Thai Cat

The history of the Thai cat is closely intertwined with that of its near relative, the modern Siamese. Both breeds descend from the native colourpoint cats of ancient Siam (now Thailand). These cats, known in Thailand as “Wichienmaat,” meaning “moon diamond,” were highly prized for centuries. References to them can be found in the ancient Thai manuscript “Tamra Maew” (“The Cat-Book Poems”), dated between the 14th and 18th centuries. These felines often resided in temples and royal palaces, regarded as symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

The first Siamese cats arrived in Europe and America in the late 19th century, rapidly gaining popularity due to their unusual appearance and intelligence. However, by the mid-20th century, Western breeders began to actively modify the breed’s appearance, striving for a more extreme type: a very slender, elongated body, a wedge-shaped head with enormous ears, and long, slim limbs. This led to the emergence of the modern Siamese cat, often seen in shows.

Meanwhile, in the breed’s homeland of Thailand, and amongst some enthusiasts in the West, the original, more robust type of Siamese cat was preserved. These cats featured a more rounded, “apple-shaped” head, a sturdier body, and smaller ears. It was this traditional type that came to be known as the “Thai cat,” to distinguish it from the new, modernised version.

In the 1980s, fanciers of the old-style Siamese began to unite to preserve and promote this classic type. In 1990, the World Cat Federation (WCF) officially recognised the breed under the name “Thai.” Subsequently, other organisations also granted recognition, notably TICA (The International Cat Association) in 2007. Today, the Thai cat is prized for its historical appearance, reminiscent of the first Siamese cats that arrived in Europe, and for its wonderful temperament.

The Thai cat is a medium to large-sized animal, combining a strong, muscular build with elegance and harmonious proportions. Unlike the extremely refined modern Siamese, the Thai appears more natural and balanced.

• Head: A modified wedge shape with soft, rounded contours. In profile, a slight curve is noticeable at eye level. The muzzle is rounded, well-developed, and without sharpness. The chin is strong. Compared to the modern Siamese, the head is often described as “apple-shaped,” though it is not perfectly round.
• Ears: Medium-sized, broad at the base, with rounded tips. Set quite wide apart, continuing the lines of the head’s wedge, but not as enormous or low-set as in modern Siamese.
• Eyes: Large, expressive, and almond-shaped, set slightly slanted. The colour is always a deep, vivid blue or sapphire. The depth and intensity of the colour are important breed characteristics. A slight squint (strabismus), which was common in old Siamese lines, is now considered a fault, though not disqualifying for a pet.
• Body: Medium in length, muscular but not overly massive. The chest is rounded, and the back is strong. The bone structure is well-developed. The overall impression is one of strength and athleticism without coarseness.
• Limbs and Paws: Legs of medium length, proportionate to the body, with well-developed musculature. Paws are oval and medium-sized.
• Tail: Medium length, thick at the base and tapering slightly to a rounded tip. Proportionate to the body. Kinks in the tail, characteristic of some old lines, are considered a fault.
• Coat: Short, fine, and silky to the touch, lying close to the body. Virtually no undercoat, making it easy to care for.
• Colouring: Thai cats exclusively have a colourpoint pattern. This means the main body colour is light (from white to cream or light beige), while darker markings (points) are found on the cooler parts of the body: the face (mask), ears, paws, and tail. The contrast between the light body and dark points should be distinct. Permissible point variations include:
  • Seal Point: The classic variation. Very dark brown, almost black points on a light beige body.
  • Blue Point: Grey-blue points on an icy white or light grey body.
  • Chocolate Point: Warm, milky chocolate points on an ivory-coloured body.
  • Lilac Point: Light, pinkish-grey (lilac) points on a very light, almost white body (magnolia).
  • Other, rarer variations are also possible, such as red point, cream point, tortie point (tortoiseshell), and lynx point (tabby point), depending on the standards of the specific feline organisation.

