About the origin of the breed: history and legends
The homeland of Siamese cats is the Kingdom of Thailand. It was once called Siam. Local felinologists (specialists in the study of cats) say that the breed has been known for more than 600 years. However, outside the state they knew nothing about it until the last quarter of the 19th century. In ancient Siam, these cats were considered temple animals and were worshiped. Religious Siamese believed that graceful animals accompanied the souls of the dead to the afterlife.
Modern Siamese are lean and graceful
The Siamese cat managed to get into the biblical legend of Noah's Ark. According to legend, the first Siamese kitten was born thanks to the love of a beautiful lioness and a courageous male monkey. Therefore, the fruit of their love and its descendants are smart and dexterous like a monkey, and also fearless, like lions. By the way, there is some truth in this mythical story. Biologists believe that the Siamese breed was the result of crossing two species. But the primates did not participate in this. Domestic cats brought to Asia made love with local wild cats.
Blue-eyed cats lived in the royal palace and the chambers of the rich and noble people of Siam. At the end of the 19th century, they settled at the courts of European monarchs. The Siamese king decided to give several pairs of cats to his colleagues. In 1884, the first seals of an unprecedented breed arrived in London. From this time on, the triumphal march of the Siamese across Europe began.
Elegant cats were very fond of English queens and their loyal subjects. At the very first exhibition, the Siamese became the favorites and for a long time did not give primacy to others. At the very beginning of the 20th century, the “Siamese Cat Lovers Club” appeared in Great Britain, and the first breed standard was developed. It is significantly different from the modern one. The first standard color is a soft beige body and dark brown, almost black, markings (seal point). English breeders are still considered trendsetters in breeding this breed.
Later, the Siamese conquered other European countries, Russia, and then the United States. New “colors” have appeared: white-blue, cream-chocolate, white-lilac.
The new Siamese breed standards are very different from the previous ones
50 years later, the breed standards were revised: modern colors were legalized, the physique of the Siamese cat changed. The purebred animal has a narrow wedge-shaped head, decorated with wide-set large ears, a light and long body, and graceful paws.
Video: history and modernity of the Siamese breed
History of appearance
Thailand is considered the birthplace of Siamese cats. More than 600 years ago it was called Siam. There, these animals were revered, believing that they were the guardians of temples and escorted dead people to the afterlife. Among the Thais there was a belief that fate is favorable to those people who have cream-colored cats (seal point) in their home.
A society was created in Thailand that worked towards protecting Siamese cats from extinction. Representatives of this society presented such pets to Queen Victoria of England in 1870. Somewhat later, lovers of Siamese beauties established their society in the USA. Around the 1960s, such pets began to appear in the apartments of residents of the former CIS countries. Representatives of bohemia and the intelligentsia became the happy owners of these animals.
Description of Siamese cats: appearance, character, behavioral characteristics
Over the course of a century and a half, certain characteristics have developed that distinguish Siamese cats. The first thing that catches the eye of an inexperienced lover of these animals is their special color with dark-colored limbs, muzzle and ears, as well as a sophisticated silhouette. Another breed characteristic is bright blue or dark blue eyes. But few people, except breeders and felinologists, know that a purebred Siamese should have very large ears.
Large ears have become one of the most noticeable characteristics of the Siamese breed.
Breed standards
A real Siamese cat is a small and harmoniously built animal:
- slender, flexible figure and well-developed muscles, cats are larger than female cats;
- the body is elongated, graceful;
- the limbs are proportionally high, the tips of the paws are elegant: oval and small;
- the thin tail resembles a whip, approximately equal in length to the body;
- the slender neck is crowned by a small head in the shape of an elongated wedge;
- the lines of the cheekbones are straight without bends in the vibris;
- low-set ears are an extension of the head: if you connect the tip of the nose and the tops of the ears with lines, you get a triangle with equal sides;
- The ears are large and wide at the bottom.
