance and engaging personalities.
Early Siamese cats in the West often had a more rounded body and face compared to the modern, more slender and angular appearance. The breed standard has evolved significantly over the years due to selective breeding. There are now several varieties of the Siamese breed, including the traditional Siamese (also known as the ‘Applehead’ Siamese due to its rounder head) and the more modern, slender type known as the ‘Wedgehead’ Siamese.
Physical characteristics
Siamese cats are known for their striking and distinctive appearance. They have a sleek, muscular body with a long slender tail that gives them an elegant and agile look. Their coat is short, fine-textured, and lies close to their body, highlighting their graceful contours. One of their most iconic features is their colour points, where their ears, face, paws, and tail are a darker hue compared to the rest of their body. This striking contrast is due to a temperature-sensitive gene that causes pigment to develop in cooler areas, resulting in shades of seal, chocolate, blue, or lilac.
Their almond-shaped eyes are another captivating feature, and are typically a vivid blue colour that enhances their expressive face and adds to their mystique and charm. They have a wedge-shaped head with a straight profile, with large ears that are set at a slight angle. Overall, their sleek coat, unique colours, and mesmerising eyes make Siamese cats a symbol of feline beauty and grace. It’s no wonder they have captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide.
Siamese cat personality
Renowned for their affectionate and outgoing nature, Siamese cats thrive on human interaction and companionship. They form deep, lasting bonds with their humans, often choosing one person as their special companion while remaining friendly with other family members and pets. Their gregarious and playful demeanour makes them the life of the party, as they are naturally curious and like to stick their cute seal-point noses into everything.
Siamese cats are exceptionally intelligent and can be trained easily – to fetch and retrieve, walk on a leash, and perform basic tricks. With their persuasive personalities they are also masters at training their people to do exactly what they want.
Unlike cats that prefer solitude, Siamese cats are persistent and constantly seek human attention and affection. They are not shy and will actively seek out opportunities for interaction. They are known for their vocalisations and communicate in a distinctive, loud, and low-pitched voice, which has been likened to the cries of a baby. This is their way of engaging in conversations with their humans, making their presence known, and expressing their emotional needs. For those seeking an affectionate and talkative feline companion, the Siamese cat’s lively and engaging personality makes them an ideal choice for a devoted and interactive pet. However, if you are seeking a cat that prefers solitude and only seeks occasional attention, then the Siamese may not be the best fit for you.
Interesting facts
- Siamese cats are one of the oldest known cat breeds, with a history spanning over 700 years.
- The native Thai name for the Siamese cat is ‘Wichian Mat’, which translates to ‘Moon Diamond’ in English. Their beauty and elegance are said to resemble a diamond under the moonlight.
- Their distinctive colour points (darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail) of Siamese cats are a result of temperature-sensitive albino genes. The cooler areas of their bodies develop darker coloration, while warmer areas stay lighter. This genetic trait is unique to the Siamese and related breeds like the Balinese and Tonkinese.
- Siamese cats have appeared in various films, TV shows, books, and musicals, such as Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats.
- Many famous personalities, including US Presidents and celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe, have enjoyed the company of Siamese cats.
Caring for your Siamese cat
Love and attention are essential for ensuring a Siamese cat thrives in a new home. These cats need interactive toys and regular playtime to stay mentally and physically stimulated. Given their high energy levels and intelligence, Siamese cats also benefit from activities that challenge their problem-solving skills, such as puzzle feeders.
Grooming a Siamese cat is easy. Their fine, short coat only requires weekly brushing weekly to reduce shedding and maintain its sleek appearance.
While generally healthy, Siamese cats are predisposed to several potential health problems. One common issue is dental disease, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis if not properly managed. Due to their distinct head shape, they are also prone to respiratory problems, which can cause breathing difficulties. Additionally, Siamese have a higher risk of developing certain genetic conditions such as amyloidosis, a disease that affects the liver, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness. They may also be susceptible to gastrointestinal problems, including sensitive stomachs, food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease.
To keep your Siamese cat healthy, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian. Routine healthcare should include vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and preventive treatments. Discuss any breed-specific health concerns with your veterinarian to ensure early detection of potential health issues.
Before welcoming a Siamese cat into your life, please research the breed to ensure they are a good match for your family and lifestyle. Remember, responsible pet ownership is a lifelong commitment.
