Siamese cat

Breed Description

Siam is the ancient name of the modern breed. It is the country where flexible cats, possessing a special grace, lived in temples and were valued as highly as gold. We are talking about the Siamese breed, which served as the foundation for many other cat varieties. Numerous legends are associated with it, and the perceptions of its appearance among most citizens of Russia are often incorrect.

According to various sources, the history of the Siamese cat begins in the 14th to 18th centuries. As mentioned, the breed is renowned for its pliability, exotic appearance, and unique character. Under the laws of ancient Siam, exporting them beyond the country’s borders was forbidden, and the right to own blue-eyed cats was restricted to royal family members and nobility.

The popularity of Siamese cats in Europe surged after two beautiful cats were gifted to the British consul. He brought this invaluable gift to England and presented it to the public. This occurred in 1872, although there are accounts of earlier Asian cats appearing in London.

Breeders were extremely intrigued by the first specimens from the Asian region. The peculiar appearance of the exhibition specimens seemed dreadful to some. However, the overwhelming majority of cat lovers were captivated not by their exterior, but by their loud, unusual-sounding voice. Unfortunately, discussions of breeding could not take place due to the laws of Thailand (Siam) at that time, which prohibited the export of sacred cats.

A bit later, several more kittens were brought to England, which won an exhibition a year later and marked the beginning of the breed’s development on the British Isles. Soon after, the first standard was developed, and in 1878, a US embassy official sent a small blue-eyed kitten as a gift to Rutherford Birchard Hayes. A dispatch accompanying the gift is still kept in Ohio today. After two decades, royal Siamese cats became popular among the feline community in the USA. Quite a few stars from film and music kept them.

Despite the breed’s establishment history, it was officially recognized only in the 1960s. It is one of the most popular cats in the world. Its genes sparked the development of many other Eastern cats, such as the Oriental. Essentially, they are the same animal, differing only in eye color and coat. The Seychelles, Balinese, Oriental, Himalayan, Mongolian bobtail, and even Peterbald share a connection with the “moon diamond,” as the breed is referred to in modern Thailand. Today, there are over 40 varieties of them in total.Additionally, it is worth noting that during excavations of ancient tombs in Egypt, mummified remains of animals were found that closely resemble Siamese cats.In Russia, a purebred Siamese kitten can be purchased for 30,000 to 60,000 rubles. The breed is so widespread that the internet is filled with advertisements offering free kittens. However, we cannot recommend breeding such kittens.

Appearance

Their exotic appearance is known to almost everyone. However, a large number of people in our country mistakenly perceive the Thai breed as Siamese.

Graceful, flexible, with an elongated (tube-like) body and well-developed muscles, they possess a unique timbre and are characterized by a gentle demeanor and sociability. Their fine bone structure adds elegance to their overall appearance. Males are noticeably larger and bulkier than females, yet equally elegant. The height at the shoulder is approximately 25 cm, and the average body length reaches 50 to 60 cm.

At the same time, it’s worth mentioning their fertility. A record was set by the “moon diamond”: a beautiful female cat gave birth to 19 kittens. Some of the babies were already dead, but the remaining 15 were fine.

Despite differences in standards among various feline organizations, the ideal animal weighs between 3 and 5.5 kg. Their lifespan can reach 12 to 15 years, but cases of them living up to 20 years are not uncommon.

As if carved from stone, they sometimes freeze in place, seeming to transform into statuettes. These sociable Asians can “talk” with different intonations when interacting with humans – in this regard, they are similar to Orientals, who have the same exterior requirements except for eye color and coat pattern.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Medium-sized. Wedge-shaped, with straight lateral surfaces. There are no curves at the level of the vibrissae. If lines are drawn from the edges of the ears to the chin, an equilateral triangle should be formed. When viewed from the side, the profile is perfectly smooth, without indentations.

Морда

Elongated, but not pointed. The long, straight bridge of the nose (when viewed from the front) smoothly transitions into the area of the slightly flattened forehead. However, in profile, the bridge of the nose may have a barely noticeable hump. The chin is quite strong, especially in males.

