Siamese

The Siamese is the quintessential “people cat.” Known for their brilliant blue eyes, striking color points, and legendary vocal cords, they are a breed that cannot be ignored. If you are looking for a quiet, independent pet, the Siamese is not for you. But if you want a devoted, chatty friend who will be involved in every aspect of your life, look no further.

1. History and Origins: Royal Cats of Siam

The Siamese is one of the oldest and best-known cat breeds.

Ancient Roots

The breed originated in Thailand (formerly Siam). Manuscripts from the 14th century, such as the Tamra Maew (The Cat-Book Poems), describe cats with dark points and blue eyes. They were revered by royalty and often kept in temples.

Arrival in the West

The first Siamese cat in the United States was reportedly a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes’s wife in 1878. By the early 20th century, they had become a sensation in cat shows across Europe and North America.

2. Appearance: Modern vs. Traditional

Over the decades, the Siamese look has evolved into two distinct types.

The Modern (Show) Siamese

This is the type favored in most cat shows today. It features a tubular, elongated body, a wedge-shaped head with large, wide-set ears, and a long, whip-like tail.

The Traditional (Applehead) Siamese

This type resembles the original cats imported from Siam. They have a more robust body and a rounder head (hence “applehead”). While they share the same color points and personality, they look physically different from the extreme modern show style.

The Points

All Siamese cats have the “Himalayan” gene, which causes heat-sensitive albinism. Their body is light-colored, while their extremities (ears, face mask, tail, and paws) are darker because they are cooler.

• Seal Point: Cream body with dark brown/black points.
• Chocolate Point: Ivory body with milk chocolate points.
• Blue Point: Bluish-white body with slate grey points.
• Lilac Point: Glacial white body with frosty grey-pink points.

3. Personality: The Chatty Companion

Siamese cats are famous—or infamous—for their voice. They will talk to you all day long, expressing their opinions on their food, your schedule, and the state of the world.

Highly Social

This is not a solitary breed. They crave human company and can become depressed if left alone for long periods. They are often described as “Velcro cats” because they stick to their owners.

Intelligent and Mischievous

Siamese cats are incredibly smart. They can learn to open cabinets, play fetch, and even walk on a leash. They need mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive.

4. Care and Needs

Mental Stimulation

Because they are so smart, they need puzzles, toys, and interaction. A bored Siamese is a loud and unhappy Siamese.

Grooming

Their short, fine coat is very low maintenance. A weekly rub-down with your hand or a soft brush is all they need to keep their coat shiny.

Warmth

Because they have little body fat and short fur, Siamese cats love heat. You will often find them buried under covers, sitting on radiators, or basking in the smallest patch of sunlight.

5. Health and Lifespan

Siamese cats are generally long-lived, often reaching 15 to 20 years. However, they are prone to certain conditions.

Amyloidosis

A disease where a type of protein is deposited in organs, primarily the liver in Siamese cats.

Dental Disease

They can be prone to periodontal disease, so regular teeth brushing is recommended.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A genetic condition that can lead to blindness.

6. Is a Siamese Right for You?

Pros

• Devoted: Forms an extremely strong bond with owners.
• Low Grooming: Very easy to care for coat.
• Long Lifespan: Often lives longer than average.

Cons

• Vocal: Can be very loud and talkative.
• Needy: Requires a lot of attention and hates being alone.
• Mischievous: High intelligence can lead to trouble if not entertained.

Conclusion

The Siamese is a cat with a big personality in a sleek package. They are demanding of your love and attention, but they give it back tenfold. For the right person, a Siamese is the ultimate companion.