Breed History
The Siamese cat had its origins in Thailand, formerly known as Siam, where they were highly valued by the people. They were once thought of as guards in Buddhist temples and other sacred places.
From Thailand, the breed quickly gained popularity in other countries like the United Kingdom and the United States. It started with a simple gift from the American Consul in Bangkok to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.
Simultaneously, the British became fond of the Siamese through the Crystal Palace cat shows, where their beauty was fully unveiled. From then on, its popularity only soared higher.
Today, the breed continues to become part of households of officials and common folk. It’s slightly different from its older ancestor, the Thai Cat or Wichien Maat, but some have coined the two as Siamese.
Health and Medical Concerns
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Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Diet and Nutrition
Siamese Cat Grooming Guide
Coat Maintenance
Siamese cats have short coats with fine hairs that are easy to maintain. They need brushing once a week with a soft bristle brush or grooming gloves. Their fur doesn’t mat easily.
Skin Health
They usually have healthy skin, but like most short-haired breeds, their skin can be more exposed to environmental factors. They can be prone to dryness if you bathe them too much or when exposed to harsh chemicals. Always use gentle grooming products and ensure that they are not stressed out during the grooming session.
Bathing
Like most cats, Siamese are clean by nature and don’t need frequent baths. Bathing them every few months or when they are soiled and dirty is enough. Use cat-specific mild shampoos or those that avoid drying out the skin. Don’t use products with harsh ingredients and strong fragrances.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming should be done every two to three weeks using a cat-safe nail clipper, and take care not to cut into the pink part of the claws to prevent bleeding and discomfort. Even when they use scratching posts, they still require regular trimming.
Ear Care
Check a Siamese cat’s ears for dirt or wax buildup and signs of infection. A vet-recommended ear-cleaning solution and cotton ball are required to clean the outer ear. It’s important to regularly care for their ears to prevent any chronic ear problems.
Eye Care
Siamese cats are prone to excessive tearing around the inner corners of their eyes. It’s important to wipe away any discharge with a damp and soft cloth so their eyes won’t become stained and irritated.
Teeth Care
Dental hygiene is important for Siamese cats because they’re prone to periodontal disease. Regularly brush their teeth with a feline-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. It’s also important to give them fresh, clean water and dental treats to maintain their oral health.
Physical Characteristics
Head
Siamese cats have a long, wedge-shaped head with a fine muzzle and a straight profile. All in all, they have an elegant face with a black mask.
Eyes
They have almond-shaped eyes with their characteristic blue eyes.
Ears
The ears are long and wide at the base. They flare slightly outward and are rounded at the tips.
Body
The Siamese has a sleek, slender, and muscular body. They have a tubular body with a long neck.
Limbs
Their legs are long and slim, with paws that are oval-shaped.
Tail
The tail is long, thin, and tapers to a point.
Coat
Siamese cats have a short, silky coat. They have four traditional color points: seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point.
Size
Male: 27.9-33 cm (11-13 inches); Female: 25.4-30.5 cm (10-12 inches).
Weight
Male: 3.6-5.9kg (8-13 lbs); Female: 2.3-4.5 kg (5-10 lbs).
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