Siamese: The Talkative and Elegant Cat
The origins of the Siamese cat date back to the 15th century, and possibly even the 14th century, according to manuscripts from that time discovered in Ayutthaya, the capital of the Kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand). German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas (1741-1811) also mentioned cats with similar characteristics to the Siamese, present in Asia during that period.
- Origins and History
- Physical Characteristics
- Temperament and Behavior
- Care and Grooming
- Diet
- The Siamese at a Glance
Origins and History
Originally from Thailand, the Siamese is a medium-sized cat, known for its beautiful and elegant appearance, with a stunning light-colored coat contrasted by much darker extremities. Its liveliness and intelligence are well-known, as is its very special temperament. Indeed, it is a cat with a strong personality, but also one that can be quite moody. It alternates between phases of extreme gentleness and more capricious moments. The Siamese is also famous for its strong attachment to its owner, as well as its distinct and frequent vocalizations.
Two cats, still unknown at the time, with the appearance of Siamese cats, were presented at the Great Exhibition at London's Crystal Palace in 1871. During the 1885 edition, a pair of Siamese cats, named Pho and Mia, caught the attention of visitors. They belonged to the sister of Major Gould, the British Consul in Bangkok, who brought them from Thailand as a gift for her.
The breed was recognized four years later and began gaining popularity during the interwar period. The first Siamese cats of that era were mainly seal points, but chocolate, blue, and lilac points also began to be selected.
On both sides of the Atlantic, slightly different developments of the breed occurred. While breeders in the United States prioritized body elegance and head length, English breeders favored lower-set, larger ears and a more oriental eye shape. Several other cat breeds were later created from the Siamese, including the Balinese, Himalayan, Havana, Oriental, and Mandarin.
Physical Characteristics
- Eyes: Almond-shaped and intense blue, giving a typically oriental gaze.
- Coat: Short, shiny, silky to the touch, without an undercoat.
- Coat colors: All color points (mask, ears, paws, and tail) that contrast with the body color are accepted.
- Head: Wedge-shaped, triangular when viewed from the front, with a fine muzzle, a straight profile line, and a well-defined chin.
- Body: Elegant, with fine bone structure and well-developed musculature. The neck is relatively long and slender, the legs long, the feet fine and oval-shaped.
- Ears: Large, wide at the base, fitting within the triangular shape of the head.
- Tail: Thin and elongated, tapering to a point.
Temperament and Behavior
The Siamese is a cat that often tends to extremes in its behavior. It is also quite temperamental. It can be very gentle and affectionate one day, then much more capricious the next. And to make itself understood, it doesn’t hesitate to be vocal. Indeed, it is an extremely talkative cat. This is something to consider when adopting one, as this trait can sometimes be a bit much.
Living Conditions
Social and with a strong personality, the Siamese is a cat that does not like solitude. Combined with boredom, this can lead to undesirable behaviors like destruction. The Siamese can adapt to most living environments, as long as it has something to do and a certain freedom of movement in a secure setting. It can live a perfectly happy and fulfilled life in an apartment if it is regularly stimulated, has the opportunity to explore its surroundings, and stays active.
Care and Grooming
Grooming the Siamese is not particularly challenging. It is similar to that of most cats, with basic daily care, and others like brushing, which should be done once a week. Weekly brushing helps maintain a healthy coat and skin, while also reducing hairballs that can form in its digestive tract. The hygiene measures to be taken for the Siamese also include trimming its claws, especially if it does not go out often, and regularly cleaning the area around its eyes and ears. It can be bathed occasionally if it gets too dirty, provided it has been accustomed to baths from a young age and a suitable cat shampoo is used.
The Siamese has a life expectancy of 15 to 21 years.
The Siamese's Diet Guide
Like all cats, the Siamese needs a balanced diet rich in protein to stay healthy. Its diet should include high-quality proteins, healthy fats, fibers, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is important to choose foods that are appropriate for its age, weight, and activity level.
Nutritional Needs
The Siamese has specific nutritional needs to maintain optimal health:
- Quality proteins: Essential for muscle development and overall health. Opt for protein sources like chicken, fish, or lamb.
- Healthy fats: Provide energy and contribute to healthy skin and coat. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are particularly beneficial.
- Fibers: Aid digestion and maintain good intestinal health. Vegetables and whole grains are good sources of fiber.
- Vitamins and minerals: A balanced diet should include vitamins and minerals to support the cat's immune system and overall health.
It is important to consult a veterinarian for personalized advice on your Siamese's diet.
Treat Recommendations
To complement your Siamese's diet, Marly & Dan offers a range of premium treats tailored to your feline companion's needs. Here are some of the most recommended options:
- Anti-hairball treats: Enriched with natural fibers and enzymes, they facilitate the passage of ingested hair through the digestive system, reducing vomiting and discomfort.
- 100% Salmon Skin & Coat Treats: For a high-quality protein intake, supporting healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Salmon Oil: Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, it is a top-quality supplement that contributes to healthy skin and a shiny coat in cats.
Marly & Dan's treats are made in France with natural, high-quality ingredients, ensuring healthy and tasty snacks for your Siamese. Give them the best by choosing Marly & Dan, a brand dedicated to excellence in pet nutrition.
Price and Budget
The purchase price of a Siamese cat ranges between €600 and €1,200. The annual maintenance cost varies between €500 and €800.
The Siamese at a Glance
FAQ
The Siamese is an extremely affectionate cat that loves to spend time with its humans. Expect a true "shadow" that follows you everywhere, even to the bathroom! Its strong attachment to its owner makes it a loyal and devoted companion.
Oh yes, the Siamese is quite the chatterbox! It loves to communicate with its distinctive meows and won't hesitate to let you know its opinions on everything. Whether it's asking for attention, food, or just to chat, you'll hear it often.
The Siamese is generally sociable and can get along well with other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. However, it can sometimes be jealous and will demand a lot of attention. With the right adjustments, it can become the best friend of your other animals.
The Siamese has a short, silky coat that doesn't require much grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep its coat in good condition. It's also important to regularly clean its eyes and ears. Overall, it's a pretty easy routine to follow.
Yes, the Siamese can live perfectly well in an apartment as long as it has enough mental and physical stimulation. It loves to explore and play, so be sure to provide it with interactive toys, cat trees, and regular playtime. With enough activity, it will be a happy apartment cat.