The Siamese cat is probably one of the oldest distinctly recognizable breeds of Oriental cat. Derived from the Wichianmat lands, one of many distinct varieties of feline native to Thailand, the original Siamese quickly became one of the world’s most popular breeds by the late 19th century. It was the first cat to be used extensively in private exhibitions and has become a signature style in cats worldwide. One of the distinctive traits of this breed that sets it apart from other breeds is the distinctive facial expression or “sway” that the cat often shows when their face is turned away from the eye of the viewer.
Historically, Siamese cats were born with silver or very silver-gray fur. Over time this change evolved to the now familiar silver-black fur that exists in modern Siamese cats. While it is possible for a Siamese to have any color of fur on their body as an adult, a true Siamese cat will have a nearly complete white belly with black ears, a white face and white eyebrows – a trait shared by only a few breeds of cats. While the cat is known for its beautiful eyes, most Siamese cats are silver or gray in color. Though a Siamese with only silver or black fur may seem like a natural Siamese, this breed is actually a mix of two or more other breeds.
A close relative to the Siamese breed is the Burmese. Both breeds share some of the same characteristics, such as large pointed ears, strong personalities, and intelligence. The Burmese also shares some of the Siamese’s lustrous hair, with the silver colored coat often being darker than that of a true Siamese. Burmese cats range widely in size, from tiny miniature kittens to adult felines with full-grown coats. Burmese cats are often considered by breeders as a cheaper alternative to the American Siamese.
The British Siamese is a relative newcomer to the world of cat care, having been bred in captivity starting in the 1970s. These beautiful cats have a long, sleek, silver-black coat with a distinctive triangular head. While many would consider this triangular head a unique feature, it is actually a favored feature among breeders. British Siamese are famous for their long, silky, smooth coats. Because of their naturally short hair, they require regular grooming to maintain their condition. Most British Siamese belong to the tabby category of cat breeds, meaning that they should be fed canned food with a minimal amount of dry food.
Many of the world’s top furriers – including coats of all breeds – are purebred, well-tested British Siamese cats. These felines are wonderful examples of what an intelligent cat can be like, with the ability to bond with humans. Some siamensis breeds, such as the British and Persian, also have been known to suffer from some health conditions, which may affect the health of your pet.
There is no better place to find and buy a new kitten than a reputable breeder who specializes in keeping Siamese cats. If you do decide to buy a kitten from a breeder, there are a few things that you will want to make sure that he or she will provide you with before bringing the kitten home with you. At a minimum, these include information about the mother’s milk, development and aging, as well as health problems, temperament and potential breeding issues. When you shop around for a kitten, keep these things in mind, and you will find the perfect Siamese kitten for your life.