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Siamese Cat Breed – Characteristics, Grooming Tips and Interesting Facts

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You’re browsing through the internet for a beautiful feline pet and came across a Siamese cat breed.

Its magical blue eyes, elegant white fur with patches of brown in its face scream elegance and perfection.

But, would this cat breed make a perfect pet for you?

In this article, we’ll share with you the:

  • Traits and characteristics of the Siamese cat breed
  • Its average lifespan and common health problems in its breed
  • And tips on how to groom and where to find this stunning cat breed

Whether you’re looking to buy or adopt a Siamese cat or you already have a fancy one, this article will surely be beneficial for you.

So, join us as we unveil what’s behind the beauty and glamour of Siamese cats.

How Siamese Cat Breed Look Like

How Does A Siamese Cat Look Like?

The word beautiful is an understatement if we would describe a Siamese cat. 

This slender and elegant breed, also known as “meezers,” boasts a regal appearance that stole many hearts.

Thanks to their beguiling look, vocal talents, and lovable personality, Siamese cats are among the most popular pedigreed pet. 

What makes them unique is their tanzanite-blue eyes make them more unique and appealing, and their temperature-sensitive coats.

To be more precise, their genetics play an essential role in the coat color they exhibit. 

Siamese cats possess a “special modifier gene” that prevents pigment from developing in their fur, which leads to partial albinism. 

But that modifier gene only takes effect if the cat’s fur is between 100 and 102.5 degrees.  

That’s why the cooler areas of their body, such as their ears, face, legs, tail, and feet, have darker points while the warmest areas have a lighter shade. 

When they’re inside their mother’s womb, they enjoy a constant warm temperature. 

That explains why Siamese kittens have pure white coats and fur when they’re born. 

And the darker points gradually develop as they get exposed to cooler temperatures a few weeks after birth. 

Types of Siamese Cats:

Generally, there are two types of Siamese Cats. Both of them have blue eyes, but they differ in somebody features:

Traditional Siamese Cat's Appearance

1. Traditional Siamese

This apple-headed Siamese has a chunky body and round head. 

They have broader frames and smaller ears, but they tend to stand taller than others.

Show Siamese Cat

2. Show Siamese

It’s the modern version of Siamese which features a wedge-shaped head, tubular body, long legs, triangular ears, and long tail.

The Cat Fancier’s Association recognized this breed in 1906, and it’s one of the original breeds of pedigreed felines.  

Beautiful Feline in a Meadow

History of the Siamese Cat Breed

Siamese cats’ origin traces back to Thailand, which was formerly called Siam. 

Thailand’s king presented two pairs of Siamese cats to the English consul-general in Bangkok in 1880. 

And he carried them back to England, where they became the talk of the town. 

People flocked to own one of these lovely “Oriental” cats, and their popularity soared.

Yankee was the first Siamese to win a championship title in 1898, and the breed grew rapidly after that.

It’s unclear if Siamese breeders followed the judges in official Siamese show rings or vice versa. 

But the Siamese cat gradually became leaner, and their head’s shape became wedged. 

And the appearance of present Siamese cats became similar to Egyptian cats.

Due to the extreme alterations in their appearance and the health problems that came with it, a group of Siamese breeders founded the Traditional and Classic Cat International registry. 

Their goal was to revive and maintain the ‘Old Style’ look of the Siamese breed.

Siamese Cat Walking

Siamese Cat Breed’s Personality and Temperament

Siamese cats are brilliant, friendly, curious, and talkative. 

They love to follow their owners around, turn on the faucet and open cabinets to entertain themselves, and watch television.

They like to sit in your lap and lay in bed with you. 

This chatty furry also love to talk with their loud and raspy voice about their food, what you’re doing, and the attention you’re giving him.  

They don’t like being alone, so you have to leave something to keep them entertained if you work during the day.

Or else you might it might end up destroying your roll of toilet papers and tissue box.

