Siamese kitties are adored worldwide for their beautiful colors, but the Siamese cat personality makes them extra special and one of the most expensive cat breeds. They are very affectionate cats that love to chat with their owners, so if you get a Siamese, expect to have some long conversations.
While not all Siamese cats behave the same, there are many shared Siamese personality traits. So, if you want a Siamese as your next kitty, continue reading to find out about this breed’s heritage, and personality traits, as well as how to take care of these finicky felines.
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Siamese Cat History
Originating in Siam (now Thailand), Siamese cats were introduced to the Western world in the late nineteenth century at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in London. Their unusual appearance was not immediately appreciated, but it didn’t take long before they became fashionable pets.
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Whilst there is no clear evidence, it is believed that Siamese cats originated in Thailand in the 14th century. If so, this would make them one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.
Siamese cats are slender with a coat that’s short and glossy. Their piercing blue eyes are complemented by the contrast between their light and dark-colored coat, referred to as pointing. Siamese cats are born white and don’t develop their coloring until they are four weeks old.
When Siamese cats were introduced to the rest of the world, they only had light-colored coats that were a stark contrast to their dark brown-black mask, ears, tail, and paws. However, as Siamese cats became more popular, breeders started introducing blue, lilac, and chocolate points. Today you can expect to find Siamese cats of many different point colors and patterns.
Their original pointed pattern was the result of a genetic mutation. This gene means that a Siamese cat only develops color in its coat once its body temperature drops below 100 degrees. White Siamese kittens develop their color out of the warmth of their mother’s womb.
Their extremities such as the end of their paws, tail, and face will be coldest, and this is where the color develops in their coat. Temperature plays a big role in why Siamese cats’ fur changes color.
Siamese cats have since played an important role in creating other cat breeds, including the Himalayan, Balinese, Tonkinese, Havana Brown, and Oriental breeds.
The breed has even been featured in Hollywood. Siamese cats have appeared in movies like The Incredible Journey, The Lady and the Tramp, and That Darn Cat. The movie That Darn Cat is about a Siamese cat named DC trying to help stop a kidnapping. In Lady and the Tramp, the two haughty Siamese cats sing “We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don’t please.”
Siamese Cat Personality Traits
Below you’ll find Siamese cat traits that you can expect to see in your kitty. If you’re thinking of getting a cat, it’s super important that you get a cat breed with a personality that suits your lifestyle and home.
1. They’re Very Intelligent
If you’re wondering, “Are Siamese cats smart?” You’ve come to the right place.
Siameses are one of the most intelligent cat breeds. They’re curious cats that like to explore every inch of their home. They are excellent at jumping and love heights, so you should make sure they have lots of toys to keep them occupied.
Many researchers have studied Siamese cats and there’s proof in their behavior and brain structure that Siamese are so much smarter than they seem. They did well in tests of object permanence and have even shown to have long term memory.
They also have around twice as many neurons in their brains when compared to dogs, and their cerebral cortex is much bigger. Now that’s a big brain.
Due to their intelligence, Siamese cats are very trainable, and if trained correctly, they can learn many tricks and behaviors.
2. They’re Affectionate Cats
If you want to get a cat that will love you dearly, Siamese cats are a great choice. They are one of the few breeds that are sometimes likened to dogs due to their affectionate personalities.
The Siamese is the type of cat to follow you everywhere around the house and cuddle up to you in bed at night.
This is actually one of the most unknown Siamese Cat characteristics. They might look mean, but inside they’re little cuddle bugs.
3. They Display Needy Behavior
Due to their affectionate tendencies, Siamese cats often become fixated on their owners, and they hate to be left alone. They have been known to suffer from depression and separation anxiety if left alone too often.
Siamese cats are so loyal to their owners that other pets (and even people) can be seen as a threat to them, creating tension and jealousy in your home.
If you don’t have any other pets, it’s a good idea to get two Siamese cats to keep each other company. But be sure to spend the same amount of time with each cat so that you avoid the overly bonded Siamese behavior.
Buying toys for Siamese cats will help their mental and physical well-being when inside. When going outdoors, Siamese cats are so trainable that you can take them for a walk using a cat harness. By getting plenty of physical exercise, whether it’s inside or outside, Siamese cats will remain happy.
4. They’re a Gentle Breed
Not known for being an aggressive cat breed, Siamese cats are gentle and loving cats, making them perfect cats for families with children. The Siamese cat’s demeanor can be quite playful and they’re a fun companion for kids, so long as you’ve taught them how to interact appropriately with others.
Socializing a Siamese cat is incredibly important, as sometimes their playfulness can cause injury as they might bite and attack. They’re not being aggressive or mean spirited, they’re just having fun and don’t understand that they’re hurting you. Have a chat with your vet about the best way to socialize your new Siamese kitty so they can be happy in your home— and you’ll have less scratches.
5. They’re Protective of Their Owners
While they may be loving and gentle to their owners, one of the most well-known Siamese traits is their protectiveness. Due to the strong bond with their owners, they will display protective behavior if they think their favorite human is being threatened.
This again leads back to why socialization is important. If your Siamese is well socialized around people, they won’t feel the need to protect you from a threat. Strangers who come to your house will be their friend and they’ll be more likely to interact well with them.