It is important to note that Thai kittens are born completely white. The points begin to appear within the first few weeks of life and are fully developed by one year of age, or sometimes even later. The body colour may also darken with age.

Thai Cat vs Modern Siamese: Key Differences

The Thai cat is not merely a beautiful animal but also an exceptionally intelligent, sociable, and devoted companion. Its character is often described as “dog-like” due to its strong attachment to people and its desire to be involved in all aspects of family life.

1. High intelligence and inquisitiveness: Thais are among the most intelligent cats. They learn quickly, easily master tricks, and can learn to open doors, cupboards, and fetch toys. Their curiosity knows no bounds – they will explore every nook and cranny of your home.
2. Sociability and people-oriented nature: These are exceptionally social cats. They do not cope well with solitude and require constant interaction with their owners. A Thai cat will follow you around, “help” with all your tasks, and sit on your lap or nearby when you are relaxing. They form strong bonds with all family members but often choose one “favourite.”
3. Vocal abilities: Thai cats, like their Siamese relatives, are renowned for their talkativeness. They possess a wide range of sounds, from gentle purrs to loud, demanding meows. They will “chat” with you, comment on events, express their desires, or simply greet you. Although the Thai’s voice is generally softer and less piercing than that of the modern Siamese, it is still quite expressive.
4. Energy and playfulness: These are active and agile cats that retain their playfulness well into old age. They need regular play sessions and physical exercise to burn off energy. Interactive toys, scratching posts, and climbing shelves will help satisfy their need for activity and stimulate their minds.
5. Affection and devotion: Despite their independent streak, Thai cats are very affectionate and gentle with their people. They love cuddles, strokes, and physical contact. Their devotion to their owners is impressive – they will greet you at the door and miss you in your absence.
6. Attitude towards children and other animals: Thanks to their playful and patient nature, Thai cats usually get along well with children, especially if they grow up together. They can become excellent playmates. They also tend to coexist peacefully with other cats and friendly dogs, particularly if introduced at a young age. However, their hunting instinct may pose a threat to small pets (rodents, birds).
7. Need for attention: It is crucial to understand that the Thai cat is not a breed that will be happy left alone for long periods. They require significant attention and interaction. If you spend a lot of time away from home, it might be worth getting your Thai a companion (another cat or a dog) or reconsidering your choice of breed. Boredom and loneliness can lead to destructive behaviour or depression.

Overall, the Thai cat is a charismatic, interactive, and loving member of the family who will bring much joy to active and attentive owners.

Thai cats are generally considered a healthy and hardy breed, largely thanks to their descent from native cats and less exposure to intensive selective breeding compared to modern Siamese. They tend to have good immunity and are often long-lived, reaching 15-20 years, sometimes even longer, with proper care.

However, like any breed, they may have a predisposition to certain health problems, some of which are inherited from their Siamese ancestors, though perhaps manifesting less frequently or in a milder form:

• Respiratory problems: Although significantly rarer than in modern Siamese with their extreme head structure, some Thai cat lines may be prone to upper respiratory tract conditions.
• Oral health issues: Gingivitis and periodontal disease can occur in Thai cats, so regular dental care is essential. Brushing with a specialised cat toothpaste and brush, as well as periodic veterinary check-ups, is recommended.
• Hereditary eye conditions:
  • Strabismus (squint): Often seen in old Siamese lines. It can occur in Thais but usually doesn’t affect vision and is considered more of a cosmetic feature. In show animals, it is a fault.
  • Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements. May also be present but typically doesn’t cause the cat significant discomfort.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary condition leading to gradual vision loss. Responsible breeders test their breeding stock for the PRA gene.
• Amyloidosis: A disease where amyloid protein accumulates in organs, most often the liver or kidneys, impairing their function. This is a serious condition that can be hereditary in Siamese lines.
• Asthma and bronchial conditions: Some cats of Siamese type can be prone to allergic reactions and asthma.
• Congenital heart defects: As with many breeds, various cardiomyopathies can occur.

