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Siamese Cat Breed Fun Facts: All About Siamese Cats and Kittens!

Siamese Cat Breed Fun Facts: All About Siamese Cats and Kittens!

So you've decided to bring one of those chatty furballs into your home. Congratulations, you're now the proud owner of a Siamese cat. Before those piercing blue eyes and loud meows suck you into their thrall, here are a few things you should know about your new feline overlord.

A Very Talkative Cat Breed

Siamese cats are not your average lazy house cat content to nap the day away. No, these pets are social butterflies that firmly believe they are people, too. They will follow you from room to room, voicing their opinions on everything from what you're making for dinner to your choice of outfit for the day.

While some may find their behavior annoying, Siamese cat owners know that's just their quirky way of showering you with affection and keeping you entertained.

You've come to the right place if you're looking for a pet with personality and pizzazz. Here are fun facts and tips about the Siamese cat breed.

Brief History

Siamese cat on a blanket

Let's turn back time and revisit where these blue-eyed beauts originated. Buckle up because we're headed to the land of sun and smiles: Thailand! Or as it was then known, "Siam."

Royal Beginnings

Way back in the 14th century, these sleek pets were believed to be sacred. They lounged around in palaces and temples, living the good life. So next time you see your Siamese cat refusing to budge from the best spot on the couch, you know why. Royalty runs in their veins!

Crossing Over To The Western World

Lap up the 1800s, folks, because this was when Siamese cats took their first trip from Siam to the Western world. The story goes that an American diplomat in Bangkok, David Sickels, managed to get his hands on a Siamese cat. He gifted it to Lucy Hayes, the cat-loving First Lady of then-President Rutherford B. Hayes. This is how the first Siamese cats took a VIP trip to America. Talk about flying the fur-st class!

Siamese In The Spotlight

Siamese cats were stealing hearts and winning ribbons at cat shows in no time. I mean, who could resist those striking eyes and svelte bodies? By 1900, they were all the rage in the States and Europe.

It wasn't long before these cats strutted their stuff onto movie screens and children's books. So, for a breed that started off in royalty, it's no surprise that Siamese cats still live in the limelight.

Characteristics And Intelligence

With their distinctive "pointy" features and bright blue eyes, the Siamese cat is one of the most recognizable breeds. Siamese cats have a svelte, muscular body and a triangular-shaped head. Their fur points—the mask, ears, legs, and tail—are darker than the rest of their coat. The contrast is quite striking. The Siamese comes in several point colors: seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac point.

Siamese cats are also incredibly smart. They can open doors, turn on faucets, and solve puzzles, as well as any dog. While they make amusing and energetic pets, they require daily interaction and play. They can become bored and restless and develop behavioral issues if left alone for long periods.

Siamese cats thrive on human interaction and bonding very closely with their owners. A Siamese can make an ideal lifelong feline friend for the right owner. But be prepared for lots of chatty companionship!

Tips For Adopting A Siamese Kitten Or Cat

So, you've decided to adopt a Siamese kitten or cat. Congrats, you're in for a treat! These playful furballs are endlessly entertaining. But they can also be a handful, so here are some tips to keep your new feline friend happy and out of trouble.

Feeding your Siamese the proper diet is vital. These cats are prone to obesity, so measure out portions and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Wet food is best for hydration, with some high-protein kibble for treats. And forget leaving food out all the time—your little vacuum cleaner will devour it instantly!

Siamese cat on owner's lap

Grooming a Siamese is non-negotiable. Brush your pet frequently to avoid mats and tangles in their soft fur. Trim their nails if they get too sharp and check their ears regularly for wax buildup. Siamese are vocal pets, so get them used to having their paws, ears, and teeth handled from an early age.

Health-wise, Siamese can live 15-20 years but may develop certain conditions. Take your cat for regular vet checkups and vaccinations. Watch for dental disease, respiratory infections, and problems with their almond-shaped eyes. And get pet health insurance—vet care for a Siamese can cost a pretty penny!

Raising a Siamese kitten or cat is rewarding but requires patience and consistency. Give them plenty of playtime and affection, set clear rules about scratching furniture and counter surfing, and you'll have a loving, entertaining companion for years to come.

Fun Facts

Here are some more fun facts about Siamese cats:

  • The Siamese cat's distinctive coat colorings originated with a genetic mutation that occurred in Asia over 500 years ago. Pointed fur occurs when the cool parts of the body become more darkly pigmented than the warmer parts of the body. Pointing also accounts for the blue eyes.
  • Historically, the country of Siam (now called Thailand) was very protective of the breed and allowed very few Siamese to leave the country.
  • Although some Siamese (probably smuggled) appeared at a cat show in England in 1871, the first "official" Siamese cats arrived in England in 1884 . . . a pair given as a gift by the King of Siam himself.
  • The Siamese is the genetic source and general inspiration for many newer cat breeds, including the Balinese, Javanese, Birman, Oriental Shorthair, Himalayan, Burmese, Ocicat, and Havana Brown.
  • Siamese and other oriental cat breeds can exhibit an odd behavior called "pica." Pica is a compulsion to eat non-food things. In Siamese cats, this usually manifests as sucking or chewing on fabrics, especially wool.
  • The Siamese is one of the most affectionate, intelligent, social, and playful breeds of cats.

Want more fun facts? Check out how unique and weird animals can be in this article!

