Siamese Cat Breed

The phenomenal success of the Siamese cat is due largely to its unusual nature. It is exceptionally affectionate; as a kitten it plays more vigorously than most other breeds; as an adult it displays great intelligence; and as a neutered pet it is a delightful companion. It made its initial impact on the western world because of its spectacular appearance.

A considerable amount of research has been carried out into the origin of the Siamese cat. Several theories have been advanced, but no definite conclusion reached. What we do know is that the breed came to Europe from Siam. There, for generations, members of the breed were royal cats living at the palace of the King of Siam in Bangkok. They were not allowed to live anywhere else and were very closely guarded. This stringent rule was waved in 1884 when the first Siamese cats were brought to Britain.

The great admiration that most people have for the Siamese springs from a combination of factors. It is elegantly proportioned, its eyes are of a striking color and shape, and the coat colors are magnificent. The Siamese is also highly intelligent, apt to be destructive, and extremely vocal. At times the voice of the Siamese is shrill and raucous.

There are several varieties of Siamese cat recognized by the Cat Fancy, but whatever the variety, the type is the same. The Siamese is glossy Shorthair; its fur is fine and lies closely on a medium-sized body that is very svelte. Its feet are small and oval in shape and its legs are slim, the hind legs being a little higher than those in front. The long head is wide between the eyes.

Fur Colors and Patterns

The body color contrasts with that of the points in all varieties. The Seal Point has a cream body and seal-brown points; The Blue Point is a glacial white with blue shadings on the back, and has blue points; the Chocolate Point has an ivory-colored coat and milk-chocolate points; the Lilac Point is magnolia in color with pinkish-grey points.

Siamese are usually very fond of raw meat, although there are cats which will not eat it unless it is cooked. A spoonful of olive oil once a week is a good hair-ball preventive.

A diet consisting entirely of fish should be avoided and too much white fish is inadvisable as such a diet is thought to be a cause of skin complaints.

The Siamese are extremely clean cats. Because the Siamese cat is a shorthair, it is not as likely to suffer from hair-balls as a long-haired cat. Most Siamese like being groomed. Over the years, the Siamese has adapted itself to more temperate climates. However, during very cold weather the Siamese owner should provide some extra warmth for his pet.

When kittens are born, they are white or off-white, with no color appearing in the coat and points (mask, ears, legs, fett and tail) until they are about 3 weeks old. Some experts believe that the basic color of the coat can be influenced by diet and the temperature of the environment and that cats fed exclusively on a meat diet and kept in an overheated environment have dark colored coats and points.

Siamese Cat Breeders

If you would like to be listed here as an Siamese Breeder or a member of an Siamese rescue organization, please send us and email