An Introduction to Siamese Cats

By Susan Miller
Copyright 2009

“Thai Cats” doesn’t really have a ring to it. It sounds like a cartoon about crime fighting super cats. But “Siamese cats,” now that’s a name that rolls off the tongue.

Siamese cats are a natural breed of feline brought to the West from Thailand. Only in the 19th century the country was called Siam thus Siamese Cats.

Perhaps the most famous of all cat breeds, Siamese are characterized by long, muscular bodies, blue almond eyes, and a short, shiny coat.

This breed is as personable as it is beautiful. They adore people, especially their laps, and they give love just as well as they soak it up. Siamese cats are also very intelligent.

The breed favors high places like book shelves, hutches and top of cupboards. Most enjoy visitors and show their hospitality by seeking out the lone person who either hates cats or is highly allergic to them.

Another one of the Siamese’s favorite past times is “smurgling.” That’s when they knead a piece of fabric while sometimes sucking or drooling on it. Don’t worry, it’s much cuter than it sounds.

One of the most unique aspects of the Siamese breed is their voice. At times they can sound like their tail is caught in a blender but they’re not hurt they’re just trying to get your attention. Their low pitch meow is called a “meezer.” It’s often mistaken for a baby’s cry.

When talking about the Siamese, or any other cat for that matter, you’ll often hear the term “points.” Points refer to the “ends” of a cat: face, ears, tail and paws. Generally “points” are used in connection with a color.

In the United States, the Cat Fanciers’ Association—the largest cat breed registry in the world and the standard setter for cats in North America—considers just four colorations as Siamese: seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point.

Interestingly enough, all Siamese cats are born white, more or less. They only gain their distinctive coloring after they’ve cooled. They have a mutated-enzyme that doesn’t work at normal body temperatures but does work in cooler areas like the ears, tail and paws.

The face, which also becomes colored, is cooled by the cat’s sinus passages. Color markings become clearly visible by the fourth week of a cat’s life. Siamese do tend to darken as they age and extreme climates can also play a part in the animal’s appearance.

In recent years, the breed split into two, modern and traditional (apple head). Modern Siamese cats are sleeker and have distinct triangle faces. It is this type of Siamese that breeders use in competitions.

Great care and effort has gone into preserving traditional Siamese cats. Even so, there are relatively very few purebreds around. Many cats that look Siamese are in fact domestic cats with Siamese traits.

Originally, Siamese cats had crossed-eyes and kinked tails. These so-called “undesirable” traits have been bred-out even though they pose no problem for the cat. Occasionally, these characteristics pop up in newborns.

If you’re thinking about getting a Siamese cat prepare to pay between $200 and $800. They are good with kids, old people, and if introduced early, with other pets.

A pair of same-age Siamese cats are fine as they will keep each other company while you’re away. However, Siamese crave human attention. So if you don’t plan on being home very often Siamese cats may not be the pet for you.

The single most important thing to know about Siamese cats is they must stay indoors. In fact, most breeders won’t sell a cat if they believe it will be let outdoors. Most sellers make buyers sign a contract stating they’ll keep the cat inside.

Siamese Cats are one of the world’s oldest domestic cats. They have tons of personality and tons of love to give. They make great pets and they make great show animals. They are also relatively easy to care for and are known for living a longer time than many other breeds.

Siamese cats are the perfect companion for just about any cat lover.

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