Siamese

• Siamese can be quite the talkers, which is how they earned their nickname “Meezer.” They’re always willing to have long, deep conversations with you.
• This is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, with mentions of a Siamese cat in Thai manuscripts from 1350 to 1700 AD.
• The Siamese’s distinctive and recognizable coloring is a result of a partial form of albinism, which also makes their eyes bright blue.
• Scooter, a male Siamese, held the Guinness World Record for the oldest living cat. He lived with his owner in Texas until he was 30 years old.
• Siamese kittens are born white and their coats darken with age.
• In the past, they often had crossed eyes. Many even had crooked tails. More selective breeding has reduced the occurrence of these issues.

Breed Summary

Lifespan

8 to 15 years

Weight

6 - 14 pounds

Energy level

Ninja warrior

Because this breed is highly intelligent and always on the hunt for entertainment, they’re often labeled as “mischievous.” Make sure you give your Siamese cat something to do, or they’ll find something on their own to occupy their time!

These cats require daily play sessions and interactions with their humans to stay happy and healthy, both physically and emotionally. This means they’re not necessarily the most independent cats. Luckily, they are good playmates with both children and other pets, especially when introduced to them as kittens.

Similar cat breeds to the Siamese cat

• Balinese
• Himalayan
• Oriental Shorthair
• Snowshoe
• Thai
• Tonkinese

History of the Siamese

The Siamese cat is a descendant of the Wichien Maat, or Thai breed of cat, and is considered one of the oldest naturally developed cat breeds. They’re even mentioned in Thai manuscripts dating back to 1350 AD.

In some accounts, they lived as temple cats, and in the poems found in Tamra Maew (the Cat-Book Poems) they acted as guard cats for royal jewelry. Favorites of royalty, they became known as “the Royal Cat of Siam.”

Siamese didn’t make their way to the West until 1878 when U.S. President Hayes was sent a Siamese cat named “Siam” from the American Consul in Bangkok. While the breed was shown in London at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871, they didn’t start to become popular until 1884, when a Consul-General at their embassy in Siam brought back a pair of kittens for his sister. Their reception in the West was mixed at first, as their pointed color pattern and head shape were quite different than the other breeds popular at the time, such as the British Shorthair and Persian. However, as more Siamese cats were imported into Britain and the United States, a breeding program emerged, and they became a favorite.

Changes over time

The original Siamese cats found in Thailand had a less severe look, with a rounder body and head (referred to as an Applehead). During the 1950s and '60s, a slenderer and more angular look became popular, resulting in what’s now called the “Modern Siamese.” This modern style has a perfectly triangular and long head, tube-shaped body, long legs, and skinny tail.

While the International Cat Association (TICA) and World Cat Federation (WCF) now recognize the classic type, there is a campaign within the breeding community to separate these breeds from each other completely. One step towards doing this has already been taken, with TICA and the WCF designating any Siamese cat imported directly from Thailand as the recent Thai cat breed.

Siamese cat behavior and training

Siamese cats are high-energy breeds. But with early socialization and healthy amounts of playtime, they can become caring and affectionate pets. In fact, they're known for being one of the friendliest cat breeds.

Do Siamese cats play well with others?

Siamese cats are very playful, active, and require a lot of attention from their guardians. They get along moderately well with other pets and children who are old enough (i.e., 8 years of age or older) to be taught how to properly handle cats and kittens, pay attention to their body language, and not play too rough with their feline friends.

Exercise and mental enrichment needs

As mentioned, the Siamese is a high-energy breed that requires exercise to stay happy, healthy, and help prevent unwanted behavior. Luckily, they love to play with toys and are quite the climbers. Give them an outlet for their energy by providing them with plenty of high places to perch and jump and having lots of play sessions together.

Siamese are highly active, social, and intelligent; this combination requires that these cats are given daily enrichment activities to keep their minds and bodies active and healthy.

This breed is highly trainable because of their intelligence and desire to interact with humans. Meezers, a common nickname for this breed, like to explore and climb high places. Activities that train new behaviors, encourage exploration of various objects, and allow for problem-solving (e.g., puzzles) will be appreciated by this breed.

Common behavioral issues

While not a behavior issue per se, this breed is quite chatty and vocal. Most people who have Siamese companions know and enjoy this about the breed, but if you prefer a quiet cat, this is likely not the best breed for you. Siamese cats enjoy a good conversation, particularly when their humans are present.

In order to keep their minds and bodies busy, here are a few activities Meezers might enjoy:

• Walking on a harness/leash outdoors or going for a ride in a pet-stroller (if older).
• Playing with interactive wand toys that feature prey-like lures; laser pointers and “catnip bubbles” may also be fun to chase.
• “Fishing” small cat toys (like balls or mice) from a cardboard box with small holes cut into the sides.
• Trick-training, including playing fetch, giving high-fives, going to a “station”, and other commands.
• Training to go through obstacle and agility courses.
• Interactive food puzzles that must be physically manipulated for a treat reward.
• Climbing cat shelves or tall cat trees, particularly those with a window from which to watch birds and squirrels.
• Teach your cat to enjoy car rides with you, and/or go to work with you (depending on your environment, of course).
• Video games designed for cats to play using computer tablets.

Siamese cats in pop culture

Siamese cats were especially popular during the golden age of Hollywood and are still today often associated with glitz and glamor. Here are just some examples of famous people who have had a Siamese cat:

• Clark Gable (Actor)
• Kim Novak (Actress)
• Jane Fonda (Actress/Activist)
• Elizabeth Taylor (Actress)
• Syd Barrett (Musician)
• Famke Janssen (Actress)
• Frank Zappa (Musician)
• Fred Astaire (Actor)

Famous Siamese cats

Syn, the cat who starred in That Darn Cat! and played Tao in The Incredible Journey won a PATSY Award, which is like the Oscar for animals, in 1966.

Siamese cat in books, music and TV

• The troublesome kitties from The Lady and The Tramp
• The kitty from the original film, That Darn Cat!
• Tao in the film The Incredible Journey (see above)
• Shun Gon in The Aristocats
• Pyewacket in the film Bell, Book & Candle

Common health conditions for Siamese cats

Like all cat breeds, there are certain health conditions Siamese cats are prone to due to their genetics. Here's a list of some of the most prevalent health disorders and illnesses veterinarians see among the breed:

• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Cardiomyopathy
• Vestibular disease (a condition that can affect balance)
• Obesity
• Dental disease
• Amyloidosis (a group of disorders that involves protein buildup in certain organs)
• Convergent strabismus (can result in crossed eyes)
• Feline asthma

If you have a Siamese cat, it's important to remember that these are just examples, and there may be other conditions your pet is at higher risk for. That said, there's no guarantee that your cat will or won't get sick. Talk with your veterinarian about your cat's specific risks and current health status. And since you can't predict the future, protect your pet with cat insurance if you haven't already done so.