Introduction

In particular, the scene where the two Siamese cats (Si and Am) skulk from within a picnic basket and frighten poor Lady while singing their infamous song, “The Siamese Cat Song” illustrates this stereotype. During the song, the siblings, Si and Am, move in complete symmetry, all the while shooting sinister stares at Lady as if she were a delicious meal or a toy to play with. These two troublemakers sit on the proverbial throne within their owner’s Upper East Side apartment, seemingly unconcerned with the havoc they wreak—cutting up drapes, knocking over vases, and attempting to snag a bite out of whatever delicacies they can find.

The wondrous Siamese has appeared in many other movies, such as Bell, Book and Candle and That Darn Cat. Our Siamese friends may get a bad rap from some of their movie portrayals… but we know better! >^..^<

In this post, we aim to debunk some common misconceptions about the stunning and seductive Siamese. But before we have you saying “Siamese, If You Please”… let’s start with a bit of history first.

Siamese Cat Breed History

Siamese cats originated in Thailand in the 14th century and are descendants of the sacred temple cats of Siam. At that time, they were reserved for royal families who would bestow them upon visiting dignitaries. Cats with similar pointed markings are featured in the Cat Book Poems, a manuscript saved from Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam, which was burned down in 1767. It is the best-known of several manuscripts that provide a record of the native cats, dogs, and birds of the region during that time.

They first appeared in the United States sometime in the late 1800s (but more on that later). Back in the late 1700s, in southern Russia, some pictures of a cat with Siamese markings were found by a man named Mr. Pallas, yet it was not until the late 1800s that any documented evidence emerged.

In 1884, a British Consul-General was gifted a Siamese cat by the Siamese king as a parting gift. This was considered a great honor since the cat had been bred in the royal palace. This particular cat had kittens, which the then-retired Consul-General gave to his sister, Mrs. Lillian Velvey. She entered them in the 17th Crystal Palace Cat Show in England in October 1885. The cats were so extraordinary that they were photographed and quickly became favorites, leading to the formation of the first Siamese Cat Fancier’s Club in England in 1902.

While the Siamese breed was gaining popularity in the UK and the US, very few were being bred in Siam (Thailand). In the early 1960s, breeders became bored with the “traditional Siamese” and decided to alter the breed’s conformation to create longer, slimmer, more exotic-looking cats. This change caused great unhappiness among breeders of the more traditional cats, and by 1986, the original Siamese breed was no longer shown in cat shows.

Fortunately, some die-hard breeders and organizations were formed to preserve the traditional Siamese breed. These organizations put on shows, awarded prizes, and today the future of the traditional Siamese cat is quite secure.

The original Siamese cats had tails with “kinks,” although this has since been almost completely bred out (but not entirely). One of our favorite stories explains how the Siamese cat originally got the kink in its tail:

Once upon a time, at one of the Siamese temples, a beautiful royal goblet went missing. A search ensued, but it couldn’t be found. In an effort to help, a young cat and his wife ventured into the jungle to search. Luckily, they found the goblet but had no way to carry it back to the temple. The couple decided that the young wife would stay and guard the goblet while her husband went back to inform the priest.

The little cat made a nest and wrapped her tail around the goblet’s stem to keep it secure. When her husband and the priest returned four days later, they found the cat with her tail around the goblet and five lovely kittens by her side.

The royal cat loved the goblet so much and was so dedicated to its safety that a permanent kink developed in the end of her tail, and remarkably, all five kittens shared the same trait.

As the popularity of the “traditional” Siamese grows and it finds its way back into the main show ring, perhaps the “kink” will be welcomed back as well.

Siamese Cat Appearance

Some say today’s Siamese cat looks almost as if it landed from outer space. They are short-haired cats of Oriental type with a long, svelte body and an alert, intelligent expression. The head is long and wedge-shaped, neither rounded nor pointed, with a firm chin in line with the upper jaw. The ears are large, well pricked, and wide at the base. The eyes are oriental in shape, slanting towards the nose and deep blue in color.

The body size is medium, long and slender, with proportionately slim legs. The hind legs are slightly higher than the forelegs, and the feet are small and oval. The tail is long and tapering. The coat is very short, fine in texture, glossy, and closely lying. The mask is completely connected to the ears by tracings. In all colors, kittens may not show full masking or the adult color on legs and tail. OK—let’s just say they’re gorgeous!

Siamese Cat Behavior

The Siamese cat is one of the most extroverted and social cats in the world. They are warm, affectionate, and form close bonds with their humans, meaning they are not as independent as other cats. Enjoying these close relationships, they prefer and thrive in home environments with their owners. They are a unique “people” cat, loving to be on laps, beds, dining tables, and in the hearts of their humans!

Generally, they are dedicated and loyal to their owners and love to express themselves vocally. Many cat owners note that their Siamese often communicate their thoughts and demands, their meows resembling the cries of a human baby. The intensity of their vocalizations should not be ignored; most of the time, Siamese approach conversations at conversational levels, always having something important to express.

Playful and loving, the Siamese breed lacks the typical aloofness of other cats. Often referred to as “the eternal kitten,” they maintain a youthful spirit throughout their lives. They exhibit a more social personality compared to other breeds, even when around different domestic animals. They are delightful to own and even more entertaining to watch as they interact with each other or their fellow pets, though they usually assert dominance over cats of other breeds.

Siamese Cat Intellect

In terms of cat intelligence, the Siamese is at the top of the hierarchy. Reports indicate that Siamese and other oriental short-haired breeds rank as the most intelligent among domesticated cats. Clearly, those who have owned one can attest to the amazing feats these cats can accomplish. Those welcoming a Siamese into their home should consider “cat-proofing” their space because these clever felines can learn to open doors, cabinets, and latches, often enjoying the challenge of solving such puzzles.

