Siamese Cat: History, Personality, Health and Price

The Siamese cat is a breed that is always looking its best in standard colors. With its sleek and regal appearance, this cat is best known for its grey-to-white undertone, black features, and bright blue eyes. This breed is commonly known as a breed for dog lovers because of its outgoing and social personality.

As bright and intelligent pets, they commonly list the top breeds to own for their very chatty personalities. According to 2018 statistics, this cat is amongst the top 15 most registered breeds in the USA. This study comes from the cat fanciers association and shows that many domesticated cats are siamese. Because of their demand, you may need to put yourself on a list to find a local breeder or contact a local rescue to say you would prefer a Siamese cat. The seal point variety may be tough to find, but you may be able to find the old-style siamese with the kinked tails or other features.

As a highly affectionate and family-oriented breed, we included a few primary details about the breed and what you can expect when you adopt a siamese for its temperament and behavior.

Characteristics

Height	8-10 inches
Weight	6-14 lbs
Good with	Families, seniors, other pets
Temperament	Social, affectionate, neurotic, bonded
Coat	Short only
Color	Chocolate, Cinnamon, Silver, Cream, Beige, Tan, White
Shedding and allergies	No shedding and hypoallergenic
Lifespan	15-20 years

Breed History

The Siamese cat hailed from Thailand originally and was once known as the “Royal Cat of Siam.” It is one of the oldest breeds dating back to the 14th century. These pets were prized by royalty and only gifted to dignitaries. Most associations recognize these old-style siamese cats for their thin tail, siamese kittens with seal point markings, and almond-shaped eyes. Ancient manuscripts depict stories of these cats throughout history.

The cats made their way to England in the late 1800s and became a hit at pet shows. The first examples of Siamese in America date back to 1878, shortly after they were imported more heavily back to England. The USA’s first owners were US diplomats who worked closely with Thailand.

They became quite popular in Europe and America during the 1930s through 1950s due to their unique appearance and personality. Their popularity waned a bit in the 1960s but made a comeback in the 1970s and has been popular ever since. Many cat book poems and popular stories come from this breed, and the white house even played host to a siamese as a presidential pet.

The look of the siamese has evolved, and the breed was classified first by its seal points, which needed to be brown or black. There are siamese classifications that include tabby point patterns and lynx point patterns in addition to the original seal points.

The siamese continues as a natural breed, and the international cat association recognizes it. The only variation of this pet includes the Thai cat, which is closer to the original variation of the siamese in its primary colors. It shares the coat style and looks of the pet, but it has a more moderate body type. Their large ears and fine boned body give them a long neck and long lines for a medium-sized cat. Their slender legs make them perfect for the show ring and hind legs higher than the body give them strong muscular body shapes for maneuvering.

READ MORE: All About Mixed Siamese Cats

Personality

Many Siamese cats are perhaps best known for being a super talkative breed. They love to vocalize and will converse with you throughout the day. Siamese kittens will often pick up the siamese talkative nature. They are also very curious and playful, so expect your Siamese to be into everything. They tend to be vocal around meal times, and they can also chat with humans throughout the day. They can get quite lonely if they don’t have regular companionship.

This breed is also known for being quite clingy and attached to their human companions. They crave attention and love to be around people. Siamese cats do best in homes where somebody is around during the day, as they hate being alone.

Siamese cats are quite playful, and they are very intelligent. The breed can be easy to train, and they often enjoy learning tricks. Once they bond to their owner, they can learn a wide range of fun tricks, and the pet can enjoy more activities that will prevent them from becoming bored.

Siamese cats are very loyal to their family and will typically pick one person to be their favorite. They are not a particularly independent breed, and they can be quite cuddly when they have bonded with their owner.

As a pet that can pine for attention when it does not receive it, they thrive in environments where someone is regularly home and able to interact with them. They can be decently bonded to other animals, and they will get along with other cats and dogs in the house, but they prefer their owners to other animals. Once a siamese kitten has a chance to bond with another person, it will likely stay close to them for a long time.

Activity

Siamese pets are relatively energetic for pets. They thrive in situations where they can get regular affection and when they have a chance to play. As a result, they may be good for people who have time to spend with their pets but might not be the best option for those who are gone all day.

