The Siamese: A Unique Breed of Cats

By Leslie Brown, Chief Editor, JonesTV

Siamese cats are completely different from other cat breeds. Physiologically and significantly unique from your neighborhood tabby, they have their own distinctive characteristics and behavior. Many experts even say that the Siamese actually behave more like dogs than cats.

Their sleek lines, striking color contrast, finely chiseled aristocratic heads, deep blue almond eyes, and short silky coats make them a living art. Combine this beauty with their acute intelligence, inquisitive personality, and loving nature, and you have the essence of the Siamese cat.

Perhaps the oldest of all breeds, the Siamese has fascinated people around the world since these cats were first officially exported from Thailand, or as it was known then, the country of Siam, in the late 1800s. In 1878, an American Siamese was given to Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes (wife of the 19th President of the United States). The cat’s name was "Siam," a gift from the American Consul in Bangkok. This cat was the first documented Siamese in the U.S.

There have been a number of famous Siamese as well. The cats “Si” and “Am” in the Disney animated classic “The Lady and the Tramp” gave Siamese cats a household name as mischief makers.

In the 20th century, the Siamese became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America. The original Siamese imports were, and many continue to be, like their descendants in Thailand today, medium-sized, long-bodied, muscular, and graceful, with moderately wedge-shaped heads and ears that are comparatively large, but still in proportion to the rest of its head. The eyes are captivating, radiating intelligence and emotion. Show breeders have developed an extremely slender cat with a very long, triangular head, almond-shaped eyes, and flaring ears.

The Siamese come in four recognized distinctive colors or “points,” which appear on the face, ears, paws, and tail. The seal point Siamese, perhaps the best-known variety, were the first to arrive here. The blue point, with a bluish-white body with slate blue points, gained official recognition in 1934. The chocolate point, with creamy white bodies and milk chocolate points was recognized next. The lilac point, the most modern and ethereal, delicate in color with pinkish gray points and a white body, became popular in 1955. Regardless of the color of the parents, a litter might have some or all of these colors.

Siamese are clever creatures that can be a real handful. They are curious, demanding cats that resent being left alone -- they want their people nearby at all times! Siamese are easy to train--playing ball and retrieving are two of their favorite activities. Their athletic feats can take one's breath away, and most learn to open closet and cupboard doors with great expertise.

A common myth is that the Siamese are mean, but in fact, it’s just that they are the most demanding and often talkative of cat breeds.They are inquisitive and friendly, and like nothing better than to sit in the middle of something you are trying to read. The breed is able to communicate like no other. The Siamese voice is legendary, speaking with both their voice and with their body. They are the most quintessential “people” cat--they love to be in your lap, on your bed, at your table--and in your heart!

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