The Siamese Cat Breed: What You Need to Know

The wonder of Siam. 

Siamese cats are one of the oldest cat breeds in history, with their first descriptions found in Thai religious texts dating to the 14th century when Thailand itself was called Siam. 

It’s believed that when a Thai royalty passed away, their soul would be received by their Siamese cat. This worked out swimmingly for the cat, who would spend the rest of their days being lavished by the relatives of the deceased. 

Siamese
Siamese

Quick facts about the Siamese

Weight: 6 to 14 pounds Height: 8 to 12 inches
Life span: 8 to 15 years
Intelligence: high Temperament: social | affectionate | brave
Playfulness: high Activity level: active
Vocalness: howler Coat length: short
Shedding amount: infrequent
Good with: kids | seniors | dogs | families
Traits: Siamese cats are known for being friendly and easy to train. They can be groomed with just a brush and a comb. They also don’t shed very much, which is great for people with allergies or asthma. Siamese cats have a high potential to gain weight so it’s important to feed them the right food and not give them too many treats or snacks.

It stands to reason, then, that the Siamese cat is one of the friendliest and most affectionate cat breeds in modern society. They are also known to be highly intelligent, very trainable, and rather chatty. 

Your Siamese cat will follow you throughout the house all day long, commenting on your tasks as you complete them, constantly seeking out your attention and love. 

Make time to play with your cat daily, as they have big brains that need stimulation. Siamese cats do not fare well on their own, and if you intend to leave the cat alone for long periods, it will be better to get them a companion. If you have other pets at home already, though, the Siamese cat should adapt well to the established pets. 

Siamese

Siamese cats are exceptionally beautiful cats, with sapphire blue eyes and colorpoint features that are both striking and attributable to the breed. 

These color points come in: 

  • Seal point 
  • Chocolate point 
  • Bluepoint 
  • Lilac point 

They are also characteristically “Siamese” with the slanted eyes and pointed ears that have become so recognizable in breeds that have been born of the Siamese lineage. 

Interestingly enough, the color point in the face of the Siamese cats is due to a gene that is expressed only with increased heat. The heat emitted by the face, paws, and tail of the cat is what gives it the magnificent markings we have all grown to love. 

Besides their affection and intelligence needs, Siamese cats have very little grooming needs. Their short hair is not prone to matting or excessive shedding. This short hair does leave them sensitive to cold, be sure to give your cat the warmth it requires in colder climates.

Regular teeth brushing will serve your cat well, as well as a strict diet, as these lovable cats are prone to obesity. Speak with your vet regularly about the correct amount and types of cat food to be feeding your Siamese.

Other diseases to be aware of include asthma, heart defects, and Amyloidosis — A collection of diseases brought about by defective proteins being deposited into organs unnecessarily. 

A Siamese cat is a life-long partner, living up to 20 years! They make great pets for those homebodies who love the charisma and charm of this intelligent breed. 

Origin

Thailand

Health

Dr. Adedapo Adisa:

The oldest and most known cat globally, the Siamese cat is an affectionate and attention-seeking cat breed originating from Thailand (formerly called Siam).

With a characteristic appearance of a color point and an apple-shaped or wedged-shaped head, depending on the variants, the Siamese cats are known to be full of life and health, boasting an average life expectancy of 10-15 years.

Despite enjoying good health, the Siamese cats are also prone to a couple of health conditions due to defective genes Inherited from previous parents.

A very prominent inherited medical condition in Siamese cats is progressive retinal atrophy, which affects the light-sensitive thin layer of the eye known as the retina.

The condition is a result of a mutation in the rdAc-gene, leading to a degeneration of the retina’s photoreceptors (rods and cones) in affected Siamese cats. 

The photoreceptors are responsible for efficient vision in normal Siamese cats. Still, in Siamese with this inherited condition, once the degeneration of the retina starts, vision is impaired gradually and can progress into loss of sight ultimately.

Some symptoms seen in the Siamese cats with progressive retinal atrophy in cats include 

● Bumping into objects while walking at night.

● Cats may appear nervous in areas with dim light

● Partial loss of sight 

● Uncoordinated movement in cats 

● Increased dilation of the pupils.

Although DNA tests can be conducted to identify the defective gene, if any of these signs are present, it is essential to report to your veterinarian immediately before a complete loss of sight.

In situations where the Siamese cats have been diagnosed with Progressive Retinal atrophy, it is essential to discontinue them from breeding programs.

Other Inherited medical conditions associated with the Siamese cats are neoplastic conditions such as mammary gland tumors, intestinal tumors, and mediastinal tumors.

It’s important to always schedule appointments for routine veterinary checks for the Siamese cats, as this helps to catch any medical conditions faced by the cat breed in time for adequate treatment and a good prognosis.

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