Their activity level can include some naps throughout the day, but overall, they can be a somewhat energetic breed. The Siamese doesn’t require regular stimulation until it is left alone, and it can likely match the energy levels of other pets in the house too. They are agile and athletic, and they can be excellent climbers. They can learn to play fetch like many other pets and will likely enjoy having regular playmates.

Some owners let their siamese pets go outdoors, but keeping them in the house is usually best as they can sometimes form bonds with neighbors and return home less often. As they are social cats, sometimes, if an owner is not around as much, they can form bonds with other humans or get lost outside because of their energy and maneuverability.

Lifespan

Siamese usually live 15-20 years and sometimes longer with proper care. When they have regular companions and a good diet, they can thrive. If you are interested in making sure your Siamese kitten has everything it needs as it grows up, it is usually best to consider pet insurance at a young age to keep your pet healthy into adulthood.

Health

Siamese cats are prone to several health conditions, but getting pet insurance early can help keep the costs of care down. Some of the main health conditions that are common in siamese cats include:

• Asthma: This is a common respiratory condition in pets, and it can be triggered by things like dust, pollen, or smoke.
• Dental disease: Like many other animals, siamese cats can suffer from dental problems as they age. Tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth loss are all potential problems.
• Disease of the liver: Some liver diseases are more common in siamese cats, including problems like hepatitis or amyloidosis.

Most breeders will do a complete health screening on their siamese kittens before they are sold, but it is always best to ask about the parents’ health and any other relatives of the kitten.

Care

The coat of a pet is short and non-shedding, so they require very little grooming. Brush them once a week to remove dead hair and help distribute their natural oils. These cats are relatively healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Be sure to visit the vet regularly and keep up with vaccinations and routine check-ups.

Interactive toys are usually a great idea for this breed, as they can get bored easily. Siamese cats are also known to be good jumpers, so a cat tree or climbing shelves may be something to consider if you have the space. As mentioned before, they do best with regular companionship, so if you are gone all day, another pet or person in the house may be a good idea. Regular exercise, a high-quality diet, and quality time together with their owners will usually result in a happy and healthy pet.

Price

Most breeders will have prospective siamese cat owners paying between $250-1000 for each kitten. The price will often depend on the specific features of each pet, such as coat color, eye color, and whether or not the cat has the features of original siamese cats. Going to a cat rescue or adoption center may be cheaper, as older cats or those without specific features may be adopted for around $50-200.

When adopting or buying a siamese cat, it is important to consider the potential long-term costs of care. These pets can live 15-20 years, so regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and potential health problems should be taken into account. High-quality food, interactive toys, and a litter box will also be necessary expenses. Overall, owning a siamese cat can be relatively expensive, but they can make great companions for the right owner.

Breeders

When going to a breeder, it can be wise to check into the specific cattery beforehand. This can include looking up reviews, asking for references, and visiting the facility if possible. A good breeder will likely have a clean and spacious environment for their animals, with plenty of toys and room to move around. The staff should be knowledgeable about the breed and be able to answer any questions you may have. The best breeders will also have cats on hand that you can meet to gauge temperament and see how your kittens may look.

As the siamese is a popular breed, you may be on a waiting list for some time after you decide to go and see a breeder. Be patient and do your research to make sure you are getting a healthy kitten from a reputable source.

The Siamese is also closely related to some other breeds that have come from siamese cats. It may not be uncommon for siamese cat breeders also to have breeds like Himalayan, Burmese, and Tonkinese pet for sale.

Adoption and Rescue

In an adoption and rescue program, Siamese cats are difficult to find. However, if you are willing to wait or travel a bit, it may be worth considering this option. Adoption and rescue organizations usually have lower adoption fees than breeders, and they often have a wide variety of cats to choose from.

With adoption or rescue cats, you may be getting a pet that is not 100% siamese purebred, but it can have many of the breed’s traits. Adoption and rescue programs may not have you picking up a siamese kitten but rather an older or full-grown senior pet.

Conclusions

Overall, the Siamese cat is a beautiful and popular breed that can make a great companion for the right owner. They are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some attention and regular exercise. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain, but they typically have long lifespans. When considering adding a Siamese to your family, be sure to do your research and visit a reputable breeder or adoption center. With proper care, your new pet will bring you years of enjoyment.

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