The Siamese cat is truly one of the oldest distinctly recognizable breeds of modern-day Asian cat. Derived from the Wichian mat landrace, also one of several distinctive species of cat indigenous to Thailand, the original Siamese quickly became one of Thailand’s favorite breeds by the late 19th century. Siamese cats are noted for their distinct blue eyes and signature almond shaped ‘S’ tail. Originally a royal selection, Siamese cats gained popularity with middle class Bangkok citizens who could not resist a frisky pet. The name Siamese in combination with a Japanese pronunciation of ‘sea-iese’, soon referred to all variations of this breed, particularly those that lived in or around the sea, is giving rise to the modern Siamese style cat we know today.
Siamese cats can be categorized as either’feral’, meaning that they were not raised in captivity, or’feral cats’bred’locally. Either way, they are unique, elegant creatures. Their distinct eyes allow them to spot food, at least a lot of it. They are known to be intelligent, and capable of a wide range of behaviors. And, like most other Siamese breeds, they possess a short, solid body and a long, floppy tail that is equally at home on the water or on the ground.
Like many breeds, Siamese have some independent personality quirks that make them even more endearing. This, however, does not mean that Siamese are lacking in gentleness or friendliness. Instead, this simply means that their dominant nature is tempered by their natural affection for humans. If you are a person who likes to be scratched, the Siamese may not be for you. The cat will bite if provoked, but only if it feels its life is in jeopardy.
The distinctive coloration of the Siamese is a natural occurrence. It occurs when the gene responsible for the color of its fur is inherited from one of its parents. In nature, only two colors are seen in a litter, so the darker colored side will produce the white tipped sire. Siamese cats usually come in fawn, silver, or gold. Occasionally, they are born with a third color, but these kittens are very rare.
As a breed, Siamese are outgoing, intelligent, and loving cats. They are friendly toward people and tend to bond with all members of their household. This is why a person who is considering getting a Siamese should make sure that the new pet has regular veterinarian visits and is treated well in general. Training, feeding, and grooming can become quite a chore, especially for an indoor breed. In addition, because of their short noses, Siamese spend most of their time resting indoors.
All in all, the Siamese is a wonderful cat. Their loving personality makes them a great choice for a pet. Their distinct color pattern makes them stand out from other cats. Anyone interested in adopting a Siamese should research the breed extensively before heading to the shelter.