Siamese have a slender, elongated body
The head of a Siamese cat in profile looks clear and straightforward. There are no transitions or depressions on the bridge of the nose. The chin and tip of the nose are on the same vertical line. Almond-shaped eyes are set slightly askew (however, squint is a defect). The color of the iris is any shade of blue. The rich, bright color is especially appreciated.
The Siamese's head is shaped like a wedge.
The Siamese's short, shiny coat lies tightly to the skin. These southern beauties have no undercoat. The color of the fur coat is characteristic: on the body it is white or light monochromatic, turning into dark markings on the paws, tail, ears and into a mask on the face. Moreover, the ear points and the mask should not completely merge.
The special Siamese coloration - darker color on the ends of the body - is called acromelanism. This is a genetically inherent feature of pigmentation, in which the intensity of color depends on the temperature of parts of the body: the lower it is, the darker the color. If a Siamese cat is kept in cool conditions, the markings will be larger. Kittens are born without points because the mother's womb maintains an even temperature throughout the body.
The color intensity of the points changes with age
Slight darkening on the sides is allowed if they are the same shade as the points. The main color options for Siamese cats:
- the base tone is cream or light brown, the markings are black-brown (seal point);
- snow-white color turning into light gray, deep dark blue markings (blue point);
- ivory body and coffee-milk points (chocolate point);
- the basic tone is white, sometimes slightly yellowish, the markings are gray with a lilac tint, the paw pads and nose are lilac-pink (lilac point);
- the body is white, the limbs are reddish-gold or apricot-colored, the nose is bright pink (red point);
- white-cream color on the body, slightly darker on the back and sides, intense cream markings (cream point);
- creamy yellow coat on the body, clearly defined ash-brown points, nose, paw pads, edges of the eyelids gray-pink (caramel point);
- white body with a slight yellowish tint, brown markings, nose and eye rims (cinnamon point);
- on the body there is magnolia-colored fur, pinkish-brown spots, bright blue eyes (von point).
In kittens, points appear over time
There are also tortie- and tabby-point cats. They are standard colors, but the former have dark markings in the form of spots, and the latter have stripes.
The American continent has its own beauty standards for Siamese cats. But they differ from European ones not so much. Siamese from America are smaller, with lighter bones. Their fur is thinner and lies closer to the skin, and their eyes are more rounded than those of European cats.
Reasons for disqualification
There are a number of shortcomings due to which a kitten from purebred parents will be excluded from the prize-winners and even exhibitors. He and his offspring will not be considered true Siamese. What is unacceptable:
- dark spots on the chest and groin area;
- white toes, spots;
- the iris of the eyes is not blue or light blue;
- malocclusion;
- hooked or broken tail;
- extra fingers;
- lack of weight, emaciated appearance.
Characteristics of a Siamese
Siamese cats are aristocrats in every way. In addition to his sophisticated appearance, he has an intelligent and sociable character and a playful disposition. Breed experts say that Siamese are smart and resourceful. They captivate people with their devotion and desire to communicate.
By nature, this is a companion cat - something between an independent person and a bosom friend. Such a cat-dog will purr peacefully next to you, caress you, and then, like a dog, will bring back the toy you threw, and maybe even stand up for the owner. Siamese are an excellent choice for those who dream of a dog, but cannot devote time to long walks. By the way, these cats treat walking favorably. Especially if you accustom them to the street from childhood.
Siamese cats can become walking partners
Our Siamese cat Lady loved hanging out together. And only at first they took her out in a harness with a leash. This was not a necessity, but a safety measure. So that the animal does not get hurt by dogs or get hit by cars. As soon as we found ourselves in a quiet place, the leash was removed. And the Siamese walked by itself, but never strayed far from us, always followed close by. In the summer, trips sometimes lasted one and a half to two hours. Even at a young age, Lady did not try to escape. But our puppies, getting carried away, forgot about obedience and could hide in an unknown direction.
