Siamese Cat Care Guide & Breed Overview

Siamese cats have almond-shaped, deep blue eyes and graceful bodies. These royal cats are affectionate, playful, and highly intelligent.

Table of Contents:

• History the Siamese cat
• Siamese breed overview
• Personality of a Siamese cat
• How to care for Siamese cats
• Siamese cat pros vs. cons
• Where to get a Siamese kitten or cat
• FAQs about the Siamese breed

History of the Siamese cat

Aliases: Felis catus, Meezer, Mese

Origin

The Siamese cat originated in Thailand in the late 1800s (then known as Siam) where they are believed to descend from the sacred temple. They became one of the original breeds of pedigreed cats, with by the Cat Fancier's Association in 1906.¹

Purpose

It's unknown exactly how old the Siamese breed is or when these cats were first bred. However, legends share that Siamese cats were tasked with guarding royal golden goblets. They were also favorites among the royal Siamese family.

Breed overview

Physical appearance

Siamese cats are small to medium-sized cats with deep blue, almond-shaped eyes and a moderate body type. Their elongated bodies come in various colors, but they are most famous for the combination of dark seal points and a pale fawn cream body. Siamese cats have short coats that are easy to care for and soft to the touch.

Size

Siamese cats have muscular, tubular bodies with long necks, tails, and legs. These small to medium-sized cats appear sturdy and well-structured with elongated body lines. In addition to their good looks, Siamese cats are famous for their athleticism, speed, and ability to jump high in the air.²

Average weight of a male Siamese: 9 - 12 pounds

Average weight of a female Siamese: 7 - 10 pounds

Remember that these weights are estimates. Every cat is unique and will have a different ideal weight based on their health, age, size, etc.

Coat

Length:

Siamese cats have very short hair that’s described as silky to the touch.

Common colors:

• Seal
• Blue
• Chocolate
• Lilac
• Red
• Fawn
• Cream
• Caramel
• Apricot
• Cinnamon

Rare colors:

• Red flame point
• Lilac points (white base with gray points and pink nose)

Patterns:

• Seal points
• Chocolate points
• Blue points
• Lilac points

Types of Siamese cats

• Balinese cat (a purebred long-haired Siamese that naturally mutated from the breed)
• Traditional Applehead Siamese Cat
• Old Style Siamese Cat
• Classic Siamese Cat
• Modern Wedge Siamese Cat

Lifespan

The average cat lifespan is 14 years. However, Siamese cats have a longer estimated lifespan of up to 15 years; some even live well into their 20s. (1)

Health issues

Siamese cats are more susceptible to certain types of cancer, including lymphoma, thymoma, adenocarcinoma, and mast cell tumors. In addition, Siamese cats are more prone to feline hyperesthesia syndrome and eye health issues, including progressive retinal atrophy and convergent strabismus.³

Shop Siamese Cat Insurance Plans For Financial Protection Why Does My Cat Need Health Insurance?

Personality of a Siamese cat

Temperament:

Siamese cats are gregarious, energetic, and playful cats who love being the center of attention. They are talkative and intelligent, often enjoying constant stimulation and learning tricks.

The following breakdown goes over the individual personality traits that comprise the Siamese temperament. A 5/5 rating indicates "very much embodies," and a 1/5, meaning "does not at all embody."

Intelligence: 5/5

Siamese cats are one of the most intelligent cat breeds. They can learn to walk on a lead and perform tricks if willing.

Affectionate: 4/5

Siamese cats are extroverted and attention-hungry cats that will happily curl up with their pet parent.

Independence: 5/5

These sharp cats are independent-minded. While they enjoy frequent company, they have a mind of their own and won't bend to the will of others easily.

Vocalization: 5/5

Siamese cats are famous for their frequent vocalizations and loud, low-pitched voice, commonly called a “meezer”.

Playfulness: 4/5

These active cats need plenty of mental and physical stimulation and interaction to keep them entertained.

Family-Friendly: 2/5

Siamese cats are known to bond strongly with one individual, making them less ideal in group settings.

Likes Other Pets: 4/5

Since Siamese cats are highly active, most do well with other playful pets.

How to care for a Siamese cat

Grooming needs:

Siamese cats have extremely short coats. However, this doesn't mean that they won't shed. You'll want to brush your Siamese cat at least once a week with a soft-bristled brush. Cats can also struggle to clean their ears, so check your cat’s ears weekly for ear wax and remove excess wax with a wet cotton ball.

Exercise and enrichment:

Siamese cats are explorative and won't need much help filling their daily physical activity needs. However, they need plenty of one-on-one time with your full attention. Puzzle games and other enrichment activities are vital in keeping your Siamese entertained.

Outdoors vs. indoors:

Siamese cats are better kept as indoor cats. However, many enjoy going outside and may like going on walks for a change of scenery and the chance to explore the world. A cat tree is a must-have to give your curious cat an entertaining view of the outside world.

Siamese cat food:

Every cat is unique in its nutritional needs. However, Siamese cats need a diet that will support their high energy levels while helping them maintain a healthy, muscular body and body weight.

Pros & cons of Siamese cats

Top reasons to get a Siamese cat:

• Siamese cats have a beautiful, easy-to-care-for coat that only requires weekly combing or brushing.
• This popular breed is highly athletic and will enjoy playing with you and participating in your everyday activities.
• Siamese cats are family-friendly. They typically get along with other cats, cat-friendly dogs, and children

Top reasons to NOT get a Siamese cat:

• Siamese cats suffer if left alone for long periods of time.
• This Persian breed is highly vocal and will happily meow to get your attention and "talk" with you. If you prefer a quiet household, you may want to consider a different breed.
• Siamese cats need constant stimulation and enrichment.

Where to get a Siamese kitten or cat

Cost to buy a Siamese Cat

Purchasing a Siamese cat from a reputable breeder will cost anywhere from several hundred dollars to $1,000. Adopting a Siamese cat will cost substantially less, but it's typically challenging to find purebred cats, like the Siamese, in rescues.

Selecting a reputable Siamese breeder

Research reputable Siamese breeders through local cat shows, research online, or through a cat fancier's association's approved breeder list. Breeders associated with a cat fancier organization must meet specific breed standards, giving you peace of mind that the breeders used healthy breeding practices.

Adopting a Siamese from a rescue organization

Purebred Siamese cats rarely end up in shelters, but specific rescue organizations are dedicated to helping these beautiful cats find new homes. Check with the Siamese Rescue, which adopts rescued Siamese cats in a handful of states, or look for a Siamese rescue in your state.