The Siamese Cat

Traditional, or "Old Style" Siamese Cat

History
The Siamese Cat is probably the oldest of all the cat breeds. And, it is said to be descended from the Sacred Temple cats of Siam, now called Thailand. In the 20th Century the first known Siamese cat was exported to Great Britain and it was given as a gift to a British Ambassador as a token of appreciation from Siam.

That single gift marked the beginning of the love affair between the Western World and the Siamese Cat. Soon after arriving in the UK the Siamese cat began competing in English cat shows. By the early 20th Century the Siamese cat was introduced to the US, where the breed became an instant darling. The CFA, (Cat Fancier's Association) granted recognition to the breed in 1934. Since then the Siamese has remained one of the Top 10 Most Popular Cats, and comes in at the #3 spot.

The Siamese cat has two distinct looks because many breeders and cat show judges began to favor the more slender looking "Modern Siamese cat" (shown bottom left) which was a result of generations of selective breeding. The Modern Siamese has fine-boned, narrow-heads; extremely elongated, thin, tubular bodies, long, slender legs, a long, thin tail that tapers into a point and long, narrow, wedge-shaped heads topped by extremely large, wide-set ears. A minority of breeders who stayed with the original style "Traditional Siamese Cat" (shown top left) found that their cats were no longer competitive in the show ring after the breed organization re-wrote the standards for competition.

It is important to note that both Siamese styles descended from the same distant ancestors, but share no recent ancestors.

Disposition
Siamese cats are very people-oriented, highly intelligent and very vocal. The Siamese breed is able to communicate unlike any of the other cat breeds. Their purrs, and meows are much like the sounds a newborn baby makes, and not only will they speak to you using their voice, they will also communicate with their bodies. They are the ultimate people-cat as they love to be in your lap, in your arms, in your bed, and anywhere else that you may be.

Siamese cats are considered one of the most intelligent cat breeds. And, this intelligence can sometimes lead them to trouble. I've heard many stories from owners of Siamese cats tell me tales of how the breed can open sliding doors, flush toilets, open cabinets and drawers, etc. I recommend "baby" proofing your kitchen cabinets, and anyplace else you don't want your cat to "explore" while you are gone.

Speaking of gone, because the breed is so people-oriented they do suffer when left alone for too long periods of time. And, when you return they will let you know just how much you've offended them with the almost dizzying array of sounds this breed can make. Imagine how your spouse would react if you were 3 hours late for dinner after she had spent the entire afternoon cooking. You can expect the same from a Siamese.

Modern Siamese Cat Photo by Alistair Morton

Grooming
Siamese cats do not have extensive grooming requirements as their short-hair does not knot or tangle. Weekly brushing to remove dead hair, and wipe-downs with a damp cloth are generally all that is needed to keep their coats in good shape. Read Cat Grooming 101 for more detailed instructions on how to bathe the Siamese, as well as care for their, ears, eyes, and teeth. 

General Health and Lifespan
While Siamese Cats are considered a sturdy and healthy breed they are prone to the following health problems: Respiratory infections and Cardiomyopathy. Siamese cats generally live 15-20 years, it is not uncommon for them to live past 20 years.