Siamese Cat

History of the Siamese Breed

The history of Siamese cats stretches back through the ages, shrouded in legends and the royal splendour of Ancient Siam. The first written mentions and depictions of cats with the characteristic colourpoint markings appear in the Thai manuscript 'Tamra Maew' ('The Cat-Book Poems'), dating from the Ayutthaya Period (1351–1767). These cats were considered sacred animals, residing in Buddhist temples and the palaces of the royal family. They were highly valued for their unusual appearance – a light body with dark "points" on the extremities, tail, ears, and face – and, of course, for their deep blue eyes, which legends claimed could see souls.

It was believed that Siamese cats accompanied the souls of deceased members of the royal family to the afterlife. When a noble Siamese passed away, one of their cats would be relocated to a temple, where it lived in luxury for the rest of its days, cared for by monks who believed the deceased's soul had moved into the cat. Exporting these cats from Siam was strictly forbidden under penalty of death, which only added to their aura of mystery and exclusivity.

The situation changed only in the latter half of the 19th century. In 1871, the first Siamese cats were presented at an exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London, where they caused quite a stir with their exotic appearance, though they received mixed reviews – some described them as "unnatural, nightmare cats." In 1884, the British Consul in Bangkok, Owen Gould, received a pair of cats – Pho and Mia – as a gift from the Siamese king. Their kittens, born in Great Britain, became the foundation for the Western population of Siamese cats.

Over time, the appearance of Siamese cats in Europe and America underwent changes due to selective breeding. Breeders aimed to emphasise the breed's elegance, which led to the emergence of the modern type of Siamese cat – with a more elongated, slender body, a wedge-shaped head, large ears, and a thin tail. It's important to note that the Thai cat, or traditional style Siamese, also exists, which has retained the more rounded body and head shapes characteristic of the first imported animals. Today, both types have their admirers, although the official standard of most feline organisations describes the modern, refined type of Siamese cat.

What a Siamese Cat Looks Like: Standard and Appearance

The modern Siamese cat is the epitome of elegance and grace. Its appearance is harmonious and refined, with long, slender lines.

• Body: Medium-sized, long, tubular, and muscular, yet very lithe and elegant. Shoulders and hips continue the lines of the body. The abdomen is tucked up.
• Head: Shaped like a long, tapering wedge that starts at the nose and extends прямо to the tips of the ears, forming a triangle. The profile is straight or with a slight dip. The skull is flat or slightly convex. The muzzle is fine and delicate. The chin is of medium size, forming a vertical line with the tip of the nose.
• Ears: Very large, wide at the base, and pointed at the tips. They appear as a continuation of the wedge lines of the head.
• Eyes: Almond-shaped, medium-sized, set at an angle in line with the wedge of the head. Eye colour is exclusively vivid blue, deep and intense; the deeper and more vivid, the better. Any other eye colour is a disqualifying fault.
• Legs and Paws: Legs are long, slender, and proportionate to the body. Hind legs are slightly longer than the front. Paws are small and oval.
• Tail: Very long, thin at the base, tapering evenly to a pointed tip (whip-like). It should not have any kinks or knots.
• Coat: Very short, fine, glossy, and silky to the touch, lying close to the body. An important feature is the absence of an undercoat, which makes them sensitive to the cold.
• Colouration (Colourpoint): This is a unique breed trait. The main body colour is light (from white to cream or beige), with darker markings (points) located on the cooler parts of the body: face (mask), ears, legs, and tail. The contrast between the body colour and the points should be distinct. Kittens are born completely white, and the points develop gradually over the first few weeks and months of life. Ambient temperature affects the intensity of the colouration: in the cold, the fur darkens. The main recognised point colours are:
  • Seal Point: The classic version. Body pale fawn to cream, points deep seal brown.
  • Blue Point: Body bluish-white, cool-toned, points slate blue.
  • Chocolate Point: Body ivory, points warm milk-chocolate.
  • Lilac Point: Body white (magnolia), points frosty grey-pink.
  • Other variations: Red point, cream point, tortie point (with a tortoiseshell pattern on the points), and lynx point (with a tabby pattern on the points) also exist, though recognition of these colours may vary between feline organisations.

The Siamese Cat's Character: Temperament and Behaviour

The character of a Siamese cat is as vibrant and unforgettable as its appearance. This is not a breed that will inconspicuously nap on a windowsill all day. Siamese are extremely social, active, and 'chatty' cats that strive to be full members of the family and participate in all affairs.

