This beautiful cat is one of the best-known cat breeds. Most of the Siamese cats aren’t just slender and beautiful, but they are a smart and curious bunch! Sometimes, you may find it easy to converse with this cat all day long.
If you prefer lots of interaction with your pet, then the fluffy Siamese cat may just be a good fit!
One breed of cat that is highly distinctive and instantly recognizable to most people. This cat is in fact one of the most ancient breeds of cat, and many of today’s modern pedigree breeds have the Siamese cats to thank for.
It is true that the Siamese cat breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world. The Siamese cats come in different colors that can appear vibrant or eye-catching. The beautiful coats this cat can have include color points such as blue, lilac, chocolate, red, flame, seal and more.
Versions vary depending on the area of origin. Ever wondered how these cats all came to be? Let’s try to dive into their history!
Siamese Cat Breed History
Siamese cats are an oriental cat breed that is native to Thailand. Ancient Thai manuscripts depict the cats. However, cats were not seen in the West until the late nineteenth century.
This was when they were exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in London. Even when the majority didn’t seem to appreciate their unusual appearance, society had quickly made these cats as fashionable pets.
Siamese cats are pure and natural cat breed. So its original pointed pattern was the result of a unique genetic mutation. At first, only the cats with seal points were shown at the time, but then cats with blue, chocolate and lilac-point Siamese soon showed up in society.
In today’s age, these cats now come in variations of point colors and patterns. This cat breed has made its mark on creating several different breeds such as the lilac point Siamese, blue point Siamese, Applehead Siamese, flame (red) point Siamese, Siamese tabby, the Lynx point Siamese cat, and more.
Siamese Cat Facts
How much do you know about this cat? Let's get to know some facts about this cat breed and learn what colors, shapes and sizes they may come as:
How does the Siamese cat look like? How much does this cat weigh?
The Siamese comes in two types: show and traditional. The show Siamese has a tubular body on two pairs of long legs, they also have a pair of triangular ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a long tail. However, in spite of all the differences in color and body shape they all possess those blue-colored eyes.
Meanwhile, the traditional Siamese which is also known as the apple-headed cat has a rounded head with a body that’s chunky.
Both traditional and show types have bright blue eyes. As for the weight, Siamese cats typically weigh at least six to ten pounds.
The Siamese cats' looks fully depends on the type of Siamese breed they are. Nonetheless, all of the felines of this cat breed have those signature blue eyes.
What are the different types of Siamese Cat?
Bluepoint Siamese cat
The blue point Siamese is most closely related to the seal point. This version of the Siamese is a paler version. While there it has cold-toned shades, grey-bluish points, and bluish-white body fur. Meanwhile, like the seal points, their bodies do darken with age.
Lilac point Siamese cat
Lilac Point Siamese felines have a pinkish-grey feature with cream-colored shades on their bodies. This form of coloration makes them genetically distinctive, as this is the diluted version of the Chocolate point. Lilacs are, by far, the palest among all of the four major cat breed colors. It’s not just their coat but also their eyes come off a pale blue color.
Chocolate point Siamese cat
The lovely chocolate point Siamese have brown markings on designated parts of their bodies just like the seal point cat. For some, it can become difficult to distinguish from seal points, especially when they are quite young. However, one thing’s for sure, we can differentiate the two if we’re keen enough to see how the chocolate Siamese have a lighter, pink-toned brown coat that strongly resembles the milk chocolate drink.
Applehead Siamese cat
While the applehead Siamese can be found in the same color variants as the modern Siamese, their shape and build are quite different from their smaller counterparts. The applehead kind is slightly larger and more stocky in build than the modern Siamese. This cat got its name from how their heads are shaped, which looks rounder and less pronounced.
Black Siamese cat
A fun fact about this breed is how all-black Siamese aren’t entirely pure traditional Siamese. This version is considered a Seal Point Siamese. The black Siamese cats are quite rare, so need not be surprised if you haven’t seen one yet! Imagine black with blue eyes, must be a sight to behold!
Redpoint Siamese cat
The Flame Point Siamese (also known as the Red Point) come in colors: apricot and cream, both colors are diluted. This is also another Seal point Siamese, bred with a red tabby or tortoiseshell British Shorthair cat that carries genes with orange color.
To be honest, it is tricky to tell red variations apart. The common thing these Siamese have is that they all have creamy-white bodies but never without their distinctive reddish-orange points.
Long-haired Siamese – Fluffy Siamese cat
This cat breed is also known as the Balinese cat. These cats are purebred long-haired Siamese, deriving from a natural mutation of that breed and are essentially the same cat now with a medium-length silky coat.
Lynx point Siamese cat
Lynx point Siamese cats get their distinctive look from crossbreeds between Siamese and tabbies.
So the Lynx point cats are a Siamese Tabby mix. They’ve started breeding this feline back in the 40s but became rampant 20 years later.
