Breed of the Month: Siamese

“We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don’t please.”

The Siamese cat is one of the oldest and best known cat breeds. The Siamese cat originated in Thailand and arrived in the United States in 1879 as a present for President Rutherford B. Hayes’ wife Lucy. There are 2 different types of Siamese cats – The Applehead and The Wedge. The Applehead Siamese have rounded faces, bigger and heavier rounded bodies and small ears. The Wedge Siamese is small, very long and lean and has large ears and a sharp pointed triangle or “wedge” shaped head. The Siamese is a clever, active cat and is known for its willingness to play fetch and walk on a leash. If you are looking for a fun, chatty and intelligent cat, then the Siamese is the cat for you!

Weight:

  • Male: 9-14 lbs.
  • Female: 6-10 lbs.

Height:

  • Male: 12-15 in.
  • Female: 12-15 in.

Features:

  • Short, fine, smooth coat
  • Coat is light coloured background with darker points on the ears, mask, legs and tail in seal, lilac, chocolate, blue, tabby, red, cream, silver and smoke
  • Almond shaped blue eyes
  • Long elegant legs
  • Dainty small paws
  • Long slender tail

Expectations:

  • Tendency to vocalize: High
  • Affection level: High
  • Child friendly: High
  • Dog friendly: High
  • Energy level: High
  • Grooming: Low
  • Shedding level: Moderate
  • Health issues: Low
  • Intelligence: High

Common Health Problems:

  • Respiratory infections/viruses
  • Vestibular disease
  • Crossed eyes
  • Kinked tail

Written by West Hill Animal Clinic