Introducing the Siamese
Find out everything you need to know about the Siamese: its characteristics, its behaviour, its training and how much one costs.
THE SIAMESE
The Siamese, a majestic cat with a big personality
Native to Thailand, the Siamese truly is a unique breed! In olden times, the Siamese was the prized companion of royal families in Thailand (formerly Siam) and East Asia, hence its name. Known for its confident character, the Siamese is a spirited cat that expresses its delight and displeasure with equal intensity. This breed is also known for its unmatched loyalty and affection for its owner. These very talkative cats make their feelings known with long miaows. These regal cats with a fiery temperament will win anyone's heart!
SIAMESE FACT FILE
This section outlines the unique features of the Siamese breed of cat.
Size
The Siamese is a medium-sized cat. At 12 inches tall, they weigh between 4 pounds and 13 pounds.
Coat length
The Siamese has short, incredibly soft, glossy fur. They have no undercoat.
Allergies
The Siamese is not a hypoallergenic cat breed. If you have allergies, another pet would be a better choice.
Coat colour
Siamese cats have colourpoint coats (darker at the tips). Any colour is acceptable!
Living environment
The Siamese adapts easily to all kinds of environments. Being very active, they do need enough space to burn off their energy.
Sociability
Siamese are sociable cats and very affectionate with their families. They can, however, be quite unfriendly towards strangers.
Health
Although the Siamese is a reasonably healthy breed, they do have some genetic predispositions.
Training
The Siamese is full of character and is particularly intelligent. It’s important to start their training as early as possible.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Siamese, naturally elegant
The Siamese is a breed of cat with unique physical features! Their colourpoint coat and beautiful blue eyes set them apart as an incredibly elegant cat.
Size and weight of the Siamese
The Siamese is a medium-sized, well-proportioned cat. Its slender body is perched on long legs and narrow feet. The Siamese is typically about 12 inches tall.
Male and female animals usually have a substantial difference in weight. With Siamese cats, this difference is minimal. An adult Siamese cat, whether male or female, weighs between 4 pounds and 13 pounds.
Siamese cats tend to grow in much the same way as any other cat. Siamese kittens have a period of rapid growth during their first few months of life and continue to mature until they reach adulthood, which is at around 1 to 2 years of age.
The Siamese coat
Coat length
The Siamese has a short, fine coat. Their coat is very soft and silky, as they have no undercoat.
Just like the Ragdoll, the Siamese is not hypoallergenic. If you have allergies, you should probably choose a different pet to cuddle up with.
Coat colour
The Siamese colourpoint coat is part of its unique identity! All Siamese cats must have a colourpoint coat, it’s the only type of markings permitted for the breed. A colourpoint coat means that the body is a solid colour while the tips are darker: the mask, the ears, the bottom of the legs and the tail.
Anything goes for the colour of the tips! They can be:
- Seal point: black
- Blue point: grey/blue
- Chocolate point: brown
- Cinnamon point: light brown
- Cream point: beige
- Red point: red
- Lilac point: pinkish grey
The colour appears a few weeks after birth. The rest of their body is usually a pale colour: white, ivory or cream.
Coat care
With short hair and no undercoat, Siamese cats are exceptionally low maintenance cats. They hardly shed at all. Brushing once or twice a week is all it takes to keep their coat shiny and soft.
Other characteristics of the Siamese
Other physical characteristics
The Siamese is a well-balanced, athletic cat with a muscular physique. Its wedge shaped head features a long, slender muzzle. The triangular ears are wide at the base and relatively small. The Siamese's distinctive eyes are without a doubt a defining feature! They have stunning almond-shaped eyes that are an intense and striking shade of blue. They have long legs. Lastly, the tail, like the rest of their body, is delicate, long and has a coloured tip.
Grooming
The Siamese is a low maintenance breed. Apart from brushing, you can also give them a bath if you think they need one. Make sure you use shampoo suitable for cats.
The Siamese moults twice a year, in spring and autumn. When this happens, they shed a little more than usual. To keep them comfortable, you should brush them a little more frequently to remove the dead hairs.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
What is the temperament of the Siamese?
Siamese cats are extroverted and intelligent. They are fickle and their behaviour can change in a flash. It’s important to understand your Siamese and learn to adapt to their behaviour.
Siamese sociability
A pig-headed feline!
The Siamese has a unique personality, to say the least. These dominant cats aren't backwards in coming forwards. Rather moody and temperamental, their behaviour can change in the blink of an eye if things aren't going their way. Children should be supervised carefully with a Siamese cat as they can be clumsy with animals and make sudden movements that your cat may not appreciate! You need to respect their personal space, their preferences and their needs without letting them get the upper hand over their human servants.