However, there has been some form of debate on whether they could be officially considered part of the breed of Siamese cats. Nonetheless, they still have the same qualities of this cat breed plus its distinctive blue yes.
Seal point Siamese
The Seal Point Siamese appear to have a pale shade to the cream-colored body, with hints of seal-brown (dark brown) color points on their face. Color points spread out from their nose, ears, paws, and also their tail. Interestingly, their paw pads and nose are also dark browns.
All about the Siamese Cat behavior
These cats are said to be unceasingly curious. They are extremely smart and alluring. So, if you want a Siamese just for his looks, you’d need to get to know this cat more than judging them by their looks.
Are Siamese cats friendly?
Yes, they are!
This cat's behavior is quite peculiar, as these cats have a passion for people and will try to involve themselves in everything humans are doing. When they’ve got no company, they would entertain themselves by moving items, opening cabinets, on the lookout for new hideaways to satiate their curiosity and a love for learning. You can take this cat on a walk if you’d like in case if this one has explored all parts of your home, repetitively.
Playtime between you and the Siamese cats is also a must when having this type of feline. You will need to introduce them to toys that keep them active and that will help get your kitty to exercise.
Just the right exercise will keep your cat healthy with the quality time spent together. Furthermore, they will need to interact with the rest of your family as they are quite curious about humans just as much as they are with their fellow cats.
Try to name your Siamese appropriately that should express their personality! It can be a tricky decision, but your cat will surely embody that name once you’ve come to baptize them with it.
Care and grooming
This cat breed's short and fine fur has always been easily cared for with just a weekly combing routine to regularly remove dead hair, and distribute skin oils.
For safety reasons, it’s a good idea to keep Siamese cats indoors to actively protect them from diseases spread by other animals. Keeping them indoors also reduces the risk of getting them into accidents. Siamese cats staying outdoors also run the risk of being stolen due to how beautiful this cat breed is in the eyes of strangers and cat thieves.
In case if you’re looking to get a cat, yet it is susceptible to allergens, need not fret and assure yourself that the Siamese cat is hypoallergenic. This means that whenever you’re looking to bring home a cat, this one is the perfect choice for you.
Siamese Cat Lifespan
How long do the Siamese cats live? This cat breed luckily possesses a long typical life span.
Siamese cats with an Asian descent often live for about 15 to 20 years, and many of them even surpass that!
Siamese Cat Price
How much does a Siamese cat cost?
In reality, there are a number of factors that all play a part in the cost of a Siamese cat. Adopting one from the shelter may cost you a little less, but when purchasing a purebred, the cost can vary widely.
Siamese kittens can cost you anywhere from around $250 to $1000. Siamese kittens are still young and have a long way to go with developing their market value, whereas an adult purebred will already cost you more than $1000.
There are several things to consider first prior to deciding if you should go get a Siamese Cat. You can drop by your local shelter and maybe you can see one there that needs a forever home. Either way, having a Siamese is not cheap since you also have to consider the long term care.
Facts About The Siamese Cat
You thought we've explored all we needed to know about this cat? Here are a few facts on this beautiful feline that covers more about their kirks than how good they look:
1. The best-known type is the “Seal Point”
Cats of this color scheme have whitish bodies with dark brown patches of fur on their extremities. Hints of color on their tail, paws, ears and facial area. Those colors on the extremities are known as “points”.
2. They are extremely vocal
They meow more loudly and that happens quite often. You will need to expect this to happen more, especially when they want something from you. A lot of owners find them engaging and talkative to have around in a social home.
3. These cats are at their best with a companion
While these cats talk a lot, they are also very affectionate to humans. do know that this type of cat likes to follow their humans because they crave social interaction. This means that the cat can develop a form of separation anxiety if left alone for a long period of time within a day.
4. They are recognized as one of the first breeds by the Cat Fanciers' Association
The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) only recognized half a dozen cat breeds, including this cat. Today, cats of over 30 additional breeds are eligible for CFA registration.
5. They express a partial form of albinism
These have those “pointed” patterns because of a gene. However, the gene manifests after a fetal cat has been born. So, their ear tips and extremities stay dark because those portions of the body won't retain just as much heat as other parts very well.
6. The cross-eyed cats of this breed used to be a thing
Just like what was mentioned above, the same gene is also responsible for the whitish fur and dark extremities give these cats their beautiful eye color.
Due to the unusual pigmentation in their retinas, cross-eyed cats were common in this breed. However, selective breeding in the present time has reduced this trait in cats.
Final Thoughts
Are you looking for a cat that is as curious and as child-friendly as you desire? Have you ever considered getting a cat to bring home this year? Even with some doubts, you’d find yourself falling in love with this cat breed for how engaging and warm they are to you and to their fellow cats.
Never get bored for another day with this type of feline as you’ll surely get busy articulating your thoughts to them and getting interesting feedback you would never expect!