The Siamese is probably the most widely recognised and well-known breeds of Oriental cat, and among the top 3 most popular breeds of cats. It’s not absolutely certain where they originated, but it’s believed to be in Southeast Asia. They are popularly reputed to be descended from the sacred temple cats of Siam (now Thailand) where they are one of a group of designated auspicious and lucky cats. Thin-bodied cats with colour points that strongly resemble the modern Siamese appear in the 18th century Thai manuscripts of "Tamra Maew" (cat treatise or cat poems).

It is their unique colouring that makes the Siamese such a recognisable breed. Although there are several different coloured points acceptable, all true Siamese cats have a lighter-coloured body with darker ‘points’, normally around the feet, tail, legs, ears and face. All Siamese are pure white at birth and the colourpoints appear as the kittens mature. The points usually darken with age, or if the cat is kept in a cool climate. Another clue that the cat is a true Siamese is that the breed always has slanted blue eyes, which can vary from brightest turquoise to deep indigo.

Traditionally, Siameses are graceful, robust, long-bodied cats, with moderately wedge-shaped heads, comparatively large ears and a muscular but sleek build. The trend, especially in America, has been to breed them progressively slimmer and extremely elongated, with whip-thin tails and extremely large, wide-set ears, but outside the show-ring where these extreme ‘gremlin’ types reign, the more moderate traditional body style retains considerable popularity. Nowdays you’ll find the traditional Siamese also called "Old Style Siamese", "Classic Siamese" and "Appleheads".

Siamese cats have unique personalities. Affectionate, extrovert and intelligent, they are not the breed to chose if you want a quiet, self-effacing cat! You can’t simply put them outside all day either – they are the quintessential 'people' cat! These cats love to play, even as adults, love to “chat” and socialise, and persistent in demanding attention from their human slaves. Even with other cats in the house, they demand human companionship and often bond strongly to a single person. Many owners often think their Siamese act more like dogs than cats – they will bring their human toys to throw for them, wait at the door for them to come home, hold a ‘conversation’ and can easily be trained to walk on a leash.

Even though they are emotionally demanding, Siamese cats don’t need a lot in the way of maintenance. Their short, flat-lying coats need only a minimum amount of grooming, and although the exaggerated show-type Modern Siamese in the USA can develop serious health problems,  the traditional type are generally very hardy, healthy cats despite their exotic appearance. Siamese are typically long-lived cats, 15-20 years is average, and over 20 is not uncommon.

For an owner who appreciates their unique personalities and quirks, a Siamese cat is a great companion you can spend a lot of quality time with. As long as you can give a Siamese the attention he needs, he will be your loving and communicative friend for as long as you’re together. 

Siamese Links:

• Siamese Cat Club
• The Old-Style Siamese Club (UK)
• Siamese and Orientals Cats Online Uk Club
• U.K.Siamese cat Rescue
• The Balinese & Siamese Cat Club