A very expressive cat
The Siamese is very affectionate with their owner and adoptive family. They tend to be possessive and jealous cats and have a constant need to demonstrate their affection by staying close to their humans and spending hours cuddled up with them! They are also very protective and can be quite defensive around strangers. As you can see, their undying love for their owners makes them extremely loyal and devoted cats. Last but definitely not least, Siamese cats are hugely talkative cats with a lot to say! They convey exactly how they are feeling by meowing loudly and often.
Living environment of the Siamese
Wherever you go, I go
The Siamese is a breed of cat that adapts very easily to all kinds of environments, providing it is with its owner. They can live in a city centre flat or a big house in the sticks. However, just because they can doesn't mean they should. Siamese cats will go so far as to sacrifice their own well-being and happiness out of love and devotion to their owner. The Siamese needs space to play and romp around in order to thrive. So, a small flat is not a good idea.
A playful, athletic cat
Often referred to as a canine cat, the Siamese is a very active cat that loves to play! Cat trees, interactive games, play trails, Siamese cats love to gives their brain and body a workout at the same time. This allows them to channel their energy and let off some steam. They’ll be even happier if their owner joins in! If bored, the Siamese can quickly become destructive. After they've had enough fun, they need a quiet place to rest and recharge their batteries in peace.
Training the Siamese
Training your Siamese should start as early as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of them taking on a dominant role and becoming aggressive. Training must be based on kindness, understanding and rewards, while at the same time remaining firm. You should be consistent throughout training, so your cat learns good behaviour right from the start. Training through play is a highly successful method with Siamese cats! It helps to keep them engaged and avoids bad behaviour.
Which cat breed is right for you?
Choosing a cat that matches your personality and lifestyle will ensure your well-being and his!
HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to take care of the Siamese
The Siamese is a very healthy cat. The breed does however have some genetic predispositions.
Health of the Siamese
Illnesses
The Siamese is generally a very healthy breed. However, they can suffer from diseases like amyloidosis, which is hereditary in Siamese cats. Amyloidosis is a condition in which proteins do not dissolve properly and accumulate in particular organs, making them less efficient. This disease can affect the kidneys or the liver.
Siamese cats may also suffer from aortic stenosis, a heart disease that restricts blood flow to the heart. They can also develop progressive retinal atrophy or a squint.
With proper care throughout its life, the Siamese has a life expectancy of between 15 and 20 years.
Routine care
Routine care for your Siamese should include keeping their vaccinations up to date against common conditions like cat flu. You also need to worm your Siamese every three months. If your Siamese is an outdoor cat, remember to protect against fleas too with a flea treatment from your vet. It's important that your cat gets regular vet check-ups to make sure they are getting the right care at the right time.
Claws should also be trimmed regularly to stop them getting too long and breaking or getting caught in fabrics. It's also important to clean your cat's ears regularly to stop wax building up and prevent infection. Lastly, you should brush your cat's teeth regularly to prevent plaque and dental problems.
Feeding the Siamese
The Siamese cat's diet should be balanced and tailored to its age, weight and level of physical activity. High quality kibble or wet food are ideal choices. This athletic cat needs a diet rich in animal protein to stay healthy, like chicken or fish for example.
Don't forget that you need to give your Siamese the right amount of food to avoid excess weight gain and obesity.
BREEDING OR ADOPTION & COST
How much does a Siamese cost?
Siamese cats are an extremely popular breed! There are lots of breeders in the UK.
How to choose your Siamese
Finding the right breeder
If you want a Siamese, you should research the breeder thoroughly to make sure the cats are looked after properly and bred responsibly. It's also wise to visit the cattery or breeder to see the living conditions and behaviour of their Siamese cats and kittens.
The breeder has to be able to provide you with the health records of the kitten and its parents. From June 10, 2024 you must have your cat microchipped by the age of 20 weeks old and register its details in a relevant database such as Petlog or The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of
.
The price of a Siamese
The price of a Siamese cat can vary depending on several variables like age, sex, bloodline, location and the reputation of the breeder. Siamese kittens usually cost between
and
.
In addition to the initial purchase price, you also need to consider the long-term cost of keeping a cat. It will need regular healthcare, grooming and a healthy diet. This cost is estimated to be around
to
per year.
Taking on a Siamese is quite a commitment! Its fickle nature and the need for proper training don't appeal to everyone. This incredibly affectionate cat needs an attentive owner who is home most of the day. Before getting a Siamese, it’s crucial to get to know its personality and particular requirements so it can live its best life with its new family.
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