Preventing health issues in Thai cats involves:

• Regular veterinary check-ups: Annual (or twice-yearly for senior cats) visits to the vet for examinations, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
• Quality nutrition: A balanced diet appropriate for the cat’s age and activity level.
• Hygiene: Regular dental care, ear cleaning as needed, and nail trimming.
• Weight management: Maintaining an optimal weight to prevent joint problems, diabetes, and other obesity-related conditions.
• Psychological well-being: Providing sufficient attention, play, and stimulation to avoid stress, which can negatively impact health. Do not leave a Thai cat alone for extended periods.
• Choosing a kitten: Purchase a kitten from a responsible breeder who tests their animals for common genetic diseases and can provide information about the parents’ health.

Despite potential risks, most Thai cats live long and healthy lives, delighting their owners with their companionship and energy.

Caring for a Thai cat is not complicated, thanks to its short coat lacking a dense undercoat and its general cleanliness. However, its active and social nature demands attention to its living conditions and psychological comfort.

Coat Care

A Thai cat’s coat requires minimal grooming. Brushing it with a rubber brush or a special grooming mitt once a week is usually sufficient to remove dead hairs and distribute skin oils, giving the coat a healthy sheen. During moulting seasons (typically spring and autumn), this can be done slightly more often.

Bathing a Thai cat is only necessary on occasion, for instance, if it gets very dirty or before a show. Most cats of this breed are not fond of water, so it’s best to accustom them to bathing from a young age. Use a shampoo specifically designed for cats.

Hygiene Routine

• Ear care: Regularly (once every week or two) inspect the ear flaps. If there’s dirt or wax, gently clean them with a cotton pad moistened with a special ear cleaning solution. Do not use cotton buds to clean deep into the ear canal.
• Eye care: A Thai cat’s eyes usually don’t require special attention. If small discharges appear in the corners of the eyes, they can be wiped away with a clean tissue or a cotton pad dipped in warm boiled water or a special lotion. For profuse or pus-like discharge, consult a vet.
• Dental care: A crucial aspect of grooming! Regular brushing (several times a week) with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste will help prevent plaque, tartar buildup, and gum disease. Special dental treats and dry food can also be beneficial.
• Nail trimming: Trim the tips of the claws with special nail clippers approximately every 2-4 weeks, depending on their growth rate. This will protect your furniture and skin from scratches. Be sure to provide your cat with several scratching posts with different surfaces (sisal, cardboard, wood).

Living Conditions and Environment

• Space and activity: Thai cats are energetic animals. They need space to play and move. Provide your cat with toys (balls, feather wands, interactive toys), scratching posts, and ideally, vertical space – shelves, climbing trees, or high window sills from which they can observe the world.
• Safety: As Thais are curious and active, ensuring a safe home environment is vital. Remove poisonous plants, chemicals, and small objects the cat could swallow. Install “cat-proof” screens on windows, especially if you live on an upper floor of a block of flats.
• Litter tray: The litter tray should be large enough and always kept clean. Thai cats are very fastidious and may refuse to use a dirty tray. Experiment with different types of litter to find one your pet prefers.
• Social interaction: As previously mentioned, Thai cats require a lot of attention. Dedicate time each day for play and interaction with your pet. Don’t ignore its attempts to “talk” or get your attention.
• Walks on a lead: Some Thai cats, thanks to their intelligence and people-oriented nature, can be quite easily trained to wear a harness and lead. Walks outdoors under your supervision can be a wonderful addition to their life, especially if the cat lives exclusively indoors (e.g., in a flat).

Thanks to their high intelligence, quick wits, and strong orientation towards people, Thai cats are considered one of the easiest cat breeds to train. They quickly understand what is expected of them and often actively seek interaction and learning, especially if it’s conducted in a positive and playful manner.

