Siamese Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

4-6 kg

Length

29-31 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Siamese Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Whilst some people are dog lovers, others are cat lovers through and through. Both household animals are found in many homes up and down the country, providing a lot of love and affection over their lifetime.

The Siamese cat is a popular breed amongst cat owners, and with 27% of Australian households owning cats, there are many reasons why you should give a Siamese rescue cat or kitten a home.

In this guide, you’ll get all the information you need to know on this cat breed, as well as who they’re suited for and what you can expect when you let these beautiful felines into your family.

What Is the History & Origin of the Siamese Cat?

The Siamese cat has quite a history and is considered one of the oldest cat breeds. Ancient manuscripts depict these cats and have been known in Thailand for centuries. However, they didn’t appear in the west until the late nineteenth century.

Whilst not all cat enthusiasts welcomed this type of cat at the time, it quickly became a fashionable pet to own. The first cat introduced in the US was actually gifted to the American President Rutherford B. Hayes, where it quickly became recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association.

Thailand is where the breed is said to originate from, and depictions date back all the way to the 14th century. Suffice to say, they’ve been purring around for some time now.

What Is a Siamese Cat Breed?

The Siamese cat is one of the first to be recognized as an Asian breed of cats. To begin with, a traditional Siamese with a brown seal point was shown. However, blue point, lilac point and chocolate point Siamese were soon developed and shown off.

The first Siamese cat is one of several varieties of cats that are native to Thailand. In today’s world, you’ll see many domesticated cats who are this breed and have many different point colours and patterns.

If you’re part of any Siamese cat club, then you’ll be aware that the Siamese cat is a natural breed. The original pointed pattern and seal point is a result of genetic mutation.

Who Is a Siamese Cat Best For?

A Siamese cat is a great companion that you’ll have to look after for a long time. Just like a dog, a pet isn’t just for Christmas. With that being said, it’s important to note that these cats need companionship.

For that reason, it’s important that you’re not leaving this type of cat alone for long periods. It would suit a household where someone is at home for most of the day. This can also include another cat or dog.

What Does a Siamese Cat Look Like?

The Siamese cat has a very striking appearance, perhaps the most interesting of the breed’s characteristics. The modern Siamese is somewhat the same as its ancestors but certainly evolved in its appearance as many have used these cats as a breeding pair with other felines.

Most will have a slender but muscular body. It has slim legs and a triangular-shaped head. Most Siamese cats are known for their piercing blue eyes.

Coat

When it comes to the Siamese coat, most are short-haired and therefore are easy to manage when it comes to grooming. They are hypoallergenic and are great for those who suffer from cat allergies. Even long-haired Siamese cats are still hypoallergenic.

Colours

The Siamese comes in four colours. These are as follows:

Seal point – pale fawns to cream body
Chocolate point – ivory body
Lilac point – a white body
Blue point – a bluish-white body

Each one is truly beautiful, although some are rarer than others.

Patterns

The patterns are a result of a genetic mutation. This means that the patterns can vary from one cat to another, as is the same with a lot of other natural breeds.

Siamese Cat Grooming & Shedding

Due to their extra-short hair, it limits the shedding that’s caused and that also helps limit the amount of cat hair you have to clean up around the house!

To keep them sleek and shiny, you’ll want to brush your cat’s coat at least once a week. This will also reduce matting.

How Do Siamese Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

Many Siamese cats tend to have the same friendly and affectionate personality. They’re often very outgoing and social cats in comparison to some other felines. They’re very trusting with humans, and they love as much human interaction and attention as you can give them!

Living Needs

A Siamese tends to have a lot of energy to burn, and so you’ll want to give them plenty of playtime, with some even being able to learn to fetch! Cat accessories are a good way to help make sure they burn out their energy supplies during the day. That way, they’re not always pining for attention when you need to get household tasks done.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Siamese Cats?

What can you expect from the habits and activity levels of this breed?

Habits

You’ll find that the Siamese tends to be very intelligent and so it’s good to keep them busy with toys that get their brains engaged.

Activity Level

You can expect this breed to be at the top end of energy levels in comparison to other household cats. That means they’ll need plenty of attention and interaction!

Vocalness

The Siamese cat can certainly be a vocal one, and it’s one of the loudest breeds in its meows and yowls. This might not be the right breed for you if a constant conversation will drive you crazy! You may prefer to go with a less chatty kitty.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Siamese Cat?

What is the average height, weight and size of your typical Siamese?

Height

Males stand around 29-31cm tall, and females will stand between 20-25cm tall.

Weight

Males weigh around 4-6kg, and females weigh around 2.5-4.5kg.

Size

The size of the Siamese cat is pretty much the same as any other felines, if somewhat a little more slender.

Are Siamese Cats Easy to Train?

Siamese tend to pick up some fairly basic commands, including fetch, which is somewhat rare in other breeds. With regular training, this cat breed will pick up commands fairly easily as it’s one of the most intelligent breeds you will find.

Does the Siamese Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

There are quite a few health issues that can come with this cat breed. However, with the right diet, care and attention, they should lead long and healthy lives! To help cover any future health issues, getting pet insurance is a must.

Typical health issues with this breed can be progressive retinal atrophy and periodontal disease. The International Cat Association is a great resource for any questions or concerns you have.

What Is the Lifespan of a Siamese Cat?

These cats tend to have a fairly long lifespan if looked after properly. They reach a senior age at around 12 years old, and most will live until they’re about 15 years old. Interestingly, one of the oldest living Siamese cats doubled that lifespan expectancy and lived until 30!

How Much Does a Siamese Cat Need to Be Fed?

The best diet you could give your Siamese is a mix of dry food, wet food and fresh food. For the healthiest fresh food, you’ve got cooked ham and turkey that these cats will go wild for.

To prevent any kind of cat obesity, it’s important to have set feeding times and to regularly check that you’re serving enough food for the cat’s weight and age.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Siamese Cat in Australia?

If you’re looking for a Siamese kitten in Australia, then you can expect to pay anywhere between $500-$800. For adult cats, you’ll likely pay between $250-$300. It’s always good to know the price of a kitten and adult Siamese so that you’re not getting scammed out of your money by paying too much.

Make sure you factor in all of the extra costs that come from owning a cat from its food, pet accessories and, of course, the pet insurance you’ll need to pay to keep your cat protected.

Siamese Cat FAQs

Do Siamese suffer from separation anxiety?

Many cats enjoy the solitary lifestyle, unlike many dogs who prefer to get 24/7 attention from their owners. However, with these cats, you may find that they form unhealthy and excessive attachments that can result in separation anxiety.

Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic?

Those with cat allergies can find solace with this cat breed. The Siamese breed is one that is considered hypoallergenic.

Do Siamese cats get along well with other household pets?

Despite them being one of the popular cat breeds, they can be a little aggressive. However, that can be helped with a playful dog around them regularly. For the most part, they can get along with other dogs and cats in the home.

Can you feed a Siamese cat milk and dairy products?

Unlike other cats, the Siamese kind is leaner than most felines. This means that excess fat could lead to saggy bulges around areas of their body. This can lead to problems with their health, so it’s best to be careful with high fat and dairy products.

Are Siamese cats ideal for first-time cat owners?

Whether you’re looking at Siamese kittens or an old-style Siamese rescue, they are loving and loyal. They’re excellent family cats and create great friendships with other pets in the home. As a first-time cat owner, you should be fine with this breed.