12 Majestic Insights About Siamese Cats

Elegant, friendly, and incredibly intelligent, the Siamese cat truly has it all. Their allure has captivated numerous artists, securing these graceful felines a revered spot in temples and palaces worldwide, including the White House. Discover everything you need to know about these delightful companions.

1. The Most Recognized Siamese Variety Is the "Seal Point"

Recall the musical cats from Disney's "Lady and the Tramp"? These are known as "seal point" Siamese cats, characterized by their light-colored bodies and dark brown fur on their tails, paws, ears, and face. These distinct areas are referred to as "points."

2. Additional Color Variations Exist

"Chocolate point" Siamese cats share similarities with seal points but feature lighter brown markings. Meanwhile, "blue point" cats boast blue-grey extremities, and the exquisite "lilac point" variety showcases pinkish-grey fur in those same areas.

3. The Breed Boasts a Rich History

The "Tamra Maeo," or "The Cat Book Poems," is an ancient manuscript from Siam's Ayutthaya Period, potentially dating back to the 14th century C.E. It details various cat breeds, including a pale-coated feline with dark fur on specific body parts, believed to be the earliest documented reference to Siamese cats. These cats were highly prized as wedding gifts in Siam (modern-day Thailand) and were often gifted to foreign dignitaries. By the 1870s, they had gained prominence in European cat exhibitions.

4. They're Highly Vocal

Siamese cats are known for their loud and frequent meowing, particularly when they desire something from their owners. While some find their chatty demeanor charming, those seeking a quieter pet might want to consider other breeds.

5. A Siamese Cat Once Resided in the White House

In 1878, David B. Sickles, an American diplomat, sent a female Siamese cat to Washington, D.C. as a present for Lucy Hayes, the then First Lady of the United States. (Her husband, Rutherford, was the 19th U.S. president.) Named "Siam," the cat roamed freely around the White House until her untimely death in late 1879.

6. Naturally Sociable, Siamese Cats Thrive on Companionship

Extremely loving, Siamese cats enjoy following their owners and curling up in their laps. Their need for constant interaction means they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

7. This Breed Was Among the First Acknowledged by the Cat Fanciers' Association

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the largest pedigreed cat registry globally, was established in 1906. Initially, it recognized only six breeds: the Persian, Russian Blue, Manx, Burmese, Abyssinian, and the Siamese cat. Today, the CFA registers cats from over 30 additional breeds.

8. They Exhibit Partial Albinism

The distinctive "pointed" fur patterns of Siamese cats result from a gene that causes most of their fur to lack color. This gene activates only at higher temperatures, meaning it doesn't take effect until after a Siamese kitten is born and exposed to cooler environments. The fur on their tails, paws, snouts, and ears remains dark because these areas retain less heat.

9. Cross-Eyed Cats Were Once Common

Genetics can be unpredictable. The gene responsible for the Siamese cat's pale fur and dark extremities also gives them their striking blue eyes. However, due to unusual retinal pigmentation, cross-eyed Siamese cats were once prevalent. Selective breeding has significantly reduced the occurrence of this trait in recent years.

10. Kinked Tails Are Becoming Less Common

Permanently curved tails, once a defining feature of Siamese cats, have become less desirable among breeders. Modern show cats no longer exhibit this trait.

11. A Related Breed is Called the "Thai Cat"

Western breeders gradually transformed the Siamese cat into a slender, angular animal with a narrow skull, larger eyes, and minimal body fat. In the 1950s, some enthusiasts countered this trend by breeding stockier cats that resembled the breed's ancestors, leading to the creation of the new breed known as the "Thai cat."

12. A Grumpy Siamese Cat Inspired a Famous Comic Strip Character

"Get Fuzzy," a widely loved and humorous comic strip featured in numerous newspapers, won the National Cartoonists Society Award in 2002. One of its main characters, Bucky Katt, is a grumpy Siamese cat with a sharp attitude. The strip's creator, Darby Conley, based Bucky on a real-life Siamese cat owned by a friend, known for its cantankerous nature.