Siamese cats are long and slender, embodying elegance and grace. Their distinctive appearance makes them easily recognizable, even to those unfamiliar with or uninterested in cats. These affectionate and sociable cats adapt well to family life but require plenty of stimulation. Be ready to engage them with interactive games and regular outings to satisfy their curiosity and energy.

How long do Siamese cats live? - 8 - 15 years.

How big do Siamese cats get? - 2.5kg to 5.5kg.

Siamese cat colours - Siamese cats are available in a variety of colors, each characterized by a pale body with darker, shaded points.

The Siamese cat breed is generally healthy, but they may be susceptible to several conditions:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: An inherited disorder progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual degeneration of the retina, which can lead to blindness.
• Feline Asthma: An allergic reaction affecting the lower airways, leading to respiratory problems.
• Mucopolysaccharidosis: A storage disease causing growth delays, deformities, and potential paralysis.
• Niemann-Pick Disease: A lysosomal storage disorder that affects nerves and organs like the liver and spleen.
• Gangliosidosis GM2: A rare storage disease affecting the nervous system in Siamese cats.
• Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: Cancer originating in the intestinal cells.
• Mediastinal Lymphoma: Cancer affecting immune system cells.
• Amyloidosis: A condition where proteins accumulate in organs and tissues, which can result in organ failure.
• Pica: A disorder where cats crave and consume non-food items.

Available Testing:

• DNA testing for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Mucopolysaccharidosis, and Gangliosidosis is available to assess susceptibility to these conditions.

Exceptionally intelligent, affectionate, and assertive, Siamese cats are often seen as the extroverts of the feline world. They tend to form strong bonds with one person and are known for their distinctive, loud, low pitched voice, often referred to as a 'meezer'. The Siamese is a 'Marmite' cat one that people either love or dislike!

Due to their dependent nature and strong attachment to their owner, Siamese cats may experience separation anxiety. They are often better suited to homes where they can be kept in pairs or where someone is frequently present.

So what does a Siamese cat look like? The Siamese cat features a long, athletic build with slender legs and neat, oval paws. Its large, pricked ears, which follow the triangular shape of the head, contribute to its intelligent expression. The eyes are almond shaped and angled inward toward the nose, while the tail is long, tapering, and straight. The coat is short and fine, lying close to the body, and the Siamese’s colors are pale with darker ‘points’ on the face, ears, legs, and tail.

There are two distinct Siamese cat types: the traditional variety, which is plumper with an apple shaped head, and the modern variety, characterized by a slender body and a wedge shaped head.

Cat Breeds Related to Siamese Cats:

• Oriental Shorthair: Shares many traits with the Siamese cat, including a sleek body and large ears.
• Balinese: Known as the "long haired Siamese," it retains the Siamese’s color points and body structure with a longer, silkier coat.
• Cornish Rex: Though not directly related, it shares a similar slender body and large ears, with a distinctive curly coat.

One of the earliest recognized Asian cat breeds, the Siamese hails from Thailand, formerly known as Siam. In the 19th century, it became one of the most popular breeds in both Europe and North America. In 1884, the British Consul General in Bangkok brought a pair of Siamese cats, Pho and Mia, to Britain as a gift for his sister, Lilian Gould, who later cofounded the Siamese Cat Club in 1901.

Noted for their distinctive markings, the term "Siamese" now applies to a range of cats with similar color patterns. The Siamese cat is known for its ‘pointed pattern,’ a trait caused by a mutation in the enzyme responsible for melanin production. This enzyme is heat sensitive, becoming active only in the cooler extremities of the body, which results in darker fur on the face, ears, legs, and tail. Siamese kittens are born pure white or cream, with the characteristic color points developing as they grow and the enzyme affects the fur.

Despite their fit and athletic build, Siamese cats are at risk of theft due to their curious nature, loud vocalizations, and striking appearance. They can also become a nuisance to neighbors, making a secure garden or cat run essential. If kept indoors, it’s crucial to provide a variety of toys to keep your Siamese cat entertained. Great options include engaging puzzle toys like the Whack-a-Mole cat toy and interactive toys such as the Flying Bird Cat Toy, along with cat trees to ensure they remain stimulated and active.

Highly intelligent and skilled problem solvers, Siamese cats form strong bonds with one person and thrive on being close to them. They require a significant amount of attention and engagement to be happy. To keep them content, provide plenty of cat trees for climbing, food puzzles to stimulate their minds, and regular interactive play with their owner. This breed is not ideal for busy households or situations where everyone is away for long periods. It might be beneficial to have two Siamese cats to keep each other company, though both will still need daily stimulation and interaction.

Each cat is unique, with individual preferences, dislikes, and dietary needs. However, all cats are carnivores and require 41 specific nutrients from their food. The balance of these nutrients can differ based on factors such as age, activity level, and health, so it’s understandable that a growing, active kitten needs a different nutrient balance compared to a less active senior cat. 

Additionally, it's important to provide the correct amount of food to maintain an 'ideal body condition' as per feeding guidelines and to accommodate individual preferences for wet or dry food. For more detailed information, you can refer to our Cat Feeding & Cat Nutrition article.

The Siamese cat is low maintenance and stays clean with minimal effort. A quick brush with a bristle brush and an occasional wipe with a damp cloth will keep their coat in excellent condition while allowing you to check for parasites or minor injuries.

We recommend the Walnut Grooming Set for an excellent brushing experience.

Like all breeds, Siamese cats need protection from disease through vaccinations, as well as regular Flea treatment and control, along with annual veterinary check ups.

Ideal for those who appreciate a cat with a bold personality, the Siamese cat is known for its strong character, vocal nature, and sensitive temperament. This breed thrives with an owner who is home most of the day and is either familiar with or eager to learn about their unique quirks and traits. Siamese cats are generally not well suited to homes with small children, as their demanding and opinionated nature makes it challenging for them to share attention with others.

• Heat Sensitive Color Points: The color points on a Siamese cat are influenced by temperature. The cooler areas of their body, like their ears and tail, are darker, while the warmer areas are lighter.
• Famous Owners: Siamese cats have been owned by many notable figures, including Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, and even U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Rutherford B. Hayes.
• Film Star: A Siamese cat featured prominently in the 1965 Disney film That Darn Cat!, portraying a clever secret agent cat named D.C. who teams up with the FBI to solve crimes.
• Name Meaning: In Thailand, Siamese cats are called ‘wichien-matt,’ which translates to ‘Moon Diamond.’
• Royal Beliefs: Thai royalty once believed that they could be reincarnated as Siamese cats, enjoying luxurious lives in temples and being pampered by priests and monks.

For more fun feline facts, check out our 30 Fun Facts About Cats.