Siamese

Image credit: 2mnedolz

Siamese - Breed Profile:

Origin: Siam (Thailand)
Colors: Seal, chocolate, blue, lilac with the typical colourpoint pattern
Size: Medium
Coat Type(s): Shorthair
Grooming: Little
Talkativeness: Very vocal
Activity Level: Very high
Attention Requirement: High
Overall: Can be a handful

Breed video: Siamese - very vocal cat

The Siamese cat, as well as the Persian cat, is a very recognizable breed. They are easily identified by the typical pointed color scheme: light coloured fur with black muzzle, ears, tail, and paws.

Physical characteristics

Siamese cats are medium-sized. They are graceful, elegant, flexible, and athletic. There are actually two varieties of the breed:
- the modern show-style Siamese with a typical Oriental look: a triangular-shaped head, thin muzzle, large ears, long and slim body,
- the Traditional Siamese (also known as the Applehead Siamese, Old Style Siamese, or Classic Siamese) with a rounded form of the head and the muzzle.
The eyes of a Siamese (either variety) are almond-shaped, oblique, and mostly blue; the neck and the tail are long.

Temperament

Siamese cats are affectionate and intelligent. They like being with people; some breeders call them "extroverts". However, there are a lot of very sensitive and nervous cats of this breed that cannot adapt to changes of environment or strangers well enough. Siamese cats are in need of human companionship and may bond strongly to a single person. Perhaps, this is related to the fact that their natural coat colouration, being ineffective for camouflage, is appealing to humans. Which is more, these cats tend to talk to people whom they like. So they are very vocal, and they have a loud voice known as "Meezer".

The Traditional "applehead" Siamese by red R

They may sound like a crying baby. Siamese cats are generally playful and active even when they become adults. It is worth mentioning that some people think Siamese cats to be rancorous to some extent.

Coat and grooming

This breed has short glossy hair that adheres to the body tight. It looks fine, soft, and neat. Siamese cats need little grooming.
The colours are seal point, chocolate, blue and lilac; the pattern is always colourpoint.

Health

Siamese cats don't have any specific problems with health. However, it is recommended to have them checked for annual health, teeth health, and kidney function.

Other interesting facts

- Siamese kittens are all pure cream or white at birth. They get visible points in the first few months of life. These points appear in colder parts of their body.
- Siameses tend to get darker with age. Moreover, adult Siamese living in warm climates have lighter coats than those living in cool climates.