Siamese Basics
Learn about about Siamese basics like where Siamese come from, how many different types of Siamese you can find, and what other breeds mix with Siamese.
Siamese cats originated from Siam (modern-day Thailand). These cats were highly regarded and even considered sacred in ancient Siam, with references to them dating back to manuscripts from the 14th century. Siamese cats were cherished as royal companions and were often found in the palaces and temples of Siam.
The three main types of Siamese cats are Traditional, Classic, and Modern. Traditional Siamese cats, or Old-Style Siamese, have a more rounded face, robust body, and resemble the original Siamese cats. The Classic Siamese is a variation of traditional Siamese cats that combines characteristics of Modern Siamese, such as a sleeker athletic body. Modern Siamese cats, also called Wedgehead Siamese, were popularized in the 1980s and have a sleek and slender appearance with a distinctly triangular-shaped head and large ears.
Siamese cats live around 12 to 15 years, although some can live into their late teens or even early twenties with proper care. Factors such as genetics, diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle contribute to their overall well-being and longevity.
No, Siamese cats are not known for being polydactyl. Polydactyl cats have extra toes on their paws, a trait more commonly associated with certain other breeds, such as the Maine Coon.
Siamese Appearance
Learn about about the Siamese general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.
Siamese cats weigh between six and 10 pounds and stand around 12 to 15 inches tall. Female Siamese cats tend to be smaller, while males may be on the larger side of this range. Genetics, diet, and overall health can influence a cat’s size.
Siamese cats stop growing between one and two years. Most of their physical development, including reaching adult weight and height, occurs within the first year of life.
Siamese cats are cream or fawn with seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac color points. Siamese cats have striking color points due to a temperature-sensitive gene that causes certain areas of their fur to be darker. Their coat color is lighter on the body and darker on the extremities, including the ears, face, paws, and tail.
The rarest Siamese cat color is considered to be the lilac point. Lilac points have a pale, frosty grayish-pink color on their ears, faces, paws, and tails, contrasting with a creamy white body.
Siamese cats have blue eyes. The intensity and depth of the blue eye color can vary among individual Siamese cats, ranging from a pale blue to a vivid, deep blue hue. The piercing blue eyes are a defining feature that contributes to the breed’s distinctive and elegant look.
Siamese Temperament
Learn about about the Siamese temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.
Yes, Siamese cats are talkative. They tend to be very vocal and expressive, known for their distinct and loud meows. Siamese cats are highly communicative in conveying their needs and desires or seeking attention.
Yes, Siamese cats are friendly. They are known for their social and affectionate nature. Siamese cats form strong bonds with their human companions and thrive on interaction. They enjoy being a part of the family and often seek attention and companionship.
No, Siamese cats are not high-maintenance pets. While they are known for their social and vocal nature, they have relatively simple grooming needs and are usually easy to care for. However, Siamese cats thrive on human interaction and companionship, so spending quality time with them is important for their well-being. Giving them a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and ensuring they have mental stimulation and enrichment activities are essential for their overall health and happiness.
No, Siamese cats are not prone to behavior issues. But, like any cat, they can be demanding and quite vocal when they need attention and stimulation. Under-socialized Siamese cats may be prone to jealousy and territorialism in multi-pet households or when introduced to new animals. Proper socialization, slow introductions to other animals, adequate enrichment, and providing outlets for their energy can help mitigate potential behavioral issues in cats.
Yes, Siamese cats like to be held. They enjoy close physical contact, appreciate being cuddled, and have strong bonds with their human companions. Being held provides them with comfort and reassurance, but it’s essential to respect their individual preferences and boundaries, as some Siamese cats may not enjoy being held for extended periods.
Yes, Siamese cats are good with other cats. This social breed craves play, attention, and time with others, so they can get along well with other cats, especially if properly introduced and socialized from a young age. It’s essential to monitor a Siamese cat’s interactions with other cats and provide a gradual introduction process to ensure compatibility.
