THE SIAMESE CAT

By Terri Estes

The Siamese cat is one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds in the world. Its history can be traced back to ancient Siam (modern-day Thailand), where they were considered sacred and kept in temples. Early Siamese cats were companions to royalty and were highly revered. The arrival of the first Siamese cats in the U.S. was in the late 1800s. They were quite a sensation due to their unique appearance and striking blue eyes.

Siamese cats have a slender, elegant and graceful body. They are medium-sized cats with an agile build. They have a short, fine coat that is soft to the touch. Their coat is known for its color-point pattern, where the color is darker on the ears, face, paws and tail (the points) and lighter on the body. The coloration on Siamese cats is temperature-sensitive, meaning that it develops in response to the cat’s body temperature. Warmer parts of the body, such as the body’s core, are lighter in color, while cooler extremities, such as ears, legs and paws are darker. Siamese kittens are born with an off-white or cream-colored coat. Their color-point pattern develops as they mature. The most distinctive feature of this breed, however, are their vivid blue, piercing, almond shaped eyes.

Siamese cats are known for their vocal nature. They are described as “talkative” and have a distinctive loud voice. Some say their cry sounds similar to that of a baby’s cry. They use their voice to communicate with their owners to express their needs and displeasures. In general, they are a very social, affectionate breed. They tend to form strong bonds with their humans and enjoy being involved in household activities. They are known for their intelligence, curiosity and playful nature.

Having a Siamese cat as a family member is a great choice if you want a pet that is interactive with the family, but also independent. This extroverted cat will extend hours of entertainment and affection but can also take care of himself for small periods of time if needed. There are several reputable breeders in the tri-state area, but these cats can often be found looking for homes in many reputable rescue organizations. Do your research and keep your eye out for this next addition to your family!