Siamese love the company of people, they ask to be played with
The increased sociability and mobility of Siamese dogs has a downside. These cats do not tolerate loneliness. They get bored and misbehave if they don’t find anything else to do when their owner is not at home. To prevent destruction, you need to provide your pet with entertainment. If you get a Siamese, make sure she has a variety of toys. Show her how to play and she will have fun herself when she is alone. Better yet, take a second kitten or puppy into your home. Siamese get along well with Oriental cats and dogs. They often take on the role of leader, especially if the dog is smaller or younger. For families with children, the Siamese cat is also a good option. They should get along well.
Siamese cats are friendly to all household members
Fans of this breed urge not to believe the popular opinion about the aggressiveness of Siamese cats. True Siamese are affectionate and delicate. This is enshrined in the standard.
Siamese cats play well with each other
Another distinctive feature of the breed is talkativeness. The Siamese express their opinion on any matter. They are not shy about reminding you about lunch time, demanding that you play with them, and showing you how much they love you. And for each case there are different intonations - a persistent meow, a gentle grunt, a hoarse song. Such talkativeness usually evokes sympathy. But the primitive screams of some Siamese during sexual hunting, which can last for days, can only be withstood by the most patient owner.
Blue-eyed cats love to speak out
Siamese or Thai: how to distinguish between breeds
Cats of these breeds are often confused. There is nothing surprising about this. They have the same homeland, similar fur and eye color, and have common character traits. But there are also many differences. And if you look closely, you can clearly see them. Siamese cats are more petite and elongated than the strong, muscular Thais. Siamese have everything refined and angular: long legs and tail, a wedge-shaped muzzle with large, pointed ears. Thai cats have soft and smooth shapes: oval paws, a rather thick tail, a rounded head without sharp lines, medium-sized ears with rounded tips. It is incorrect to say that any of these breeds is better. Each has both positive and negative qualities, ardent fans and opponents.
The Siamese has large ears and an elongated muzzle (left), while the Thai cat is more rounded
Opinions about the Siamese breed
These are very beautiful cats and Siamese cats. Some say that representatives of this breed are very angry, but this is not true. My cat's name is Sema, he is already about 6 months old. On the contrary, he is kind and affectionate. In addition, he easily made friends with the dog.
Egevi4ka13
https://otzovik.com/review_5253970.html
This breed is one of my favorites. It’s not true that they are vindictive and wild. They are incredibly smart and loyal to their owner. And they don’t require any special care at all, they don’t have any fur at home, they rarely shed, they have excellent health, no problems with the genome. It’s better to take a small kitten, and not an adult animal, he will get used to you much easier and it will be easier for you to ingratiate himself into his trust, so to speak)) although there is experience in meeting and communicating with an adult, they are sociable, but they choose favorites in the family and trust them with their whole cat soul ) Well, it’s a very good breed of cats, take it, you won’t regret it, and they generally look like they’re killing intellectuals and aristocrats. I’m for this breed!!! They’re lovely!!!
LinaLina
https://irecommend.ru/content/umneishaya-poroda-nezavisimaya-i-gratsioznaya-kontaktnaya-i-predannaya-kak-sobachka
Siam has been living with me for 15 years. When a kitten is very active and loves to play with everything that moves or can be set in motion (including the drum of a washing machine), you MUST buy the cat a scratching post, otherwise all the sofas will be fringed! *tested on my own*. I would like to note that Siamese cats are NOT vindictive! Yes, they may be offended and take revenge, but that doesn’t count. Many cats do this. My cat has a sense of justice. That is, if my parents scolded me, he would stand between me and them and meow and hiss. if someone is upset, he will always come and feel sorry, ask “meow?” *says what happened*, listens carefully, rubs your nose with your ear..., gives advice (usually a short “meow”). He is also very sociable, you need to talk to him every day. he understands perfectly well when people turn to him, answers questions, says something, complains, sometimes.