Yes, Siamese cats tend to be good with dogs. They are social and adaptable animals, often enjoying the company of other pets, including dogs. Siamese cats are known for their confident and outgoing personalities, which can help them establish positive relationships with canine companions. A good relationship between Siamese cats and dogs depends on individual personalities, proper introductions, and ongoing supervision to ensure a positive relationship.
Yes, Siamese cats are good hunters. Their natural hunting instincts, agility, and intelligence make them effective hunters of small prey. Siamese cats enjoy engaging in hunting activities, whether indoors with toys or outdoors in pursuit of birds and rodents.
Yes, Siamese cats are good indoor cats. For safety reasons, it is recommended that all cats be kept indoors due to the risk of traffic accidents, encounters with predators, and exposure to diseases. Indoor living allows for better monitoring of their health, prevents them from contributing to environmental damage, and reduces the likelihood of conflicts with other animals.
Yes, Siamese cats are good lap-cats. They are a very affectionate breed and love to cuddle with their humans, often seeking out laps for warmth and comfort. However, it’s important to note that individual personalities can vary, and not all Siamese cats may enjoy lap time.
Siamese Health
Learn about about the Siamese health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.
Siamese cats should eat a nutritious, high-protein diet. Both wet and dry cat food are good options, but choosing quality products specifically formulated for their dietary needs is essential. Providing fresh water at all times is crucial for their hydration. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your Siamese cat.
Siamese cats are low to moderate shedders. They have short, fine coats that require minimal grooming compared to long-haired breeds. Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush can help remove loose fur and reduce shedding while also promoting healthy skin and coat.
Siamese cats have a short, fine coat that lies close to their body. This sleek and glossy coat is smooth to the touch and lacks an undercoat, which contributes to their minimal shedding compared to other breeds. Their coat color is lighter on the body and darker on the extremities, including the ears, face, paws, and tail.
Yes, you need to groom a Siamese cat. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in optimal condition. While Siamese cats are low-maintenance, they still benefit from occasional brushing to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils throughout their coat. Pet parents should also keep up with other grooming tasks such as nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning.
No, Siamese cats are not hypoallergenic. While they produce fewer allergens compared to some other cat breeds, they still produce allergenic proteins in their saliva, urine, and dander, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
However, some people with cat allergies may find that they tolerate Siamese cats better than other breeds due to their shorter coats and lower shedding levels. Potential pet parents with allergies should spend time with Siamese cats before bringing one into their home to assess their sensitivity.
Yes, Siamese cats have health issues like any cat. While they are considered a healthy breed, they may be prone to certain genetic conditions, including dental issues such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can be exacerbated by their predisposition to dental anomalies. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and preventive care are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of Siamese cats throughout their lives.
Siamese are prone to several diseases, including:
Hereditary liver amyloidosis: Liver amyloidosis is a condition that causes hard, waxy lesions to accumulate in the liver. The build-up may cause blood in the abdomen and/or lead to eventual liver failure.
Dilated cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that is characterized by the heart muscles’ inability to contract properly, which ultimately leads to a decrease in blood pumping to the heart. The extra stress on the heart from the restricted blood flow often leads to congestive heart failure (CHF). The major symptoms of DCM include depression, loss of appetite, and weakness.
Dental issues: Siamese cats are prone to dental issues such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. These conditions can result from a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, leading to inflammation of the gums and potential damage to the tooth roots and surrounding tissues.
Respiratory issues: Siamese cats may be more susceptible to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic (short-faced) structure, which can lead to conditions such as asthma and bronchial disease. These respiratory problems can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and nasal congestion.
Eye issues: Siamese cats are prone to certain eye issues, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and glaucoma. Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic condition that leads to the degeneration of the retina, resulting in vision loss over time. Glaucoma is a condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye, which can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision impairment or blindness if left untreated.
Adopting a Siamese
Learn about about acquiring a Siamese –the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.
A Siamese cat costs around $75 to $100 when adopted from a shelter or rescue. Buying a Siamese cat from a breeder can cost between $400 and $1,000 or more.
The easiest way to adopt a Siamese is through a rescue that specializes in Siamese cats. A great place to start is starting a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the available Siamese cats in your area.