6. They’re Incredibly Talkative
Siamese cats are not a good choice for those that want a quiet cat with a pleasant meow. These cats love to chat with their owners, and their voices are very distinct. Expect to hear your Siamese meow a lot and loudly. They like to follow their owners around the house while constantly chatting to their loved ones.
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Siamese Cat Care Guide
When you bring home a Siamese, whether it’s a kitten or fully grown, caring for it involves many tasks. Below you’ll find essential things you should make sure you provide for your Siamese cat as this will give it a healthy and happy life in your home.
1. Grooming Your Siamese
Their coats are effortless to care for, you just need to groom your cat weekly to remove dead hair and distribute the skin’s oils. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning is also important for keeping your kitty happy and healthy. Brush their teeth every week to prevent any periodontal diseases from occurring.
Even though they’re easy to groom, you can incorporate a regular brushing and combing routine more than once a week as a way of bonding with your Siamese. These kitties love affection and need a lot of attention. Brushing their coat is a way to bond with your furball and keep them clean and healthy.
2. Feed Them the Correct Cat Food
When purchasing a Siamese cat from an established breeder, you should ask them about the ideal amount and type of food you should feed your Siamese kitten. It’s always a good idea to give the kitten the same food the breeder used because it can take some time for your kitten to adjust to new types of food.
Giving your family’s new addition different food when you take it home can result in vomiting and diarrhea. So it’s advisable that you give it the same food for the first week or so.
The body of a full-grown Siamese cat is long and muscular, so any weight gain will be immediately visible. When overfed, they will show a potbelly. Their long and slender bodies are not meant to hold too much weight, so it’s essential that owners feed Siamese cats food that is high in protein.
3. Buy Toys for Your Siamese Kitty
As mentioned above, Siamese cats love toys. Siamese cats are very active compared to other cat breeds, so owners need to ensure that their Siamese cat is kept entertained and happy. Siamese cats love toys like perches, cat trees, and scratching posts.
These toys are available just about everywhere online, and they are very safe toys that won’t cause your Siamese cat any harm, such as choking. If you have a Siamese kitten, then lightweight toys, such as small, fluffy mice, will keep them entertained for hours.
4. Vaccinate Your Siamese
When bringing home your Siamese kitten, it’s essential that you find a good vet for all the necessary health check-ups and vaccinations.
In the first year, vaccinating your Siamese kitten will prevent diseases like calicivirus and feline distemper, to name a few. The vet should inform you of all the necessary shots your kitten requires and when the shots need to be given.
Frequently Asked Questions about Siamese Cats
1. How Long Do Siamese Cats Live?
Siamese cats have one of the longest lifespans of all cat breeds. Some live as long as 25 years. The average lifespan for a Siamese cat is between 12 and 20 years. These cats are prone to illnesses like asthma, hip dysplasia, and Amyloidosis (a genetic disease), so be sure to take them to their check ups every year.
2. Why Do Siamese Cats Bite So Much?
SSiamese cats can get very worked up during playtime. When Siamese cats get overstimulated they may try to bite your arm or hand. You don’t have to worry if your Siamese kitty attacks you though, as that behavior can easily be nipped in the bud with training.
3. When Do Siamese Cats Calm Down?
Siamese cats are somewhat hyperactive by nature. However, they tend to mellow out a bit once they reach two years of age and calm down.
4. Do Siamese Cats Like Water?
Siamese cats actually do like water. They may not want to be fully submerged in water but they enjoy playing with water and being around water.
5. Do Siamese Cats Shed a Lot?
Siamese cats do shed and tend to molt twice a year in the spring and fall. However, Siamese cats tend to shed a lot less than other breeds, particularly long-haired breeds like Maine Coons and Siberian cats.
6. Do Siamese Cats Like to Walk?
Siamese cats tend to love the outdoors. Roaming and hunting are their natural instincts. It is definitely worth getting your Siamese cat an escape-proof harness and embark on trying some cat walking. They are a highly intelligent breed and can be trained to walk – if they want to.
7. Why Are Siamese Cats Cross-eyed?
For many years, most Siamese cats had cross eyes. Whilst this is most likely due to their genes, I prefer the more interesting explanation. Legend has it that Siamese cats were required to guard a golden goblet. Apparently, their eyes focused so firmly on the golden goblet that it led to them having cross-eyes.
Today, fewer Siamese cats have cross eyes as breeders have chosen to try to rid the breed of this characteristic.
Final Thoughts on the Personality of Siamese Cats
Siamese cats are very intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and incredibly chatty, so they need owners who will first give them a sensational Siamese cat name. You’ll also need to spend time with them and provide them with a home (with lots of toys) that will keep them occupied and stimulated.
It’s a good idea to get two Siamese kittens if you don’t have any other pets so that the kittens can grow up together and keep each other company when you’re not home. When all things have been considered, if you want the perfect family-friendly cat, a Siamese is one of the best.
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.
Vivki
Saturday 10th of April 2021
My favorite cat, no other can top them. Another movie is Bell Book and Candle, the lead actor is a Siamese named Pywacket, I fell in love with them them. I named my first Siamese after him. I loved him dearly. Fun fact after that movie finished being filmed, Kim Novak adopted Pywacket.
thediscerningcat
Sunday 11th of April 2021
Thanks for sharing that Vivki - I love that Kim Novak adopted Pywacket afterwards - great cat name!