Siamese cat

Breed: Siamese cat I Size: Medium I Average lifespan: 12+ years I Character: Playful and curious I Coat: Short I Origin: Thailand

To begin with, the Siamese cat is one of the most elegant and expressive cat breeds. They are easily recognizable thanks to their slim body, deep blue eyes, and colorpoint coat. This breed makes people fall in love with them thanks to their refined allure and their affectionate temperament. They are wonderful companion cats as they are talkative and sociable cats that get attached very deeply to their humans and they always need attention. Discover everything you need to know about this fascinating breed: their history, their character, and their specific needs.

Origins and history of the Siamese cat

A sacred cat in Thailand

The Siamese cat is an old breed that originated in Thailand (previously known as Siam), where they were considered sacred cats. These cats were often found at Buddhist temples and royal palaces, where they were venerated for their beauty and noble character. According to local beliefs, these cats were believed to be the guardians of souls of the deceased and had mystical powers. People gave Siamese cats to members of the royal family and monks as a sign of prestige and spiritual protection.

The Siamese cat in Europe

The first Siamese cats were brought to Europe in the 19th century, especially in England and France, where they were offered as diplomatic gifts. People fall in love with this cat because of their unique appearance and lively character, which contributes to their growing popularity. As time passed, the breed was selected and crossed to refine their distinct traits, resulting in two types of Siamese cats: the traditional type (more robust and round) and the modern type (more slim and elegant). Today, the Siamese cat is one of the most popular and recognizable cats in the world. Siamese cats is very intelligent and bonds with humans.

Official recognition

The Siamese cat is officially recognized by several feline organizations throughout the world, especially the LOOF (Official Book of Feline Origins or Livre Officiel des Origines Félines in French). This organization established the precise standard of the breed and pedigrees for purebred cats. In addition, the FIFé (International Feline Federation or Fédération Internationale Féline in French) also recognizes the Siamese cat breed. In addition, the Siamese Cat Club, founded in the UK in 1901, played a key role in the promotion and preservation of the Siamese, encouraging breeding that respects the breed’s criteria and supporting enthusiasts of these exceptional felines.

Physical characteristics of the Siamese cat

Size and weight

The Siamese cat is medium-sized, with a thin body that is long and muscular. Their weight generally varies between 3 and 5 kg (≈ 6.6 to 11 lb), and the females are often lighter than the males.

Coat and color of the Siamese cat

The coat is short, fine, and luscious, with not a significant undercoat, which makes them easy to groom. Their coat is colorpoint: a light-colored body (cream, beige, or white) with the extremities being darker (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, tabby or tortoiseshell. Notably on the face, ears, legs and tail.

Head

The Siamese cat’s eyes are intensely blue and almond-shaped. This gives them a piercing and expressive look. Their triangular head has large ears at the base, reinforcing their elegant allure. They have a slim body and long, fine legs, and they have a tapered tail that further accentuates its graceful appearance.

The Siamese cat’s behavior

Cats that bonds well with their humans

The Siamese cat is an extroverted cat, who can get very attached to their humans. They do not handle solitude very well and prefer being surrounded by those they love. It’s a feline that loves to communicate and uses their large range of vocal sounds to express their emotions and their needs. Their intelligence is remarkable: they learn tricks easily, adapt quickly to their environment and love interactive toys. As they are very playful, they need activities and to play regularly to stimulate their mind and avoid getting bored. They are also very loyal to their owners, following them often around the house like true life companions.

A playful and curious companion

In addition, the Siamese cat is a curious and dynamic cat that likes to explore their environment. They particularly appreciate interactions with their humans and can even be a bit clingy. Their need for attention makes them the ideal cat for households where they will not be left alone a lot.

Health and grooming of the Siamese cat

An easy cat to groom

The Siamese cat is a cat that is easy to groom thanks to their short coat and their small amount of undercoat. Because of this, brushing them weekly is generally enough to eliminate dead hair and keep their coat soft.

Health and average lifespan

It’s important to keep an eye on this cat’s health, as this breed is predisposed to certain genetic diseases, including amyloidosis (kidney and liver damage), strabismus and respiratory disorders. A balanced, high-quality diet is essential to preserve vitality and avoid digestive problems or overweight. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 20 years.

A need for mental stimulation

Because of their lively and intelligent character, the Siamese cat needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Interactive toys, cat trees, and their regular play sessions are important for their well-being. Without this, they can quickly get bored and develop destructive behavior or marked anxiety. People who are attentive, implicated, and ready to dedicate time and affection to them daily are perfect for these cats.

Why should you adopt a Siamese cat?

The Siamese cat is the ideal companion for people who are able to be present and available for their cat. Their deep bond with their owners make them loyal and devoted cats, able to create unique bonds with members of their household.