Уши

Large, wide at the base, triangular-shaped ears, though the tips are slightly rounded. The bigger they are, the better-this gives the animal an extraordinary, "extreme" appearance. They are set widely apart. Almost hairless-it's so short. From a frontal view, the line of the ears continues the triangular silhouette of the head.

Глаза

Clearly of Eastern type, meaning almond-shaped. Their average size is proportional to the head, and the inner corners are slightly lower than the outer edges. The iris is a maximum of a rich sky blue or dark blue color. Strabismus is considered a drawback.

Зубы

The strong teeth come together in a scissor-like bite (the upper canines slightly overlap the lower ones). An overbite or underbite is considered a serious flaw. The canines are long. During the tooth transition, they may grow slightly slower than the incisors, but this is not a problem.

Корпус

Balanced, elongated, with developed musculature but without distinctly defined muscles. Flexible, with a strong lower back and spine. The ribcage and shoulder girdle are sufficiently powerful but not too wide. The neck is long, and the back is straight. The presence of fat deposits on the abdomen and sides is a significant drawback.

Конечности

Long and slender legs, with the front ones being slightly shorter than the back. There is a well-developed muscular framework. The structure of the limbs allows the cat to jump very high. The paw pads are oval, distinguishing them from other breeds, and the fur between the toes grows minimally. The elongated legs of the "diamonds" give the animal an overall elegant appearance. In the European version, the legs are longer and denser than in the American version.

Хвост

Thin, long, very flexible, tapering towards the tip. It resembles a whip in some way. It serves as an indicator of the cat's mood at the moment. During heightened attention (for example, when greeting its owners), it is often held high. A tail that is too long is considered a flaw; ideally, it should match the overall proportions of the animal. According to GCCF standards, any breaks or thickening on the tail are regarded as significant exterior defects.

Шерсть

Soft to the touch, with a fine texture, closely fitting to the body and shiny. Quite short, but noticeably shorter on the ears and face than on other parts. A characteristic of the breed is the complete absence of undercoat. It is believed that the fur of a Siamese cat is hypoallergenic.

Окрас

Тёмная маска на морде, "сапожки" на лапах регламентированы действующими стандартами. Помимо этого, затемнение должно быть на ушах и кончике хвоста. С возрастом чёткие грани перехода основного окраса в тёмные участки несколько разбавляются. CFA принимают лишь следующие окрасы: - шоколадный пойнт: молочный шоколад на слоновой кости; - блю-пойнт: серовато-синие отметки на бело-голубом; - сил-пойнт: коричневые участки на кремовом фоне; - лиловый пойнт: коричнево-розовые затемнения на белом. TICA в дополнение к этим окрасам разрешает красные, кремовые, торт и тэбби расцветки шерсти.

Character

There is a myth that suggests the breed’s aggressiveness. This is completely false information that should be dispelled. Aggressive behavior in Siamese cats occurs no more frequently than deviant behaviors in any other breed. Moreover, “moon diamonds” are gentle and affectionate towards their owners, cherishing their company. This is an undeniable fact that any Siamese cat owner from nearly any corner of the globe can attest to. Their love is so strong that there are not uncommon instances where the animal literally saves family members, defending them even against a dog attack.

Kittens, of course, can create a mess at home, but only if left alone for a long time. That is why Siamese cats are often bought in pairs, just like Orientals. In this case, they will play with each other during their owner’s absence, rather than rummage through vases or tug at curtains. However, if trouble does happen, there’s no need to yell at the animal or resort to physical punishment. Descendants of ancient Siam have a good memory and may seek revenge by holding a grudge. The relationship with the owner could be severed, and restoring it will be extremely difficult.

A distinctive feature of Siamese cats is their tendency to “talk” with humans. Remarkably altering their intonation and vocal tone, Siamese can profess love, ask, demand, express dissatisfaction, answer their owner’s questions, and even call them to play. This does not resemble the meowing of ordinary cats. It is impossible to describe the sounds they make-you simply have to hear them at least once.