Naru
https://otzovik.com/review_274447.html
I would like to dispel another misconception regarding Siamese cats. Color-point cats are often called Siamese, but they have nothing to do with real Siamese! This doesn't make them worse, they're just different! Another misconception about vindictiveness and bad character. Absolute nonsense! I say this as the owner of several cats of this breed. These animals have a wonderful character, they are very friendly! They are very attached to people, these are not the cats that “walk on their own”! They need human company. They love to “help” their owner in everything and participate in all his affairs)) Siamese and Orientals are very sociable, express their emotions with their voices, but never “chat” without reason. Animals are very playful, remain active until old age, love to run around happily in the company of their relatives, but also take people into their games with great pleasure. They get very bored when left alone and are incredibly devoted to their owner.
LaK
https://irecommend.ru/content/otzyv-o-nastoyashchikh-siamakh-ne-o-koshkakh-okrasa-kolor-point
We have a Siamese. Refusal without documents. Affectionate - horror! He adores people, runs ahead of everyone to greet guests, rubs against them, pets them. Treats children very well. But he loves his striped, tailed friend of the cat tribe more than us. Now she has become talkative, but before that she was silent. Apparently I've gotten used to it.
buenacabeza
https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/family/pets/530129/index.html
Real Siamese cats are mega-affectionate creatures. Any manifestations of aggression in cats lead to the disqualification of such an animal as a producer. Affectionateness is a breed trait.
Terra_ra
https://irecommend.ru/content/nastoyashchii-siamskii-kot-ne-taets
Video: do not confuse Thai and Siamese cats
Caring for Siamese cat kittens
It is best to purchase kittens (we are not just talking about the Siamese breed) at the age of 2.5-3 months. At such a time, pets are already independent and have managed to adapt to social existence. You should buy Siamese either from a trusted breeder or from a nursery that has positive reviews from other animal lovers. In order to get rid of all doubts, you can additionally order an expert assessment of the cat’s condition from an independent veterinarian.
It is also advisable to get to know the kittens’ parents and observe how they behave. The baby should be cheerful, playful and curious. Those who care about their pet's coat color may want to consider their paw pads and nose, as these are the first to color, usually within the first two weeks of life. Light-colored paws are found in cats with lilac and chocolate colors, while darker paws are found in seal- and blue-point cats.
Important! You should not buy Siamese cats from random sellers. You need to trust only trusted breeders. Otherwise, there is a risk of acquiring a weak or not purebred pet.
The price of purebred Siamese cats can range from $120 to $900. The cost is determined by a number of factors: the purebred of the animal, its appearance, and the fame of the nursery. Of course, you can find advertisements on the Internet where Siamese are sold much cheaper, but the purebred breed of such animals is extremely doubtful.
Purebred kittens are bought at an exhibition, in a nursery, or a pet store. On the market, according to advertisements, cats are sometimes sold that are similar in color to Siamese. It should be borne in mind that the characteristic coloring is not yet a sign of the breed. Before purchasing, it is advisable to examine the baby’s parents, paying attention to appearance and behavior.
If you need a Siamese to participate in exhibitions, choose a show-class kitten that meets the breed standards. They are not cheap. Prices for breeding class animals will be lower. The category includes individuals for breeding that have slight deviations from the standards.
Pet class kittens are relatively inexpensive. Due to disqualifying defects, they cannot take part in exhibitions or breeding. Pay attention to appearance:
- The vertebrae and ribs should not protrude (a sign of exhaustion);
- no tumors, lumps (symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, presence of parasites);
- no skin damage, bald patches;
- no discharge from the ears, eyes, nose, anus;
- no gait disturbances;
- the fur is shiny, smooth;
- the eyes are clean, the teeth are even white, the gums are pale pink;
- The kitten is active, active and friendly.
It is not recommended to choose a baby who shows aggression (scratching, biting, hissing) or, conversely, who is indecisive and timid. There will be problems with taming in the future.
Content
Recommended temperature is 25-28 °C, drafts and dampness are excluded. During the cold season, place a heater near the kitten's resting place. The bedding should be warm. You can put a heating pad by wrapping it in a towel. A comfortable temperature regime is important for preserving the color of Siamese cats.
