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Written by Anne Moss
Note: for Breeders of Siamese Cats on Meowhoo.com click here:
Siamese Cats
The Siamese Cat - Breed History
 The Siamese cat, with its distinct coloration, brilliant blue eyes, and inquisitive social
personality, is one of the more popular cat breeds. As the name indicates, these cats (fondly
named Meezers) arrived from Thailand (Siam). Kept as regal pets by the King of Siam, they lived
in the confinement of the palace, which allowed for the development of a new breed of colorpoint
blue-eyed cats.
During the nineteenth century, the British Consul in Bangkok, Mr. Gould, brought the first
Siamese cats to Britain. A small group of less than a dozen cats, which were also imported
around that time, formed the breeding base for what is today the Siamese cat.
The Siamese Cat - Breed Description
The Siamese has a special look, which is appreciated by pet owners and breeders alike.
There are two known body types for the Siamese - most cat fancy associations recognize only the
first.
 Modern Siamese is the cat type most frequently observed in cat shows. It is easy to
distinguish by its svelte elongated silhouette and its wedged head shape.
 Traditional (Apple-Head) Siamese are more muscular, with a rounder head shape
and a less extreme look.
All Siamese cats share the colorpoint pattern, where the cooler body parts (feet, tail, and face)
are of a darker color than the rest of the body. Kittens are born without the dark markings and
develop them throughout the first weeks of their lives.
The different colors accepted by all cat fancy associations are seal (dark brown), chocolate,
blue, and lilac (light gray with a pink tinge). Some associations also recognize red and cream
point as Siamese, as well as the various combinations of tabby (lynx) or tortoiseshell point
patterns. Other associations class these varieties as Shorthair Colorpoints and refer to them as a
different breed.
The Siamese are very social cats. They are intelligent and curious and are known for their
tendency to explore every nook and cranny of their homes. They are also a very talkative breed
and can make quite long speeches.
The Siamese Cat - Special Needs
Siamese cats need relatively little grooming. Their close-lying coat can do with a gentle
brushing just once a week to remove dead hair.
This breed has several distinctive genetic faults, all of which are cosmetic and require no
medical treatment. These include crossed eyes and a kinked tail. These faults are becoming
more rare with time as breeders try to breed them out.
Anne Moss is the founder and owner of TheCatSite.com. She is a cat
behaviorist and a member of the Cats Writers Association.
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