History

Originating in Thailand (formerly Siam) where they were royal companions and temple cats, the Siamese is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. The breed first arrived in England in 1871 and later in the century in the United States. It is consistently in the top five most popular cats in these countries and Australia.

Description

The Siamese is a medium-sized cat with svelte, refined lines. The body appears firm and muscular but at the same time manages to give the impression of fineness and elongation. It is a tubular body supported by long legs. The head is a long tapering wedge with a flat skull and straight profile. The nose is long and straight and the ears are very large - wide at the base and becoming pointed at the tip. The eyes are almond shaped and slanted towards the nose. They should be uncrossed and a deep vivid blue in colour.

The tail should be long, thin, un-kinked and tapering to a fine point. The coat is short and sleek and comes in four or more colours (depending on what your cat association allows). The Cat Fanciers Association for example recognises seal, chocolate, blue and lilac point or frost. A strong feature of the breed is the markings, or points of colour on the ears, face, lower legs and tail. The colour is restricted to these points while the body remains a lighter colour - white is most common or cream. Siamese kittens are born white, and develop their point colour as they grow. Other alternative points may be tabby, tortie, red and cream.

There are a couple of 'types' of Siamese. The Extreme Siamese is favoured in most show rings and has a more svelte and sleek body style. The Traditional or Old Style Siamese has a rounder, heavier body. Both groups believe their Siamese is closest to the original body type! If you plan to show your Siamese, you should research the requirements for the breed of your national cat fancy body.

Longevity

Size

Medium

Coat

The coat is short and sleek. 

Temperament

The Siamese has personality to spare! It is a vibrant extroverted cat that is very vocal and opinionated. They can be very demanding at times with a tendency to be ‘highly strung'. The voice itself is quite loud and distinctive - not everyone finds it appealing so it is important you make sure you enjoy the sound of the Siamese as they do like to be heard. They are an active cat that craves to be involved in everything you are doing. Very people oriented, this is not a breed that can be left alone for long periods.  

Health

Generally a healthy breed that does not need any special physical care. 

Possible Genetic Disorders

Hereditary problems that some lines of Siamese are predisposed to include: 

  • Gingivitis - periodontitis, feline juvenile-onset
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis VI
  • Porphyria

Best Suited

  • Those wanting a closely bonded companion cat
  • For people who are aware of the unique and often demanding Siamese personality
  • For people wanting a cat that will be heard as well as seen!

Not Suited

  • If these cat's emotional needs are not met they are likely to develop behavioural problems.
  • Not good outdoor cats