Siamese Cat – Care, Profile & Facts

Siamese cats are one of the oldest cat breeds, and they’ve lived with humans for many centuries. That’s why they make wonderful pets; besides being beautiful, Siamese cats are also great companions who love to chat with their owners.

They’re one of the most popular cats breeds due to their unmistakable and unique appearance. Here’s all you need to know about caring for Siamese cats.

Appearance

The Siamese cat’s appearance depends largely on each organization’s breed standard. Several cat associations expect the cat to have a svelte and muscular structure with long lines. They have a long wedge-shaped head tapering from their nose to their ears to form a triangle.

Their large ears are pointed at the tip and wide at the base, forming a triangular shape similar to their head. They have deep vivid blue, almond-shaped, medium-sized eyes.

Their tubular body is supported by slim, long legs, with the rear legs longer than their forelegs. These cats walk on small, oval, dainty paws and have a thin, long tail.

– Size and Weight

The Siamese are athletic and agile cats of medium size, measuring about 15 to 20 inches, excluding their tail.

Females can weigh two to four kilograms, and males can weigh about 3.5 to 4.8 kilograms.

– Coat Color Varieties

Siamese cats are classified into different breeds depending on their points (the color flashes on their tail, legs, ears, and face) with a sharp definition.

Seal Point: They have a fawn body coat, which darkens as they age. They have deep brown points, looking like a seal’s. Many believe their overall coloring is the first among all kinds of Siamese cats.

Breed Standard: The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognized this as the standard Siamese. They have a short coat, a triangular head, and big blue eyes. They are muscular, with an athletic profile.

Blue Point: These cats are unique in that they have bluish fur on their ears, face, and tail tips.

Lilac Point: Officially recognized in the mid-twentieth-century, this variation has points with a grayish, pale pinkish, or purplish tone. They have lighter body coats than other Siamese cats.

Chocolate Point: They’re recognized by their cream-colored coat and dark brown points. Their body color is lighter than that of the Seal Point, and their pads and nose are pinkish.

Personality

The most vital thing you need to know about Siamese cats is that they’re opinionated and talkative. They’ll let you know what’s on their mind in a raspy, loud voice, and they want you to pay attention and heed to their advice.

These cats are very fond of their owner. Living with Siamese cats is almost like living with very active children; only these “children” will follow you everywhere, requesting to be involved in everything you do.

They love being helpful, following you around, and supervising every move you make. They’ll climb on your laps when you sit down, and at night, they’ll be with you in bed, perhaps under the covers, resting their head on your pillow.

You don’t want to buy a Siamese cat if a chatty busybody companion might drive you insane. But if you love having a soul mate pet to talk to all day, the Siamese cat can be a great friend. Just be ready to spend enough time with this social and demanding cat.

They dislike being left alone for too long, and it would be a smart idea to buy two of them to keep each other company if you’re always out during the day.

Siamese cats are athletic, agile, intelligent, and enjoy playing. Keep their brain active with brain-teasing toys, provide a big cat tree for climbing, and teaser toys they can chase.

They shouldn’t be left alone without any entertaining item; otherwise, you may likely return home to find your tissue paper rolled out, and the tissue box looking empty.

Consider getting a Siamese if you look forward to interacting and spending time with your cat. It’s a loving and loyal feline who will pine and pout if it receives little or no attention.

However, they thrive for many years in the right home. They make a great family pet and are tolerant of kids at least eight years old, as long as they learn how to handle them without playing too rough.

Care and Grooming

Siamese cat coats require only standard care. Ensure to give them a good brushing every week to prevent hairballs. Their unique point pattern is due to recessive genes from dark pigment melatonin production only in the skin’s cooler areas.

That’s why you’ll find the darker color on their ears and legs, as well as parts of their face that’s cooled during breathing.

The cat’s claws may require regular trimming every ten to fourteen days. Save your woodwork and upholstery by providing a scratching post. Pay attention to your cat’s dental hygiene, begin with regular brushing at a tender age, and schedule frequent dental cleanings and check-ups by a veterinarian.

These cats have a unique personality that is curious, playful, and active, but also trainable. They enjoy climbing, so you need to provide a cat tree or similar structure to avail them of this outlet.

They also love teaser toys and puzzle toys. You don’t want your cat getting bored while you’re out; else, it might get its hands dirty while having fun.

Siamese cats aren’t reserved around humans. They easily build strong bonds with humans and will keep following you while seeking attention. Once you sit down, you’ll find them in your lap.

They can get depressed if they’re left alone for long, as they need constant interaction. Hence, Siamese cats are best in homes where you’re almost always around.

Siamese cats are very vocal breeds and will chat with you frequently, chiding you if they’re not getting your attention, and talking as if you understand their language.

These cats blend perfectly into households with children and dog breeds that are cat-friendly. It would help if you taught kids how to properly treat the cat and avoid a defensive response from them.

Indoor-only cats live longer as they’re not exposed to diseases and infections from the environment and other animals as well as injuries from accidents and fights.

While securely-fenced yards might prevent predators, these cats are likely to scale the fence and escape. Neutering and spaying can also be beneficial for your cat if it’s not being bred.

Health Problems

The most common health issue in Siamese cats is an eye problem. Cross-eyed Siamese cats were common several years ago; the same gene that produced color points also caused faulty vision wiring to the brain.

This tendency was bred out for crossed eyes, though it still implies that Siamese cats have less-acute visions than most other cat breeds. The other major health issues common to this breed include:

• Congenital Heart Defects: This includes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart problem resulting in cat heart failure.
• Respiratory disease: Cats with triangular-shaped heads are more prone to respiratory issues, including bronchial disease and asthma.
• Renal Amyloidosis: This is the buildup of abnormal protein in the cat’s kidneys. It can disrupt the cat’s normal kidney functions.
• Liver problems: Amyloidosis can occur due to the deposits of abnormal protein in the cat’s organs.

Ensure to provide every usual preventative vet treatment, domestic cat immunizations, and check-up.

Food and Diet

Providing dry cat food will help keep your Siamese cat’s gums and teeth healthy, while wet cat food supplies fluids if they don’t drink enough water. Ensure to provide clean fresh water that your cat won’t avoid drinking.

While several cats moderate what they consume, some can overeat if they get plenty of food. If your Siamese starts gaining weight, provide only two meals each day and remove any uneaten portions.

As they age, Siamese cats may require a modified diet. Discuss your pet’s diet needs with a vet. The best way to improve your cat’s health and lifespan is to avoid obesity.

Shedding

Siamese cats have a short, soft coat, so they don’t shed as much as other cat breeds. Comb your cat’s coat weekly to maintain a great and healthy shine.

Lifespan

With adequate care and the right diet to meet their nutritional requirements, Siamese cats can live up to 15 to 20 years.

Siamese Cat Facts

• The Siamese breed has been used to produce other cat breeds, including Tonkinese, Burmese, and Himalayan.
• Famous Siamese owners include John Lennon, Andy Warhol, President Rutherford Hayes, James Dean, Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe.
• Originated in the fourteenth century, Siamese cats are among the oldest cat breeds.
• In Siam, it was believed that when a royal family member died, the cat received the dead’s soul. The Siamese cat was later moved to a temple to live in luxury for the rest of its life.
• Siamese cats have played roles in famous films, including Lady and the Tramp and The Aristocrats.

Wrapping Up

Siamese cats make lovely pets and wonderful companions. But if you’re not always at home, they can be slightly destructive.