An undeniable virtue of Siamese cats is their loyalty. Although “a cat is used to being on its own,” these exotic fellows cannot imagine life without their owner. Sensing their owner’s mood, they can comfort them or invite them to play when their owner is in a good mood. Their special gift for detecting good and bad energy is sometimes even utilized in interior design: where a Siamese cat has lain down to sleep, it is best to place a baby crib, as a Siamese will not lie down in a negative space.

These kind creatures can easily befriend other cats, and they rarely have conflicts with dogs, especially if a puppy arrives after a kitten.

“Always at your feet” is how everyone who owns this breed describes them. Curious, they will always check the contents of bags and comment on them.However, there are downsides to their talkativeness: if you fill their bowl with food in the morning, the “furry alarm clock” will demand your attention with a loud voice, even on weekends. This can be avoided by training your cat to eat at dinner time-in this case, your sleep will not be disturbed.Their boundless energy is replenished during sleep. If the kitty isn’t sleeping or talking, they are playing. These wonderful creatures get along well with children, as long as they don’t pull their friend’s tail.Occasionally, they may show jealousy towards their favorite person, but this trait is not characteristic of the entire breed and is usually caused by the owner’s improper behavior.

Care and Maintenance

A comfortable environment for a Siamese cat should align closely with its temperament. Curiosity can play a trick on a kitten if small children’s toys are left scattered around. The kitten may easily ingest them during its antics. If there are older children in the family or if the pet lives in a child-free home, it’s important to seal off any gaps where the pet could get its head stuck. Of course, windows should not be left wide open, and wires should be kept out of reach-pets left alone are ready to play with anything.

By observing the newcomer, the owner can easily identify the kitten’s favorite spots and should place a bed in one of those locations, which should serve as a vantage point for watching its surroundings. This place should be in a quiet part of the apartment or house, away from drafty areas or heavy foot traffic. Since Siamese cats lack an undercoat, they are quite sensitive to temperature drops and can catch colds easily. To be honest, they aren’t dogs, and they will choose their resting area wherever they wish.

Some owners walk their Siamese on a harness, after training them to wear a collar and leash. Not all animals are eager to walk like dogs, but some really enjoy it. Therefore, it’s very much an individual consideration. Buying a suit for a cat to keep its fur clean during outings is not an unnecessary expense. In chilly autumn weather or winter, a warm cat suit is just what’s needed.

Special attention should always be given to diet. It must contain high levels of protein, phosphorus, and calcium to ensure proper growth and skeletal development. Purchasing a kitten from a cattery doesn’t guarantee it will grow up completely healthy or meet breed standards. However, the right food will help the owner achieve that goal. Today, there are many super-premium feeds available, carefully formulated with the necessary vitamins and minerals for the pet’s age. Both dry food and canned varieties have their advantages and disadvantages. The cattery owner or the veterinarian who monitors the meowing pet can assist in making a choice.

Kittens from catteries are typically already litter-trained. If your cat is unfamiliar with this device, you can teach it this simple trick yourself. By laying absorbent pads in its usual “secret spots,” gradually decrease the area covered. Within 2 to 2.5 weeks, it should use the designated toilet area.

Cleaning the ears is not always welcomed. However, it is necessary. A cotton ball or a simple piece of cotton soaked in a special lotion will clean the kitten’s ears and prevent infections. It’s better not to use cotton swabs due to the risk of injury.Bright blue eyes are always noticeable, and if cloudy discharge occurs, visit the veterinarian immediately. A timely diagnosis will simplify further treatment if needed.Flea treatments can be applied as drops on the animal’s nape, ensuring it can’t lick them off. Often, a simple flea collar is sufficient.Unlike their long-haired counterparts, Siamese cats require little grooming. During peak shedding seasons (fall and spring), brushing with a rubber grooming brush 2-3 times a week is sufficient to remove dead hair. The breed is very clean and can manage basic issues on its own.Bathing is generally unnecessary. While some furry friends enjoy a bath (e.g., Bengal cats), Siamese cats are quite indifferent to this aspect of care.A scratching post is useful for protecting furniture. It’s best to place it near the furniture that catches the attention of the sharp-clawed creature. Once the ca

Training and Education

Many novice “cat owners” fall in love with Siamese cats and overestimate their own character strength. They often complain about the inappropriate behavior of their pets, citing various examples of Siamese misbehavior. The essence is that innate character can be adjusted with proper upbringing if the right approach is applied to this task.