Prepare a tray with filler, bowls for food, and water. Place bowls away from the toilet. Siamese will not eat where they relieve themselves. The tray should be in a secluded place. Change the litter in a timely manner; if the toilet is dirty, the cat will “do the job” in another place.
Place small objects, household chemicals, and wires out of reach. To prevent your kitten from spoiling indoor flowers, grow catnip and grass, they are sold in pet stores. Do not let your older pet go outside alone if you live in an apartment. Siamese do well in confined spaces if given enough attention.
Give anthelmintic drugs regularly (1 dose every 3 months). Vaccination schedule:
- At the age of 12 weeks - a vaccine against rhinotracheitis, rabies, panleukopenia, calcivirosis. Revaccination – after 3-4 weeks, then 1 r. per year, during the same period.
- At the age of 1-6 months. – vaccination against microsporia, trichophytosis. Revaccination – after 2 weeks, once a year.
READ Tonkinese cat breed care appearance character
At first, do not leave the kitten alone for a long time, this way it will quickly adapt to the house and its owner. Give your pet enough time. Please note that at the age of 2-5 months. In animals, areas of the brain responsible for mental development are actively developing, incl. for social behavior.
How to behave towards a Siamese: respectful, be patient, persistent, feel the animal’s mood. The only method of influencing the psyche is affection; physical punishment is excluded.
The kitten will quickly get used to its name and the routine in the house. He should act friendly and calm. To prevent the kitten from showing aggression during grooming procedures, accustom it to touch from the first days of life in the house. Take the baby in your arms, stroke the fur, talk affectionately. The process may take several weeks.
Accustoming your pet to a scratching post and litter tray is not difficult. Siamese are quite trainable; they can be taught:
- walk on a harness (leash);
- give paw;
- follow the commands “sit”, “lie down”, etc.;
- bring items;
- jump over a barrier, etc.
The kitten should have toys: ping-pong balls, spools of thread, an ordinary sock stuffed with rags and rolled into a ball.
Siamese are prone to destructive behavior, which is difficult to influence. Just don't leave clothes or any other objects within the animal's reach. One of the possible causes of aggression is lack of attention; you need to regularly communicate and play with your pet. The optimal solution to the problem is keeping 2 cats.
What is Siamese cat care? Everything is the same as caring for any other cat, plus some nuances in terms of disease prevention. Grooming should be minimal because Siamese cats have short fur. They need to be bathed only if there is a special need for it (for example, the appearance of fleas).
You need to comb it once a week. From time to time, growing claws need to be trimmed. It is important to initially accustom the animal to this procedure. Remember that there must be a scratching post in the house. Perhaps even several, because kittens always have a lot of energy and need to move all the time. Because of this, kittens need to be kept away from all kinds of railings, open windows and vents, and wires. This is how easy it is to care for Siamese kittens. Now you know how to care for a Siamese cat.
Purchasing a kitten
If your goal is to participate in exhibitions and breed Siamese cats, choose your pet carefully. The future winner must be of high blood, from titled parents and reliable breeders. The owners of a mother cat or cattery are required to issue a certificate indicating the date of birth of the kitten, the names of its and its parents, breed and color. Later this document is exchanged for a pedigree. The price of Siamese kittens, which will become participants in exhibitions and producers, reaches 800 euros and more. The more titles parents have, the more expensive their offspring will be.
The future champion must have high-born ancestors
If you need a cat for the soul and games, the costs will be much more modest and the choice will be easier to make. You can buy a kitten from a breeder or in a nursery, then it will definitely have all the characteristics of the breed. But you have the right not to be given documents if the animal will not be exhibited. The price of a small Siamese in this case will be 10–15 thousand rubles, and sometimes less.
There are nurseries in Russia where they seriously study Siamese and other oriental breeds. A list of some and their coordinates can be found here.
Criterias of choice
The potential winner and prize-winner of cat shows is chosen meticulously. It is important to exclude any grounds for disqualification. Already at a young age it is clear what the baby will become. By this time, dark markings should appear, whether the tail is straight, the number of fingers, what color of the eyes - everything is visible. When choosing a kitten, check the criteria for compliance with breed standards. And, of course, the future pet should evoke sympathy from the owner. It is difficult to raise a champion without mutual love.