FAQ

Do Siamese cats like to cuddle?

Absolutely, if it's on their terms. Siamese are very social pets and bond very closely with their humans. They love spending time with you, sitting in your lap, sleeping next to you—but only when they feel like it.

Are Siamese kittens hypoallergenic?

While some cat breeds produce less of the Fel d 1 protein that causes allergies in humans, the Siamese breed can still trigger allergies for some people. Regular grooming, bathing, and an air purifier can help reduce allergens in the home, but there's no way to eliminate them completely.

Are Siamese cats high maintenance?

Yes, Siamese cats can be high-maintenance—but for the right owner, their playful, social nature and close bond make them a delight. A Siamese can make a wonderful lifelong companion as long as you're prepared to commit the time and patience required. Just don't expect them to be a living teddy bear! These cats have minds of their own.

Do you want to scream your love for your cat out loud? Grab some cat merch and wear it proudly next time you take your feline friend out! Your pet will surely appreciate it!

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Comments

Cat Exotica - January 4, 2024

As someone who loves Siamese cats, I really appreciated the detailed exploration of their unique traits and history. The blend of facts and charming anecdotes truly captured the essence of these beautiful felines. I am looking forward to reading more from your blog.

Cat Exotica - November 27, 2023

I appreciate the informative article on Siamese cats from Animal Hearted. It provides a detailed overview of the beautiful Siamese cat breed, their unique characteristics, and history. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating felines.

Pam - May 18, 2016

I noticed that there was a Siamese breeder on here and I had a question to ask. I just purchased two Oriental short hair kittens from a breeder that was not in my area. I realize they are not Siamese but have been told that the two breeds are pretty much the same. They were delivered to me via car as the breeder would not air ship her kittens. She has a friend who does car transport for a price. The breeder noted on her website that the kittens were raised in a family atmosphere and obviously were well cared for, they were not allowed to leave till 12 weeks and I actually ended up getting them at 16 weeks because of delivery issues. . I have had these two kittens for three days now and they have yet to come out of hiding unless I pull them out which I have to do to feed them otherwise they wont eat. I also have to feed them by hand as they refuse to eat out of their dish. They are horrified of everything, any little noise terrorizes them, I terrorize them :( Even after feeding them which they seem to enjoy and will purr for a brief moment but as soon as they are done they take off, then the next time I go to feed them it’s like they have no clue who I am and hiss and spit at me. I’m starting to wonder if the were really raised underfoot or if they were in a cage. Is this normal behavior for this breed, am I expecting too much too soon? My daughter purchased a Siamese from a local breeder and her kitten moved right into their home without any of these issues. I don’t want to ask the breeder this question as she may take it insultingly if I’m wrong well maybe if I’m right too:) . I’m looking for an unbiased opinion and any feed back would be appreciated! Any tips on what I should do to help them transition also? I’m feeling doubtful about my decision to purchase this breed as I was told this breed is very outgoing and friendly and I wanted nice companion/ cuddle buddies and it’s not happening :(

CVeraS - March 13, 2016

My first cat was a seal point traditional Siamese and I am sitting with a blue point in my lap now. He loves to play fetch and pester the dogs and other 2 cats. I do like the look of the traditional Siamese better than the new type. I am glad people are still breeding them, so we have a choice.

Angela - March 13, 2016

Beautiful write up BUT you have picture of a seal point domestic shorthair on here! The cat stretched out is NOT a siamese but just a regular cat. You can tell this by the fact that its head is round on all levels, ears are smaller and it has a double coat. Your opening picture is a traditional siamese with the beautiful wedge head, big ears, triangle planes to face and obvious single coat (no fluffy look). The picture of the two cats are closer to apple heads but I have to question whether they are pedigreed as the ears are too small, eyes too round and they appear to have a slight undercoat.
The dominate traits of the siamese are the wedge head, ears and coat style – therefore genetically if you take cat one and breed it to cat #2 the kittens will be more like cat #1 – to have cats looking like the cat in picture #2 means you have no siamese in there!
Color points are also present in birmans, ragdolls and several other old breeds; longhair is recessive in cats so if you take a seal point ragdoll and cross it to the cat in picture #2 you will get mostly cats like cat #2 (longhair will only occur in the kittens if the cat carries the longhair gene).

A pet peeve of mine as a registered breeder as I want to work on proper education of the breed.

Kristie - March 12, 2016

My mom and I got our first Siamese when she and my dad got divorced! I was 6 years old, she was such a joy in our lives and helped me through many things as a child!! She was 22 when she died!! About 2 years ago I finally got another one she isn’t a full breed Siamese but she looks just like one and has the same attitude!!! I love her dearly!! There is no other cat like a
Siamese ! They are awesome and I would love to have another !

James - March 10, 2016

I too love the Siamese breed, but I much prefer the traditional or Applehead Siamese cat. Today’s “recognized” breed is so inbreed and so far from the natural Siamese that other than personality, they are sometimes unrecognizable. The Applehead is the real Siamese and should be recognized again.

MAggie - March 9, 2016

i was a young girl and my mom brought home an adult Siamese cat. That was day one of getting Siamese cats that we loved and cared for. I still have Siamese cats and always will. They live very long and I feel they are amazing companions that warm my heart. My Siamese have always been great with people, children and other animals. Beautiful?

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