Playing Siamese Cat

How to keep a Siamese cat entertained

If you don’t have much time to chat with your cat, you can keep your Siamese cat occupied and entertained by giving him either of the following:

  • puzzle toys that will push him to think and move to get the treat or kibble
  • clicker to teach him tricks
  • a small ball that he can play with

If those ideas don’t work, you can also try training him to run an agility course or walk on a leash. 

Putting a bird feeder on your window and taking a stroll may also entertain him. 

This loyal and lovable feline would also love to have a companion, so getting two of them is a bright idea.

Proper Feline Grooming

How to Groom Siamese Cats

Here are some tips on how to keep your pet look at its best:

Coat Grooming 

Siamese cats have short coats so grooming them is a piece of cake. 

Can keep them gorgeous and clean by brushing them weekly to avoid hairballs.

Trimming of claws

Siamese cat’s claws need trimming 10 ten to 14 days. 

And it would be best to provide them with a scratching post to prevent your pet from damaging your upholstery and woodwork.

Dental hygiene is also essential to train your cat with regular brushing at an early age to help him get used to it.

It would help if you also had a regular dental cleaning schedule with your vet to maintain your dental health.

 

Lifespan of Siamese Feline

Average Lifespan of Siamese Cats

The average life expectancy of the Siamese cat breed is eight to twelve years, but others can live up to fifteen years. 

This lifespan is longer than other dog breeds, which means that you can live and make memories with your feline companion for a longer time.

Sick Siamese Cat

Common Health Problems in Siamese Cat Breed

Though Siamese cats’ blue eyes are stunning, the genes that gave the colored points are also why some cats in this breed have crossed eyes. 

This eye condition has lead to faulty vision. 

Although breeders have managed to eliminate the crossed eyes through selective breeding slowly, they’re still at a high risk of getting into an accident due to their less acute vision.

Some of them get hit by vehicles at night. Such sight is heartbreaking for pet-lovers. 

But aside from that, they’re also susceptible to the following diseases:

Respiratory disease

Siamese cats with wedge-shaped heads are highly susceptible to respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchial infection.

Similar to human asthma, feline asthma is caused by an allergy that leads to difficulty in breathing. 

Liver problems

When the abnormal protein called “amyloid”  builds upon a Siamese cat’s tissues and organs like the liver, it can cause dysfunctions and different health problems.

Renal Amyloidosis

This condition is caused by the accumulation of amyloid around the kidney cells. It leads to inflammation of the cats’ kidneys and kidney failure.

Congenital heart defects

These beautiful Siamese cats are also prone to congenital heart diseases such as aortic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 

If left untreated, these conditions may result in heart failure.

Therefore, you need to be responsible for their health and safety and provide all their needs like veterinary treatments and check-ups to live longer.

Aside from that, there’s something you can do to increase their lifespan further and keep them healthy.

 

Best Feline Diet

How to Provide The Right Diet and Nutrition for the Siamese Cat Breed

Like humans, cats also need to have the proper diet and nutrition to prolong their life and avoid different diseases. 

Though they are vulnerable to many health problems because of proteins, it is an essential ingredient of their food that keeps them healthy. 

Fresh and clean water is essential to your cat’s diet, so make sure to provide them with it. 

If you’d start giving your cat water early, they’ll get used to it and won’t avoid it as they grow. 

Siamese cats need dry food with many fats and proteins because it can help promote growth and development. 

Your veterinarian may recommend quality brands that are suitable for your Siamese kitten. 

When your Siamese cats grow as adults, you should give them a well-balanced feed composed of around 25% of proteins, 40% fats, fiber, vitamins, and omega 3 and 6. 

But not all foods that contain proteins, especially plant-based food, are a good choice because cats have difficulty digesting them. 

Siamese also needs certain amino acids which come from meats. 

But unlike humans and dogs, Siamese cats can’t efficiently digest proteins from plants while mixed with meat because they miss a specific amino acid called taurine. 

They also need wet foods, which usually come from cans or other air-tight containers, but it is not advisable to overuse them. 

Be sure to control the quantity of their food if they start to gain weight to prevent them from becoming obese.

It is the best way to help them live longer and healthier.

