Cat
Breed Description:
The Siamese breed of cat is a very old breed. It has a slender, flexible, slim frame with firm muscular tone. The average weight of a male Siamese cat is between 11-15 pounds and a female Siamese cat is between 8-12 pounds. A Siamese cat has almond-shaped eyes with large, thin ears and short fine hair that is tight to the body. The Siamese kitten is born all white, but within the first few months the pointed pattern begins to appear on the head, paws and tip of the tail. The dark pointed patterns that appear are a type of skin condition that is a result of a mutation of the enzyme involved in producing melanin or “pigment”. The dark “patches” appear on the coolest parts of the cat such as the limbs and face. Siamese cats tend to darken as they age and usually Siamese cats living in warmer climates tend to be darker than those living in a cooler climate. Most Siamese cats are born with a seal-point nose but over time chocolate-points, known for their light brown noses, were bred. Blue-points were bred as well with cool grey noses, and finally lilac-pointed Siamese were bred with light grey coloring.
Temperament:
Siamese cats are affectionate, intelligent and well-known for their social nature. The Siamese are extroverts and enjoy being around people, though some seem sensitive and have a nervous temperament. Those Siamese who tend to be more sensitive or high-strung often don’t feel the need for human companionship. Siamese cats tend to fare better if they are owned by people who are home more often. This is due to the cat’s active and playful personality. The Siamese cat is extremely vocal with a low-pitched voice that resembles that of a human baby.
Health Problems:
Siamese cats have been known to show some sensitivity to vaccines and anesthetics. Cardiomyopathy, also known as heart and muscle disease, poses problems for some Siamese. Siamese kittens have also become very susceptible to upper respiratory disease prior to adulthood.
Living Conditions:
The Siamese cat benefits from living in a space that allows for outdoor play and room to roam due to the cat’s active and lively disposition.
Exercise:
Siamese are a very active and lively breed. They should be allowed to exercise freely whenever possible, including on a leash or harness. Some Siamese have even been known to enjoy swimming
Grooming:
Very little grooming is needed for a Siamese cat. In some cases brushing can actually damage the coat, which could alter the color of the cat. A better option would be to finger brush by wetting your hand and using it to remove excess hair.
Origin:
The origin of the Siamese breed of cat is unclear. Many believe that the cat breed is depicted in manuscripts and illustrations from the country of Siam (now Thailand). The Siamese is thought to be a descendant of the ancient temple cats of Siam. 