Key aspects of raising and training:

• Early socialisation: It’s vital to start socialising a kitten as early as possible. Introduce it to different people, sounds, situations, and (carefully and under supervision) other animals. This will help raise a confident and well-balanced cat.
• Positive reinforcement: Thais respond excellently to positive reinforcement methods. Use treats, praise, strokes, and play as rewards for correct behaviour or a performed command. Never physically punish the cat or shout at it – this can cause fear, aggression, and destroy trust.
• Litter tray and scratching post training: This usually isn’t problematic, as Thais are very clean. Show the kitten the litter tray after meals and naps. Encourage the use of a scratching post by placing it near areas where the cat tries to scratch (e.g., near the sofa) and praise correct use.
• Teaching commands and tricks: Thai cats are capable of learning various commands (“sit,” “paw,” “come”) and tricks (fetching a toy, jumping through a hoop). Start with simple commands, conduct short (5-10 minute) training sessions regularly, using positive reinforcement. Their natural inquisitiveness and desire to please their owner make the training process engaging.
• Harness and lead training: If you plan to walk your cat, start acclimatising it to a harness gradually, indoors first. Initially, just put the harness on for a few minutes, then increase the time, and later attach the lead. Always encourage calm behaviour.
• Correcting undesirable behaviour: If the cat does something unwanted (e.g., scratches furniture or jumps on the table), don’t punish it. Instead, redirect its attention to an acceptable activity (e.g., take it to the scratching post or offer a toy). Use a firm “No” or a loud sound (like a clap) to interrupt the unwanted action, but without aggression. Ensure the cat has enough toys and opportunities to expend energy.

Remember, patience, consistency, and a positive approach are the keys to successfully raising an intelligent and obedient Thai cat.

Proper nutrition is fundamental to the health and longevity of an active Thai cat. They are generally not fussy eaters but require a high-quality, balanced diet rich in animal protein to support their muscle mass and energetic lifestyle.

Feeding options:

• Commercial cat foods (dry and wet): This is the most convenient option. Choose premium, super-premium, or holistic grade foods where meat ingredients (chicken, turkey, beef, fish) are listed first in the composition, rather than cereals or vaguely described by-products. It’s advisable to combine dry and wet food. Dry food helps clean teeth, while wet food provides additional hydration and is highly palatable.
• Natural feeding (BARF system or home-prepared): This option requires more time and knowledge. The diet must be carefully balanced by a veterinary nutritionist and should include raw or cooked lean meat (chicken, turkey, beef), offal (heart, liver – in limited quantities), dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, plain yogurt), a small amount of vegetables (carrot, courgette, pumpkin), and specialised vitamin-mineral supplements for cats. Fish should be given infrequently, only sea fish, cooked and boneless. It is strictly forbidden to give cats pork, smoked meats, sweets, human table scraps, bones (especially cooked poultry bones), onions, garlic, or chocolate.

Important aspects of feeding a Thai cat:

• High protein content: Thais are active, muscular cats, so animal protein should be the cornerstone of their diet.
• Portion control: Although Thais are active, they can be prone to weight gain, especially neutered animals or older cats. Adhere to the recommended feeding guidelines on the food packaging or those calculated by a vet for a natural diet.
• Fresh water: The cat must always have access to clean, fresh drinking water. Consider using a water fountain, as cats often prefer to drink running water.
• Feeding frequency: Adult cats are usually fed twice a day (morning and evening). Kittens are fed more frequently – 3-5 times a day, depending on age.
• Sensitive digestion: Some Thai cats may have sensitive digestion. In such cases, selecting a special food for sensitive digestion or consulting a vet may be necessary. Introduce new food gradually over 7-10 days, mixing it with the old food.
• Dietary impact on colour: It is thought that certain foods (e.g., liver, seafood, excess iodine) can cause the main coat colour of colourpoint cats to darken. While this is more relevant for show animals, it’s worth considering when choosing a diet.

Approximate Feeding Frequency for Thai Cats

The best diet for your Thai cat is one that provides all essential nutrients, maintains an optimal weight, and ensures good overall well-being.

