Siamese Cats

Delicate and sophisticated, the aristocrat of cats

With the Siamese cat’s stunning good looks and regal nature, it’s hardly a surprise that legends evolved. Early folklore told of the Royal Cat of Siam—a cat that was so truly special that only members of the royal family could own one. Fortunately, whether fact or fiction, no such restrictions apply today, and even an average Joe can opt to share his life with a Siamese cat.

In return, he can only hope against hope to be this special cat’s chosen person.

So, whether you’re already the owner of a Siamese cat or just love the look and history of the breed, you’re sure to enjoy learning more about the origin of Siamese cats. Read on to learn all about the regal Siamese-type cat!

Siamese History

Do you know the Siamese cat’s origin? As it happens, the Siamese is one of the oldest recognized breeds of domestic cats, with origins in Thailand (known formerly as Siam). The International Cat Association (TICA) notes that Cat Book Poems, a manuscript dating to 1350 from the ancient capital of Siam, included pictures of, “a pale-coated cat with a black mask, tail, feet, and ears.”

The existence of such ancient texts and drawings suggests that the Siamese cat was treasured in its native land. These texts can help us narrow down the Siamese origin and understand more about this regal feline’s history. But, as is the case with virtually all ancient breeds, exact Siamese origins and early breeding records for Siamese-type cats are not available. What we do know is that Siamese cats were imported into England in the 19th century. According to TICA, the Siamese cat first appeared at London’s Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871.

Around the same time, the Siamese was also introduced in the United States. You may be surprised to learn that one of the earliest known owners of a Siamese cat was the wife of U.S. President Rutherford B. Haye ​​(president 1877-1881). President Haye’s wife, Lucy, was gifted a Siamese cat from a U.S. diplomat serving in Thailand.

Photo: bigstock.com/witsawat

By the 20th century, the breed was being shown in North America and its popularity was soaring. In fact, the Siamese was—and continues to be—so popular that it has served as the precursor for many breeds. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) notes that the Siamese has played a role in the development of the Balinese, Colourpoint Shorthair, Tonkinese, and other cat breeds.

Many people love the look and temperament of these Siamese-type cats!

Siamese Look

At one point, Siamese cats were known for having crossed eyes and a kinked tail. However, these traits have been bred out over time and are less common.

In terms of conformation, the modern Siamese cat is a svelte creature, characterized by lengthiness in the head, neck, body, legs, and tail. Its head is one of its most distinguishing features and should be wedge-shaped as opposed to round. Deep blue eyes that are almond-shaped, dramatic colour-pointing, and a short, silky coat contribute to the breed’s look of refined elegance.

Speaking of coat, the National Siamese Cat Club (NSCC) explains that the breed’s earliest available records indicate a seal point pattern was present in the cats initially imported into England. This is still what we associate with traditional Siamese cats. Evidence suggests that other coat colour patterns were found in the cats of ancient Siam and, over time, additional colour classes emerged and have gained acceptance in the Siamese breed.

The CFA acknowledges seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point coat patterns. TICA’s standard accepts a range of colours, focusing on the pattern of even colour throughout the cat’s body with dark brown shading on the points—the face, ears, legs, feet, and tail..

Siamese kittens are often born completely white and develop their unique colour over time. As they grow, the pigment around their facial features, paws, and tail becomes more apparent.

The Siamese cat is modern and instantly recognizable, even by those who may not know much about cat breeds.

Photo: bigstock.com/CleoMiu

Speaking of coat, the National Siamese Cat Club (NSCC) explains that the breed’s earliest available records indicate a sealpoint pattern was present in the cats initially imported into England. Evidence suggests that other coat colour patterns were found in the cats of ancient Siam and, over time, additional colour classes emerged and have gained acceptance in the Siamese breed. The CFA acknowledges sealpoint, bluepoint, chocolatepoint, and lilacpoint coat patterns. TICA’s standard accepts a range of colours, focusing on the pattern of even colour throughout the cat’s body with dark shading on the points—the face, legs, feet, tail, and ears.

Siamese Personality & Characteristics

So aside from being able to appreciate his stunning good looks on a daily basis, what’s it like to share your life with a Siamese cat? Well for starters, you likely won’t have to search high and low for your pet. In fact, chances are he’ll be close by, waiting for you to provide a comfortable lap to sit on, or looking to be entertained. You do realize that a Siamese must be entertained, right?

Siamese cats are very playful and don’t shy away from physical activity. They’re even known to enjoy playing with water and are naturally curious. Providing your Siamese with plenty of attention, toys/playtime, and safe areas to explore is key to making them happy.

Fanciers describe the Siamese as an affectionate and highly social breed that needs companionship to thrive. Long periods of isolation won’t be appreciated. If yours is a one-cat household and you leave your Siamese alone for too long, you’ll almost certainly hear about it from this famously vocal breed. This breed is many things, but quiet is not on the list! Plan on living with a cat that always gets the last word… about everything.

More than one cat fancier has referred to the Siamese as living art—perfectly understandable given the breed’s elegant, refined appearance. These cats are special, and those who share their lives with a Siamese know it.

Prolific writer and cat fancier Compton Mackenzie once said, “People who belong to Siamese cats must make up their minds to do a good deal of waiting upon them.” He and many others since have had no problem making that choice. Rest assured, there is a great deal of pleasure to be found, living a life in the service of the aristocrats of cats.

If you like the Siamese, give some consideration to…

Burmese                                     Balinese                              Tonkinese