Breed of the Month:
The Siamese Cat
This enigmatic cat originates in Siam, the place we now know as Thailand. Siamese cats were highly honored by generations of Siam’s kings—so much so that they were kept in the royal palace. Talk about the royalty of the cat world! They were trusted to protect the palace and monasteries from evil spirits and were thought to bring good luck.
In 1884, the first Siamese cats made their way to Britain when the current king of Siam decided to gift them to a British general. Then, they inevitably made their way to the United States. Now, the Siamese cat is one of the most universally recognized domestic cat breed. According to the Cat Fancy Association (CFA), they are the most popular shorthair breed and the third most popular breed overall.
Though this breed encompasses a myriad of colors, there are a few disagreements surrounding what constitutes a true Siamese cat and what doesn’t. However, these wonderful felines are known and most easily recognized for bodies that are generally light in color with darker areas known as points. The darker points are usually around the face, ears, legs, feet and the tail.
Weighing between eight and fifteen pounds, this short-haired, blue eyed sensation of the cat world has two body types.
The modern Siamese (also known as the “show”) have long, elegant bodies with refined tapering lines and a wedge-shaped head to match. |
The traditional Siamese, also known as the “applehead,” is a robust, round-headed cat with a muscular physique and generous bone structure.
These shoulder perching, toy catching cats are as famous for their personalities as they are for their color points. Incredibly vocal cats, they have an uncanny talent for communicating with humans that other cats simply don’t possess. If you’re the type who wants to come home to peace and quiet, then you have the wrong cat. The socialites of the cat world, the Siamese will talk you into a corner with their loud raspy yowl. Since Siamese cats believe the world revolves around them, they demand attention. They are also very dependant on their human companions. Far from aloof, they crave interaction, lots of hugs and kisses and boy do they love their games! These cats are not meant to be left alone.
Fortunately, where the Siamese are high maintenance emotionally, they are low maintenance in every other aspect. These short hairs need relatively little grooming. Because their coats lie so close that they look painted on, a gentle weekly brushing to remove dead hair is sufficient. Like every other breed, they have their small share of genetic faults. Aside from the occasional crossed eyes and kinked tail, which are mainly cosmetic issues, this breed has its share of gingivitis.
These cats have above-average life spans for cats. They can remain in your life typically between 15-20 years though over 20 years is by no means an anomaly. The reward for such an emotionally high maintenance cat is worth it: you can have a staunch supporter and a loyal companion for a really long time. Imagine having a cat that can help tutor your children on the art of speech and years later, live long enough to see them off to college! Only the Siamese.
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