Learn more about one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.
Siamese cats are best known for their elegant and distinctive appearance. Although many Siamese cats are silver-gray with blue eyes, the coats of these cute kittens can be orange, brown, cream, and even blue or purple, among other coat variations. However, there is much more to Siamese cats than their mysteriously beautiful appearance.
Here are 13 fascinating facts about the Siamese cat.
1- They have some bizarre physical characteristics
For a long time, many Siamese cats have had narrowed eyes and a crooked, twisted tail. Although these traits were undoubtedly the result of some genetic factor, many legends offered alternative explanations for the interesting appearance of Siamese cats.
According to legend, a group of Siamese cats had the task of protecting a golden royal chalice. As they performed their duty, the cats stared at the chalice with such intensity that their eyes squinted. And because they wrapped their tails around the calyx for added security, their tails became permanently bent.
Even today there are Siamese cats with cross-eyed and crooked tails, but this is no longer so common. These traits have been deemed “undesirable” by cat lovers and have been bred into intentionally. Let’s say that cats only perform their guarding duties!
Related: Flame Point Siamese Cat Info: Facts, History & Origin, Pictures
2- they are movie stars
Oldies but goodies, like “The Amazing Journey”, “The Lady and the Tramp” and “That Bad Cat”! played Siamese cats. In fact, the entire plot of That Darn Cat! It centers on a Siam named DC (or Darn Cat) who helps prevent a kidnapping.
While DC’s That Darn Cat! Two real Siamese cats helped prevent a fictitious kidnapping and helped thwart espionage in 1960. When two Siamese kittens living in the Dutch Embassy in Moscow, Russia started scratching a wall, their owner suspected they were reacting to a sound that the human ear could not perceive. He was right: 30 Small Microphones were discovered behind the wall.
3- they are very trainable
Yes, it is possible to train a cat. Siamese cats are intelligent, active, and curious, making them excellent candidates for training. You can even teach them via Clicker to perform various tricks or fetch toys, another way to strengthen the bond with your cat.
4- The long-haired Siamese is a separate breed
If your Siamese cat has long hair, it is called a Balinese cat. This breed arose as a result of a genetic mutation in purebred Siamese cats, which resulted in the cats having long hair instead of the usual short hair.
Related: 13 Things About Blue Point Siamese You Should Know
5- their fur can have a wide range of colors
The coat of Siamese cats can boast an incredible variety of colors – and these colors are determined not only by genetics. A cat’s coat color is determined by different sets of genes, and its coat patterns are determined by modifier genes. Siamese cats have a special modifier gene that inhibits the development of pigment in the fur, which leads to albinism. But thanks to the magic of science, the albinism modifier gene can only affect the cat’s coat from a certain temperature – more precisely, between 100 and 102.5 degrees.
Once a Siamese cat’s body temperature drops below about 100 degrees — or the cat is in a colder environment — its genes for coat color turn back on and transfer pigments into its fur. Because a cat’s body is cooler around the nose, ears, paws, and tail, pigment settles there more often in Siamese cats.
Most Siamese cats are born completely white and develop their markings in the weeks following birth. Why? Because The uterus is very hot and prevents the cat’s color gene from entering its fur. After birth and when exposed to a cooler atmosphere for a few weeks, Siamese kittens begin to develop pigment on their face, tail, and paws.
6 – they are extremely talkative
If you have a Siamese cat (or have spent time with a Siamese cat), you know that they are extremely talkative. Siamese cats express their opinions about their food, the observations they make through the window, and pretty much everything they encounter during the day and night.
7- you lived in the White House
Although Siamese cats have been domesticated in Asia for centuries, they didn’t appear in the United States until the late 19th century. One of the first known owners of a Siamese cat was the wife of US President Rutherford B. Her Siamese cat named Siam was a gift from an American diplomat serving in Thailand. President Carter’s daughter had a Siamese woman named Misty Malarchic.
Related: Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? Find out the truth!
8- they are one of the oldest cat breeds
Although no one is sure when Siamese cats were first bred and domesticated, it is widely believed that they originated in Thailand around the 14th century, when they first appeared in a Thai manuscript. This would make them one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.
9- they are appreciated by the royals
Hundreds of years ago, Siamese cats were prized by royal families in Thailand for their distinctive, unusual, and beautiful appearance. Members of these royal families believed that a Siamese cat would receive his soul after his death and that the cat would spend the rest of its long life in a temple and be pampered by monks and priests.
10- They’ve Been Used to Create Other Breeds
Many cats look like Siamese cats, but they are technically different breeds, including the Himalayan, Burmese, and Tonkinese cats.
11- Siamese cats are very social.
Siamese cats can form a very close bond with their humans. This people-loving breed can have a strong interest in everything that people do in their homes and follows its colleagues wherever they go. In contrast, the close bond of the cuddly Siamese Cat leads to depression when he spends too much time alone.
12- Siamese cats are curious and smart felines.
Siamese cats are extremely curious and intelligent and train well. They can be taught to play fetch, high-five, and even walk on a leash.
They also provide their own entertainment by taking care of things around the house, exploring cupboards, and turning on taps. They are certainly not a boring breed!
13 – you are the talkative cat.
If a Siamese cat wants something, he isn’t shy about telling you. This breed is extremely vocal and boldly expresses its needs with a loud, deep cry known as a “Meezer.”
FAQs
Are Siamese cats smart?
The Siamese Cat is not only beautiful but also very intelligent. He can be taught to walk on a leash. However, this intelligence does not mean that she can be taught to do anything you want. Like most other highly intelligent breeds, the Siamese Cat has its own desires.
Do Siamese cats like to be held?
Siamese cats are very vocal and often meow to “talk” to their owners. They are very social cats and love to interact with people, but they can also be independent and may not always want to be held or cuddled.
Why are Siamese cats so special?
They are incredibly intelligent, affectionate, and stubborn and are considered the extroverts of the feline world. The Siamese cat tends to become strongly attached to a person and is often very vocal with a loud, deep voice (known as a “Meezer”). It’s essentially a “Marmite” cat that appeals to a very specific type of person!
Do all Siamese have blue eyes?
Do all Siamese cats have blue eyes? If so, why do they turn around …
Yes, all Siamese cats have blue eyes and dark spots with lighter bodies. The two features, the color spot pattern, and blue eyes are part of the same mutation, a type of temperature-sensitive albinism in which melanin can only develop in areas of cooler skin (tail, feet, ears, nose).
Is a Siamese cat expensive?
In contrast, purchasing a Siamese cat from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,800, depending on factors such as the breeder’s lineage and reputation. Regardless of which path you choose, the investment is justified by the loving companionship and unique charm that a cat brings.
Can Siamese be left alone?
However, some people dislike them due to their vocal nature and loud behavior. If you prefer a quiet cat breed, the Siamese cat may not be for you. These cats crave constant interaction and human companionship. If left alone for long periods of time, they tend to develop depression.
What do Siamese cats eat?
A combination of wet and dry food made from high-quality, natural ingredients works well for your Siamese cat. These cats are known to have sensitive stomachs. Therefore, choosing a food specifically for cats with a sensitive digestive system can be an excellent choice.