• Sociability and Need for Attention: Siamese cats are very people-oriented. They become strongly attached to their owners, often choosing one family member as 'their' person, to whom they give all their devotion. They do not cope well with loneliness and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. These cats need constant interaction, affection, and play.
• 'Chattiness': Siamese are known for their loud and expressive voices. They use a wide range of sounds – from gentle purring to demanding meows resembling a baby's cry – to communicate with their owners and express their needs and desires. Be prepared for constant 'conversations' with your pet.
• Intelligence and Inquisitiveness: These are very clever cats. They learn quickly, easily master tricks, can be taught to walk on a lead, and even open doors or cupboards. Their inquisitiveness knows no bounds, so it's important to provide them with a safe environment and plenty of mental stimulation (interactive toys, puzzle feeders).
• Activity and Playfulness: Siamese cats remain playful throughout their lives. They need space to run, jump, and play. Provide them with access to cat trees, tunnels, wand toys, and balls. Regular play sessions will help channel their energy constructively.
• Demanding and Wilful Nature: A Siamese always knows what it wants and will persistently try to get it. They can be quite stubborn and demanding. They need an owner who can establish clear boundaries while treating the cat with respect and patience. Siamese cats have long memories for unfair punishment or harshness.
• Jealousy and Relations with Other Animals: Due to their strong attachment to their owner, Siamese cats can be jealous. They don't always get along well with other cats or dogs, especially if the others arrived in the home later. It's best to introduce a Siamese to other animals at an early age. They can be dominant and will strive to establish a leading position.

Overall, the Siamese cat is a wonderful companion for people who are prepared to give it a lot of attention, value active communication with their pet, and are looking not just for a beautiful animal, but a true friend with a vibrant personality.

Training and Socialisation of a Siamese Cat

High intelligence and a desire to interact with humans make Siamese cats very receptive to training. However, their independent and sometimes stubborn nature requires a special approach.

• Positive Reinforcement: The most effective method for training a Siamese is positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and affection to encourage desired behaviour. Never shout at the cat or use physical punishment – this will only frighten the animal, destroy trust, and can provoke aggression or unwanted behaviour. Siamese are very sensitive to their owner's mood and respond well to a gentle tone.
• Short and Engaging Sessions: Training sessions should be short (5–10 minutes) and perceived by the cat as a game. Repeat commands regularly, but don't bore the cat. Use toys to make the learning process more exciting.
• What Can Be Taught: Siamese can be taught basic commands ("come," "sit"), to fetch toys, walk on a lead, and use a litter tray and scratching post. Their intelligence allows them to master more complex tricks as well.
• Socialisation: Early socialisation is very important for Siamese cats, especially if you plan to keep other animals or have children in the home. Introduce the kitten to different people, sounds, and situations in a positive manner. This will help raise a confident and well-balanced cat. Accustom them to being handled, and to ear, teeth, and claw inspections from a young age.
• Addressing Behavioural Problems: If problems arise (e.g., scratching furniture, marking), look for the cause of such behaviour (boredom, stress, medical issues) and try to eliminate it. Offer alternatives (scratching posts, more games), enrich the environment, and seek advice from a vet or animal behaviourist.

Remember that patience, consistency, and respect for your Siamese cat's individuality are key to successful upbringing and a harmonious relationship.

Pros and Cons of the Siamese Breed

Before getting a Siamese cat, it's important to weigh all the pros and cons to understand if this breed is right for you.

Caring for a Siamese Cat: Coat, Hygiene, and Comfort

Caring for a Siamese cat is not overly complicated, especially regarding its coat, but it does require attention to certain aspects of hygiene and ensuring comfortable living conditions.

• Coat Care: The short, silky coat of Siamese cats, which lacks an undercoat, is not prone to matting and requires minimal grooming. Brushing the cat once a week is usually sufficient with a rubber brush or grooming glove to remove dead hairs and stimulate circulation. During moulting periods (usually spring and autumn), this can be done a little more often. Siamese cats only need bathing when necessary, for example, before a show or if heavily soiled, as they are excellent self-groomers.
• Dental Care: Siamese are prone to dental problems, so regular tooth brushing is very important. Ideally, brush their teeth several times a week with a special cat toothpaste and brush. It's best to accustom them to this procedure from kittenhood. Dry foods and treats that promote dental cleaning, as well as regular vet check-ups, are also beneficial.
• Ear Care: Regularly (once every week or two) inspect the ears for dirt, excess wax, or signs of inflammation (redness, unpleasant odour). Clean the ears only as needed, using a special ear cleaning solution for cats and cotton pads or gauze swabs. Do not use cotton buds, as they can damage the eardrum.
• Eye Care: The almond-shaped eyes of Siamese cats usually do not require special care. Minor clear or brownish discharge in the corners of the eyes is normal and can be gently wiped away with a damp, lint-free cloth or a cotton pad soaked in warm boiled water or a special eye lotion. If discharge is heavy, purulent, or the eyes are red, consult a vet immediately.
• Claw Trimming: Trim the tips of the claws every 2–3 weeks using special cat nail clippers. This will help prevent ingrown claws and protect your furniture.
• Litter Tray: The litter tray must always be clean. Siamese cats are very fastidious and may refuse to use a dirty tray. It's important to choose a litter that your cat likes.
• Comfort and Safety: As Siamese cats lack an undercoat, they are sensitive to cold and draughts. Ensure your pet has a warm place to sleep, away from windows and doors during cold weather. Also, ensure their safety: Siamese are inquisitive and active, so windows should be fitted with cat-proof screens, and dangerous items and substances should be securely stored away.