Country of origin: Thailand
ACF, WCF, GCCF, FIFE, CFA, TICA, ACFA
Coat: Short-haired
Coat colour: Any (may have colour markings)
Weight: 5-6 kg
Life span: 14-18 years
Siamese cat appearance
Coat: short and thin, without undercoat
Muzzle: long, narrow, wedge-shaped
Ears: large, with a broad base and pointed corners; the outer edge of the ear is a continuation of the head line
Eyes: almond-shaped, pointed, with a bluish iris
Neck: long, slender, graceful
Thorax: medium-sized, flexible, graceful
Legs: long, slender; hind legs longer than fore legs
Paws: medium-sized, rounded
Tail: long and slender, tapering towards the rear
History of the Siamese cat
Siamese cats lived in their native Thailand before coming to Europe, where the cat was revered as a relic, worshipped in temples, considered sacred and protected by law.
It was forbidden to take Siamese cats out of Thailand. In the royal family, these cats took part in some rituals. Siamese cats have left their mark on Thai traditions and legends. In earlier times, these cats were distinguished by the presence of bumps and folds on their tails. In reality, this is a degeneration caused by the mating of close relatives. In our time, this is considered a defect.
The Thai princess, according to legend, was always accompanied by a Siamese cat when she went for a swim in the river. The princess would leave her rings on the cat's tail while she bathed herself. Once the cat lost one of the princess's rings and since then the princess has been making knots on the cat's tail.
The origin of the Siamese cat has many versions. The most likely is that the breed originated from the wild cats of Bengal. This is evidenced by the longest gestation period among cats, which lasts at least 65 days. Other breeds have a gestation period of between 55 and 65 days.
Siamese cats arrived in Europe at the end of the 19th century. The first cats were brought by the English Consul and personally presented to him by the King of Siam. Soon after, these cats were exhibited in London, and by the early 20th century the standard for Siamese cats was established.
In America and other countries, these cats came a little later.
There are currently about forty variations of the Siamese cat. These include monochrome: black, blue, purple, bronze, cream, etc.
The character of the Siamese cat
Siamese, or Thai cats as they are also known, are among the most intelligent and curious of cats. They are very curious, unpredictable and jealous. Siamese cats like to be close to their owners and will follow their owners everywhere. Many Siamese cats can be taught a variety of tricks if their owner is patient.
Siamese cats are playful, loving, loyal and affectionate. They are very sociable, need constant human interaction and are very attached to humans, so it is not advisable to keep this breed of cat for people who do not have enough time for their pet.
Siamese cats are very energetic, so if you want a calm home, it is better to choose another cat breed.
Some owners of these cats say that they behave more like dogs than cats.
Their talent for human interaction is well known. Some people are annoyed by the loud voice of these cats, but lovers of these cats say that this is a unique feature of this breed. In fact, this breed of cat loves to communicate, so if you think that cats should not be able to hear in the house, it is advisable to choose another breed.
This breed is not suitable for everyone. However, if you need a loving and sociable cat that is constantly on the move and hates to be overlooked, then this is the cat for you.
The Siamese cat is a family pet, but it is not advisable to keep them in a family with young children (under 7 years), nor should you allow a child to mistreat this animal. The relationship between a Siamese cat and a dog depends on the individual cat and the individual dog.
Siamese cat diseases, health
Normally, Siamese cats are a healthy breed and often live up to 20 years if well cared for. However, like most breeds, some have a genetic disease. One such disease is hereditary hepatic amyloidosis, which can eventually lead to liver failure.
There are also known cases of cardiomyopathy, an enlargement of the heart muscle, but this disease is less feared than hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease common in other cat breeds.
In addition, cats of this breed have a high susceptibility to breast cancer, which spreads rapidly to the glands and lymph nodes. Fortunately, spaying a cat by 6 months reduces the risk by 90 % to 85 % by 12 months, but after 2 years the risk is no longer reduced.
Siamese cats can develop tartar build-up, gingivitis and other dental diseases.
Occasionally, Siamese cats develop what is known as 'Siamese strabismus'.
Care of the Siamese cat
Siamese cats need minimal coat care. The coat is short, with no visible undercoat. Their favourite comb is the owner's hands. Wet your hands with water and brush your cat, combing from head to tail, any hair that falls out will stay in your hands.
Bathe your cat periodically, brush its ears and teeth, and get it used to this procedure as early as possible.
Notes
Siamese cats are very sensitive to anaesthesia.