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The Scoop on Siamese Cats
Talk about star quality. Siamese cats have got mesmerizing baby blue eyes, a great set of pipes, and an aristocratic pedigree.
Smart, energetic, affectionate, and family-friendly, they’re known for their exotic looks and exotic back story. Siamese cats are one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds, originating around the 14th century in Thailand (then known as Siam) where they were kept by royals and Buddhist monks.
“Their eyes are amazing. Some of the blues are like Elizabeth Taylor blue,” says noted pet expert and trainer Andrea Arden, who describes them as “incredibly long and skinny, like a supermodel.”
In fact, Elizabeth Taylor is one of the notable names on a list of celebrities who have owned Siamese cats, along with Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, and Davy Jones of The Monkees.
They’ve also made multiple appearances on the silver screen, appearing in such iconic movies as “The Wizard of Oz” and “Lady and the Tramp,” and even starred in “That Darn Cat,” a 1965 caper comedy co-starring Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, and Roddy McDowell. (“It takes a Siamese secret agent to unravel the PURR-fect crime!”)
OK. Their impressive resume qualifies them as definite A-listers, but what are they really like?
WHAT PROUD PARENTS OF SIAMESE HAVE TO SAY
Owners of Siamese who responded to our Facebook post reported a variety of personality traits — lovely, loud, and laid-back.
Check out this word cloud we made filled with all the feedback we received from actual owners of Siamese cats.
And now for a few feline factoids, you should know before becoming a proud parent of a Siamese cat.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SIAMESE CATS
They’ve Got the “Meow Factor.”
Siamese are widely categorized as one of the very most talkative breeds of cat. They definitely have a lot to say.
Their Fur Literally Changes Color.
That’s right. They’re exotic, remember? They are also partially albino, born white with a genetic mutation that affects enzymes that control the color of their fur. “Areas of a Siamese cat’s body that are cooler allow the enzymes to function and they become more greatly pigmented, or darker,” the humans at CatHealth.com explain. “This is what creates a Siamese’s points, or the darker areas on their feet, legs, tail, and face.”
They’ve Got Personality.
In addition to their talkative nature, most Siamese cats are extra-curious, playful and energetic, and super affectionate. They are loyal to their pet parents and are sometimes described as needy, or even “dog-like” for their tendency to follow you around the house.
They Love to Play.
Did we mention they love to play? While this can mean a house filled with nonstop feline fun, their playfulness can also lead to mischievousness if they get bored. This is why many people choose to keep Siamese cats in pairs.
They’re easy to care for.
With their fine, short-haired coats, they are easy to groom and take excellent care of themselves. They are considered hypoallergenic and shedding is not as much of an issue as it is with some cats; while they don’t need to be brushed or combed that often, most Siamese seem to enjoy being pampered.
- Vital stats.
- Life Span: 8 to 15+ years
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Length: 15 to 20 inches, not including tail
- Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
- Temperament: sociable, affectionate, chatty
- Intelligence: high
- Playfulness: very high
- Origin: Thailand
Finally, if you think owning a Siamese cat would be fun you are probably correct. Because of their strong personalities, it is often said that Siamese cats own their people rather than vice versa; however, when these regal beauties do choose their favorites, they are exceedingly loyal and loving.
To learn more about how to care for your new cat, click here.