Before getting a Thai cat, it’s important to weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages of this wonderful yet demanding breed.

• Royal lineage: Historically, Wichienmaat cats (ancestors of Thais and Siamese) were kept exclusively by members of the Siamese royal family and high-ranking officials. They were believed to guard palaces and temples and bring good fortune to their owners.
• “Moon Diamond”: The name “Wichienmaat” translates as “moon diamond,” alluding to their value and beauty – a light body and shining blue eyes.
• Mentions in the “Tamra Maew”: This ancient Thai manuscript describes various cat breeds of Thailand, including the Wichienmaat. It noted that these cats bring wealth and prosperity. The manuscript also describes other Thai breeds, such as the Korat cat (a silver-blue cat with green eyes).
• First Siamese cat in the White House: In 1878, the American Consul in Bangkok presented a Siamese-type cat named “Siam” to Lucy Webb Hayes, the wife of US President Rutherford B. Hayes. Descriptions suggest this cat was of the traditional Thai type – more robust than modern Siamese.
• Temperature-sensitive colouring: The colourpoint pattern of Thai cats is a form of partial albinism caused by a temperature-sensitive gene. The enzyme responsible for producing the dark pigment melanin is active only at lower temperatures. Therefore, cooler parts of the body (ears, face, paws, tail) are darkly coloured, while warmer parts (the torso) remain light.
• Colour changes with age and temperature: Kittens are born white because it is warm in the womb. The points darken with age. The coat colour can also change depending on the ambient temperature – in a colder climate, the body fur may become darker.
• Progenitors of many breeds: Siamese-type cats (including the traditional Thai) formed the foundation for developing many other breeds, such as the Balinese (long-haired Siamese), Oriental, Burmese, Tonkinese, and others like the elegant Somali cat and the charming Snowshoe cat.

Do Thai cats shed a lot? Thai cats shed moderately. As they have almost no undercoat, the amount of hair they lose is significantly less than many other breeds. Regular brushing once a week helps to manage this.

Are Thai cats hypoallergenic? No, Thai cats are not hypoallergenic. Although they may produce slightly less of the Fel d 1 allergen (the main cat allergen found in saliva and sebaceous glands) than some other breeds, they can still trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies, it’s advisable to spend time with representatives of the breed before getting a kitten.

How vocal are Thai cats? They are quite vocal and enjoy “communicating.” Their voice is usually not as shrill as that of modern Siamese, but they actively use a wide range of sounds to express their emotions and needs. If you prefer a quiet cat, the Thai breed may not be the best choice.

Can a Thai cat be left alone all day? This is not recommended. Thai cats are very social and do not cope well with solitude. If you are regularly away from home for 8-10 hours, a Thai cat may become bored and lonely, which can lead to stress or destructive behaviour. In such cases, it’s better to get them a companion (another cat or a dog) or choose a more independent breed.

Are Thai cats suitable for families with children? Yes, Thai cats usually get along wonderfully with children. They are playful, energetic, and quite patient. It’s important to teach children to treat the cat respectfully, not to bother it during sleep or meals, and not to cause it any pain.

What is the main difference between a Thai and a Siamese cat? The main difference lies in the body type and head shape. The Thai cat represents the older, traditional type: more cobby, with a rounded (“apple-shaped”) head and a sturdy body. The modern Siamese cat is a result of selective breeding, featuring a very slender, elongated body and a wedge-shaped head with large ears. Their temperaments are similar (intelligent, social, vocal), but Thais are often considered slightly calmer and less “extreme” in their behaviour.

How much does a Thai kitten cost? The price of a Thai kitten can vary depending on its pedigree, class (pet, breed, show), the breeder’s reputation, and the region. Typically, prices start from several hundred pounds (or the equivalent in local currency) and can be significantly higher for show-quality animals from distinguished parents. It is important to choose a responsible breeder who prioritises the health and socialisation of their kittens.