For this, it is essential to have a clear understanding of their psychology, which is based solely on instincts. You can only become a deity for a Siamese cat if you manage to utilize their independence and freedom to your advantage. If you fail to do so, the conclusion is simple: it is the Siamese cat that has got you under its paw, not the other way around. It will use you as a resource to ensure its own comfort, but unlimited love cannot be expected.

This is exactly why there are complaints about the breed’s tendency to climb on tables and steal food right in front of their owners. Other examples of deviant behavior are merely the result of improper training of the pets.

How can you stop a Siamese cat from meowing loudly? First, determine the cause of its calls. It is quite possible that it wants to get out of a closed room or go for a walk (or to the bathroom, for example). You can endlessly run around and open doors, but how long will your patience last? It’s easier to get a cat door so the Asian beauty can independently access the places it needs.

An early wake-up is likely caused by a desire to eat quickly because the owner has been feeding the kitten in the morning since its first days in the house. For a certain period, the animal did not realize it could blackmail its owner with cries, but eventually, the connection was made. The solution is simple: feed it at night.

As for various tricks you can teach your Siamese, it is again important to recognize its tendencies. Bringing a toy is the simplest thing you can teach your cat. Discussing more complicated tricks is pointless. Even the most famous cat lover, Y. Kuklachev, does not provide a single recommendation.

How to Choose a Kitten

When beginning the process of choosing a kitten, the most important factors are its health and a strong pedigree. It’s essential to verify the purity of its lineage, which means getting to know its parents and their backgrounds. It’s also wise to take a look at their veterinary records, which should detail any health issues that the offspring might inherit. Pay attention to vaccination schedules and deworming, as these are significant aspects of the parents’ health.

Buying through an advertisement poses a high risk of acquiring an unhealthy kitten, so it’s not a recommended option. The safest choice is to purchase a Siamese cat from a reputable seller. Zoonica offers the best selection of catteries in Russia.

Assess the living conditions of the animals. The presence of cages may indicate that they are confined for some reason. Given the active nature of Siamese cats, such “care” is unlikely to have a positive effect.

It is advisable not to take a kitten away from its mother before it reaches 2.5 to 3 months of age. They are very strongly bonded, and this separation can cause stress that benefits no one.

If the litter’s coat color is lighter than that of its parents, it is not a cause for serious concern. Final pigmentation develops by the time the cat reaches two years of age, and generally, the colder the environment, the darker the fur will be.

Choosing a kitten from a cattery is a very responsible step, especially considering the high popularity of Siamese cats in Russia. To protect yourself from dishonest breeders, it’s better to draft a written purchase agreement that outlines the terms of return or financial compensation in case genetic problems are discovered later, which the seller had concealed from the buyer.

Health and Diseases

Work to improve certain characteristics of Siamese cats has led to some genetic issues. Unfortunately, some of these are hereditary. To reduce risks, it is better to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder.

The most common diseases include:

– Calicivirus: begins with a simple cold and redness of the cornea. Eventually, the tip of the nose develops small ulcers. In advanced cases, the upper respiratory tract pathology can lead to pneumonia;

– Intestinal adenocarcinoma: males are predisposed. This is an oncological disease of the intestine;

– Strabismus: a genetic defect due to abnormal development of the optic nerves;

– Cardiomyopathy: weakening of the heart muscles. Symptoms include shortness of breath, general weakness, and gradual loss of heart function;- Asthma: the most common causes are allergens in tobacco, perfumes, and dust. The course resembles the manifestations of the disease in humans;- Breast cancer: starts with small masses that then increase in size;- Rhinotracheitis: runny nose, conjunctivitis, abnormal development of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include general weakness, lack of playfulness, and increased body temperature.