 

Pros and Cons of Siamese Cat

The Pros and Cons of the Siamese Cat Breed

Taking care of a pet like a Siamese cat has its advantages and disadvantages. Considering these pros and cons can help you figure out if it’s the right cat for you.

Man hugging a well-behaved cat

Why Are Siamese Cat Breeds Good Pets?

Family-friendly

Siamese cats love to have a strong bond with their human family, and they love receiving your full attention. 

Sociable and Talkative

They want a companion who plays with them. They also have a talkative attitude that won’t make you feel lonely though you are alone in your house. 

If you don’t mind their bad language and can go along with them, you won’t have a problem with their talkative nature.

Beautiful appearance

They have a distinctly exotic look because of the unique blue color of their almond-shaped eyes that can melt your heart and tempt you to adopt them. 

Pet-friendly

Siamese cats also can get along with other cats or cat-friendly dogs and children, which they love to play with. 

What are the Downsides of Siamese Cat Breeds?

Being loud and vocal

They usually meow a lot, especially when they want something.

Their voice can be loud and annoying and can prevent you from having a good night’s sleep.

They easily get bored and depressed.

They get depressed when they are not engaging in a constant enrichment activity or have a companion to play with.

That’s why they should not be left alone in the house for an extended period. 

Vulnerable to diseases

Even though Siamese cats are very active, energetic, and highly trainable, they are also vulnerable to different health risks, as mentioned above.

 

Cute Oriental Kitten

Where to Buy or Adopt a Siamese Cat

If you find Siamese cats well-suited to your lifestyle and you want one for yourself, you may find them in some reputable breeders in your area.

If you would prefer to adopt it from a rescue organization, here’s a list of organizational websites that rescues Siamese cats:

Petfinder

As its name suggests, this organization provides information about Siamese cats available near you.

Siamese Rescue

This organization can help you find Siamese cats that need a new home and match their personality with their new dwelling place.

Adopt a Pet

This is America’s largest non-profit website that provides a search tool that can help you find Siamese cats near you. 

Beautiful Cat

Other Interesting Facts About the Siamese Cat Breed

Aside from their head-turning beauty, Siamese cats also made a mark on big screens, and influential people valued them. 

Here are other interesting facts that prove the Siamese cat breed’s fame and the power they hold.

They’re treated as royals.

The Thai royal families loved and treasured the Siamese cat breed hundreds of years ago for their distinct and gorgeous features. 

They even believed that these cats would receive their soul when they die. 

And they thought these creatures would then live the remainder of their lives living in temples, being pampered by monks and priests.

They’re famous movie stars.

The Incredible Journey, The Lady, the Tramp, and That Darn Cat are classic movies featuring Siamese cats.

In fact, the whole plot of Darn Cat! revolved around the story of DC (aka Darn Cat), a Siamese cat who helps to halt a kidnapping.

But they’re not just fictional heroic characters in movies.

Siamese cats did a heroic act in real life too, when two Siamese helped avert espionage back in the 1960s.

It happened in the Dutch embassy in Moscow, Russia, where the two Siamese cats lived.

When the cats began clawing at a wall, their owner assumed they reacted to a disturbance that was not audible to the human ear.

And it turned out that he’s right because they discovered that there are 30 tiny microphones behind the wall. 

They also became presidential cats.

Even though Siamese cats have been domesticated in Asia for generations, they didn’t make their way to America until the late 1800s. 

President Rutherford B. Haye’s wife, Lucy, was one of the first recorded owners of a Siamese cat. 

So, Siamese cats have a history at the White House as well. 

Siam, her Siamese cat, was a gift from a US diplomat stationed in Thailand.

CONCLUSION

If you want a beautiful, friendly, and trainable cat in one, then Siamese cats are ideal for you.

Just prepare yourself for its talkative nature and get your toys ready when it gets boring.

Although this breed is vulnerable to some diseases, you can keep it healthy and prolong its life by providing the proper diet and nutrition.

If you’re interested in other cat breed’s life expectancy, check out the article below. 

 

READ NEXT: How Long Do Cats Live? – Feline Average Life Expectancy 

 



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