Siamese Cats: Purrfectly Lovable Kitties

April 6th is a special day for some very special kitties: it’s Siamese Cat Day! These pretty cats, which are sometimes called “Meezers,” are exceptionally charming. While all of our feline friends are loving and full of purrsonality, many people find that Siamese cats are a little extra, but only in the best ways. This article features a discussion of Siamese cats by a local Maui, HI veterinarian.

What Is The Siamese Cat’s History?

Fluffy came from Thailand, which was originally known as Siam. These lovely cats have been around for thousands of years. They were once the most popular pets of royalty. In fact, they are recorded in records from the 14th century! They were also mentioned in the Tamra Maew (Cat Book Poems), which was published sometime between the 14th and 18th centuries.

The cats were regarded as sacrosanct and were frequently presented to foreign embassies and officials as gifts. That status is reflected in their name: They are known in Thai as wichien-maat, which translates to “moon diamond”.

Fluffy first arrived in the United States in 1878, then in the United Kingdom in 1884. She formed her first fan group in 1902 and was officially admitted to the CFA ranks in 1906.

What Are Some Siamese Cat Legends?

Fluffy has amassed quite a few legends. Siamese cats may have been kept by Buddhist monks, who believed they kept evil spirits at bay. The ancient Siamese also believed that when members of the royal family died, their souls were reborn as Siamese kittens. This, of course, meant that the cats were completely pampered and spoiled, with monks attending to them hand and foot, or technically, front paw and back paw. (Fluffy clearly hasn’t forgotten this.)

Another old ‘tale’ about these adorable cats has to do with their eyes. You may have noticed that many Siamese cats have crossed eyes. This is said to have happened when a Siamese monarch sent Fluffy to guard a cherished vase. The cat wrapped her tail around the vase and looked at it. She was so intent on her work that her eyes crossed and her tail kinked!

What Is a Surprising Fact About Siamese Cats?

Fluffy actually has a lot of intriguing facts! However, we have an especially interesting tidbit. Meezers once busted two spies! Two of the cats were residents at the Dutch Embassy in Moscow during the Cold War years of the 1960s. The cats kept meowing and scratching at the walls, alerting their owners that something was off. Officials investigated further and discovered two dozen hidden microphones in the wall. We suspect those two furballs got some extra treats and catnip after that one.

What Should I Know About Adopting a Siamese Cat?

Like all cats, Siamese kitties require nutritious food, a clean litterbox, proper medical care, and, of course, lots of affection. Actually, Fluffy may require a little more attention than some of our other feline friends. While some kitties are reclusive and self-sufficient, Siamese cats are incredibly social. They’ve even earned the nickname ‘Velcro kitties.’ In fact, if they are left alone too often, they may become anxious and lonely! If you’re thinking about adopting one of these adorable cats, and your pet will be home unattended a lot, you might want to get two.

It’s also worth mentioning that Siamese cats tend to be very sensitive. Never yell or scare Fluffy; she will definitely remember it!

Finally, keep in mind that Fluffy is quite the escape artist. Many Siamese cats like going for walks on leashes, so if you enjoy being outside, you might want to consider this. Make sure to consult your Maui, HI veterinarian for training tips.

What Distinguishes Siamese Cats From Other Kitties?

Siamese cats have exquisite coat patterns that set them apart. They are pale brown or white with dark tips and blue eyes. They are also noted for their exceptional intelligence and devotion. They develop exceptionally close ties with their people. They are also very vocal, have a distinct, loud meow, and are fairly outgoing. These mischievous kittens, who are loving and frequently humorous, have a devoted following. They’re actually one of the most popular breeds in the United States!

Another intriguing aspect about these guys? They’re capable of learning tricks! Many dogs like playing ‘fetch’ with their owners. Fluffy may even like going on a walk on a leash.

What Is the Siamese Cat’s Life Expectancy?

Fluffy has a slightly longer life expectancy than most kitties. Most of our feline friends will live for 12 to 19 years. Siamese cats can live for as long as 20 years. One particularly long-lived cat made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest cat. Scooter, the furball, lived to be 30. That’s amazing for a cat!

How Do You Keep a Siamese Cat Happy?

To stay healthy, Fluffy will require a well-balanced diet, a clean litterbox, and veterinary treatment. Of course, to properly delight your feline master, you’ll need to do more.

Meezers are noted for their playfulness and devotion. They frequently follow their humans from room to room and will talk about anything and everything, from the moth at the window to the dust bunny beneath the couch.

Stimulation and amusement are essential for these pretty cats. You’ll need to supply plenty of toys and make time to play with your feline companion on a regular basis. Fluffy will also like a cat tower, as many Siamese cats enjoy high places.

Are Siamese Cats Noisy?

Fluffy’s tendency to vocalize about anything and everything is one of her most distinguishing characteristics. Siamese cats have distinct meows that sound similar to human baby cries, and they are known for being quite talkative.

However, keep in mind that our feline buddies all have their own unique purrsonalities. While many are fairly noisy, there are also some silent ones.

Are There Different Varieties Of Siamese Cats?

While all Siamese cats have whiter bodies and darker points, Fluffy’s coloration varies. The CFA provides four possibilities. The original seal point consists of tan fur with dark brown or black points. The chocolate wardrobe has a lighter body and pointed ends. Blue Siamese have bluish-gray points and a gray body, whereas lilacs have a white body. The International Cat Association also recognizes flame and cream points, as well as tabby and tortie points. The kittens’ eyes are all blue, regardless of what outfit they choose. 

Of course, no matter what coat these cats are wearing, they are all gorgeous!

Are Siamese Cats Very Popular?

Fluffy’s popularity may have peaked after World War II, when they were the number one cat breed in terms of registrations. However, these endearing cats did not always do so well in the West. After Fluffy made her debut at the first cat show, a journalist dubbed her an “unnatural nightmare.” Disney didn’t help the breed either by portraying them as the feline baddies in the animated classic Lady And The Tramp!

Do you have any questions regarding how to care for a Siamese cat? Has it been a while since your Meezer saw her Maui, HI veterinarian? Please contact us for all of your kitty’s veterinarian care requirements.