The lithe, slender bodies and mesmerizing blue eyes of the Siamese cats make them an easy breed to distinguish in the feline family. Though these cats have been around for centuries, they are often one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated breeds, in spite of their popularity in media. Whatever idea you may have about Siamese kitties, check out the facts below for a glimpse at why these stunning creatures have won over our feline-loving hearts!
Facts About Siamese Cats
- Siamese Cats come from Thailand (formerly Siam), and are one of the oldest cat breeds in history, dating back to the 14th
- When Siamese royals would die, it was believed that their souls would inhabit the bodies of these mysterious cats. The creatures would then be cared for in monasteries and temples for the remainder of their lives.
- There are technically two kinds of Siamese cats: traditional Siamese and show Siamese. The traditional cats have rounded heads and thicker bodies, while the show Siamese cats are longer in tail, limb and torso.
- A Siamese cat’s coat is distinct from most other breeds, due to the “pointed” pattern. A result of a genetic mutation, their coats are light in most places, with certain darker pigment in others (primarily paws, faces/nose, ears, and tail).
- Most people recognize Siamese cats as being cream-and-brown colored, but they also appear in seal, lilac, tabby, silver, or red.
- Siamese cat owners often become loyal devotees for life. Actress Vivien Leigh (star of Gone With the Wind) owned roughly half a dozen Siamese cats in her life. She once stated “Once you have kept a Siamese cat you could never have any other kind. They make wonderful pets and are so intelligent, they follow you around like little dogs.”
- Siamese cats are often thought of as aloof, when in reality they are some of the most talkative and friendliest cat breeds that exist. Requiring plenty of face-time from their owners, Siamese cats make superb companions for people of all ages.
- The first Siamese cat on record to have lived in America, was a kitty sent to American President Hayes’ wife Lucy in 1878, from the consul of Thailand.
- Because they are such an old breed, Siamese cats are genetic “grandfathers” to multiple breeds, a few of which are: Burmese, Havana Brown, Colorpoint Shorthair, Himalayan, Javanese, Ocicat (a combination of a Siamese cat and an Abyssinian), Oriental Shorthair & Longhair cats, Snowshoes cats, Thai cats, and Tonkinese cats. (The Savannah cat, a hybrid breed, was also derived from breeding with a Siamese cat.)
- Their striking coloring and sociability has made Siamese cats a popular addition to households in films, TV shows and in literature. From starring in pieces like The Incredible Journey, Bewitched, That Darn Cat, to the animated sisters in Lady and the Tramp, to characters in books like Skippyjon Jones and the epic Warrior series (by Eric Hunter), Siamese cats have been immortalized on screen and in literature, and have had a devoted following for many generations.