Their intelligence makes them lively companions, but they are also demanding and strive to be involved in their owner’s activities. Siamese dislike being ignored and aim to maintain their position as the center of attention, often viewing themselves as people rather than cats. Rest assured, you’ll never experience dull moments if you own a Siamese cat.

Siamese Cat Common Medical Problems

Like all cat breeds, the Siamese does have certain medical conditions to which it may be genetically predisposed. Most people are aware of the cross-eyed and kink-tailed traits associated with Siamese, yet these have been largely eliminated through careful breeding. However, two problems remain present in the genetic code: gingivitis and a liver disease known as amyloidosis.

While gingivitis can be mitigated with proper dental care, amyloidosis is a severe condition caused by unusually high levels of amyloid deposits in the liver. Amyloid is a fibrous protein that can lead to hemorrhaging and renal failure when present in high levels. Symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, abdominal enlargement, anorexia, and excessive thirst accompanied by increased urination.

Expert Opinion

We wanted to gain insights from a Siamese expert, so we reached out to Emily Thompson, owner of the Thai Treasures cattery in Ontario, Canada, who specializes in breeding Siamese cats. Thai Treasures is a family-run cattery that focuses on classic Siamese cats in the original four colors and strives to preserve the appearance that became popular between the 1950s and 1970s. They are registered with the Traditional Cat Association.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Emily and her daughter Aaliyah, conducting our usual Q&A for firsthand perspectives. Here’s what they shared:

Q: What is it about Siamese cats that made you choose to breed them?

I grew up with a Siamese cat who passed away when I was 11 at the age of 19. My hazy memories of her ignited my desire to add another Siamese to our family. I had no idea what I was in for, but I don’t regret it for a second. I decided to start breeding Siamese because of the difficulty in finding a reputable breeder when I was looking for my own newest addition. We encountered some dubious individuals calling themselves “breeders.” I wanted to provide a trustworthy option for people wanting to adopt their next feline family member—one that puts the care of their kittens first and makes decisions guided by scientific research.

Q: What’s unique or special about the Siamese cat compared to other breeds?

Siamese possess many of the traits people seek in dogs with far less effort. They fetch, greet you at the door, and follow you around the house. They are intelligent and quick learners (with the right motivation) and can be easily trained to walk on a leash or follow commands similar to a dog. Unfortunately, they have an undeserved bad reputation; many think Siamese are vicious and mean, which is far from the truth. A well-bred, properly socialized Siamese is one of the most affectionate cats you’ll ever meet. They exude a “man’s best friend” aura while maintaining the independence and grace that defines them as felines.

Q: What is the best thing about owning a Siamese?

Siamese cats are endlessly playful and never lose their kitten-like spirit. When someone in my house touches a feather wand, they all spring to life, ready to play. They jump, leap, and perform acrobatic feats to catch the feathers. They can keep this up for a long time, as even our near-senior cats play actively with their favorite toys. Watching them play together—running, chasing, and wrestling—is a hilarious experience.

Q: What’s the worst thing about owning a Siamese?

They do vomit frequently. The mouth shape of Siamese cats differs from other breeds, leading them to lap up food like water. Consequently, they tend to eat quickly, which can result in regurgitation. Certain foods are designed to combat this issue, but it remains uncomfortable and tedious to clean up.

Q: If someone has never owned a Siamese before, how would you advise them before adopting or purchasing one?

My best advice is to consider adopting two Siamese cats. They are high-energy and incredibly social, both with their people and other animals. It can be overwhelming for some individuals to keep pace with a Siamese, especially during their kitten stage. Bringing home two takes pressure off you, allowing them to entertain each other when you’re busy or unable to interact.

Q: Are Siamese cats more or less maintenance than other breeds?

They are both! They require high levels of affection, attention, and playtime, and do not do well when left alone for extensive periods. Preferred companions keep them entertained. However, they are low-maintenance regarding grooming; most shed very little and require minimal brushing. We groom our cats rarely beyond trimming their claws—they do a great job maintaining their own fur.

Q: If not Siamese, what would be your second choice of cat and why?

My second favorite breed after Siamese would be Havana Browns. They are related to Siamese and share some personality traits but are strikingly different. Havanas are solid brown like a chocolate point Siamese but lack the points, featuring very green eyes instead. After years of breeding Siamese, blue eyes are less striking than they once appeared.

Q: Are they good around young children or better suited for adult families?

When properly socialized, Siamese cats are fantastic with children. They tolerate much more from kids than adults as long as the behavior isn’t abusive. My daughter can do all sorts of things with the cats, like wearing them as scarves or holding them upside down, which I wouldn’t get away with. Many Siamese will even let themselves be dressed in doll clothes and pushed in a toy stroller. One friend’s three-year-old spins her Siamese in a circle, and the cat loves it!

Q: Can you share a memorable or funny moment you’ve had with a Siamese cat?

Every day brings hilarious moments, making it hard to choose just one! One of my favorite moments involved our foundation queen, Sophie. My daughter, then eight years old, was playing with Sophie using a homemade toy on a string. Sophie became so engrossed that she flew headfirst into a chair but kept playing as if nothing had happened. We were fortunate enough to capture it on video; we dubbed it “The Smack.”

Q: If you had to describe the Siamese cat in one word, what would it be?

That’s quite the challenge! Many words describe them, and no single word can encompass all their unique traits. However, I would say they are loyal, energetic, playful, affectionate, and intelligent.

Our heartfelt thanks to Emily and the Thai Treasures team for sharing insights and beloved photographs of their charming Siamese kittens!