Siamese Cats – Origin, Temperament and Care Tips

With a gorgeous combination of cream-colored and dark accent fur coats and their deep-colored eyes, Siamese cats are a stunning feline breed. These graceful creatures are sociable and active, making them the ideal family pet.

So, if you’re planning to adopt a beautiful Siamese cat, it is imperative to know everything about them. Here’s everything you need to know about the history, temperament, and management of this wonderful breed of cats.

Overview of Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are one of the oldest breeds in the world. Originating in Thailand, it wasn’t until the 1800s that these cats began to be exported. Since Thailand was named Siam back then, this breed gets its name from there.

The weight of a male Siamese cat typically ranges from 8 to 12 pounds, while the weight of a female Siamese cat usually falls between 5 and 8 pounds. With their lifespan averaging 15 years, Siamese cats have short hair, beautiful coats, and a light-colored main coat, and a darker tail, legs, face, and ears. Their eye shape is large and pointed while their eye color is a stunning vivid blue.

Siamese Cat Breed History

There are various legends surrounding the origins of the Siamese cats. One legend that stands out is that they descended from the sacred temple of cats from Siam (now known as Thailand). While this is probably a myth, these beautiful creatures have undoubtedly been popular pets in their home country for centuries. Siamese cats were also known as Royal Points back in Siam and were honored in high regard that no one except the members of the royal family were allowed to own them.

The first Siamese cat arrived in the United States in 1878. It came as a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes and was named ‘Siam’ by the First Lady. Soon after this, people began breeding this feline breed in the U.S. and England, officially being recognized as a legit breed in 1906.

Siamese Cat Temperament

As beautiful as these felines are, they are equally friendly and sociable. The long, athletic cats are quite playful and loving towards people of all ages, including children. Moreover, Siamese cats also get along quite well with dogs and other felines.

Known for their unique, mostly strident ‘meows,’ these kitties tend to have very loud opinions that they aren’t afraid to share. They are also quite fond of lap snuggling. So, if you’re looking for a loving cat, this is it!

As playful as Siamese cats can be, they are also quite demanding and require a lot of attention. Interactive toys and games are a great way to keep them occupied and prevent their boredom. This unique breed loves climbing and jumping from great heights. They also tend to use their paws to open faucets, doors, and even turn on the TV.  With capabilities like that, it can be quite fun to trick train them.

Caring for Siamese Cats

Like any other pet, Siamese cats need specialized care, which is tailored to their needs. Therefore, it’s vital to understand their individual needs, requirements, and personality to become the best cat parent!

Grooming

Grooming Siamese cats isn’t very different from that of a typical cat. While they do shed fur, it isn’t as noticeable as other long-haired breeds since they are short-haired. You will need to brush their coats only a few times a week. Their nails should be clipped regularly, but once a month is also good enough. As a cat parent, you should also consider brushing their teeth on a daily basis.

Nutrition

Even though cat food is available for specific breeds, Siamese cats don’t require anything too special when it comes to their diet. You just need to provide them with age-appropriate food to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met. Whether you have a Siamese kitten or a fully-grown adult cat, you should discuss their diet with your vet for a clear idea.

Activities

Siamese cats love playing challenging and interactive games. Giving them puzzle toys to challenge their brain can help keep them occupied, preventing boredom and keeping them from running into trouble.

Moreover, since this feline breed is quite intelligent, they can be taught various tricks and can even be taught how to play fetch. Siamese are also great at agility games due to their athletic abilities. So, it’s a good idea to add cat tunnels, trees or shelving for them to have a fun time.

Siamese Cat Behavioral Tips

As loving as these pets are, it’s important to discipline your Siamese cat and keep it under control.

Since Siamese cats tend to love agile games, it can end up swinging on your drapes or lounging on your mantel. The best way to prevent this is to provide your feline friend with high places, such as cat trees or shelves to allow them to climb and perch safely.

Also, if your feline likes raiding your kitchen cabinets, the best way to keep it out of trouble is to use child-proof fasteners all around the kitchen.

You also need to pay attention to how you respond to your cat’s meowing; you may be enabling and encouraging them to call the shots. This may come as a surprise, but if you open the door or offer your cat food as soon as they meow, you are enabling them to get their way with things. By constantly repeating this behavior, you allow your feline to believe that they will always get their way.

Siamese cats often form a deep bond and connection to one person, resulting in separation anxiety behaviors, such as peeing on the bed or meowing loudly. This behavior requires attention from a vet behaviorist. Also, if it’s feasible, you should try bringing in other pets when your Siamese is a kitten as this will help relieve dependency.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to adopting a loving and adorable pet, Siamese cats are a fantastic option! While they can be the life of the party, caring for Siamese cats can be hard at times as they require a lot of attention. So, if you can give these creatures lots of love, interaction, and care, then you’re surely in for a treat!