When purchasing a kitten, you need to understand what your goals are.
A kitten that is bought for pleasure does not need to be subjected to strict inspection. The main selection criteria will be character and health. Do not choose a pet at the market, only at home. There you will see how a cat is kept, take a good look at the babies and their mother. Pay attention to the condition of the kitten's fur, eyes, and ears. If something worries you, refuse to purchase.
The Siamese cat was our first pet. In the apartment of the mother cat's owners, we saw kittens hanging in a bunch right on the wall (thick vinyl wallpaper was in fashion at that time). It seemed funny. But a day later the little Siamese began to hang on our wallpaper. And we had no time for fun. It took a long time to wean her off the bad habit.
Age of kitten for moving to a new family
Experts do not recommend purchasing a kitten younger than 2.5, or preferably 3 months. Kids react painfully to parting with their mother and moving. Usually by 3 months they get used to independence, know how to eat and are toilet trained. Check with the cat's owners what they fed the kittens, and at first stick to the same diet. By this age, little Siamese should already have received mandatory vaccinations and deworming.
Tips for choosing a kitten
If your living conditions allow you to get a Siamese cat and you also have a strong desire to do so, you don’t need to deny yourself your loved one. There are a large number of nurseries in our country that breed cats of this breed. You just have to carefully study the kittens they offer and inquire about the reputation of the nursery.
After this, it's time to go shopping. When choosing a baby, you should definitely pay attention to the conditions in which the babies and their mother live and their appearance. The kitten must be healthy and moderately well-fed. Protruding ribs or a protruding belly should definitely lead to the idea that the baby is unhealthy.
It is not allowed to have ulcers or wounds on the kitten’s skin or in its ears. All this may indicate the presence of diseases. The coat should be shiny and well-groomed; discharge from the nose or eyes is unacceptable.
The best age at which you can separate a baby from its mother is 1.5-2 months.
A kitten at this age will quickly get used to its new owner.
Particular attention should be paid to how the baby plays, moves and communicates with his brothers and sisters.
Aggression will indicate that the baby is always trying to take the position of leader. Certain difficulties may arise when raising such a pet.
But an overly reserved and shy baby will also create a difficult task: due to his shyness, it will be difficult to find a common language with him.
Be sure to pick up the kitten you like the most. If he calmly reacts to this and shows reciprocal sympathy for you, don’t hesitate to take him home. This is your baby and you have found each other. If a small feline starts to hiss and scratch, you should choose another baby.
Be sure to talk to the breeder.
Only from him can you get answers to all your questions. He will tell you when to vaccinate and which vaccine is best to choose, at what time to drive out worms and what to feed a new family member in the first days.
Keeping a Siamese cat
Keeping a Siamese is much easier than long-haired or hairless cats: caring for their coat is simple, and the Siamese will not freeze and sweat like a sphinx. However, there are difficulties with feeding.
Nutrition
Siamese cats are quite selective when it comes to food. Not every food is to the liking of these aristocrats. If the diet is not chosen correctly, they can suffer from allergies, diarrhea, and sometimes obesity. To avoid such problems, consult the breed's breeders, find out what they fed the kitten and what their adult pets prefer.
Quantity and composition of feed
Experts advise giving your baby only natural food for up to one and a half to two months. During this period he is still breastfed. Cream diluted with boiled water and baby curds are suitable as complementary foods. From about 6 weeks, offer the kitten soaked dry food, which is recommended for this age. Drinking water must be freely available. You cannot limit your kitten's diet. The younger he is, the greater the number of feedings should be: up to 2 months of age - 5-6 times, up to 4 months - 4 times. And only after six months switch to 2 meals a day.
For adult animals, give professional food and canned food (Hills, Eagle Pack, Ekanuba, Royal Canin, Yams, Pro Plan). They provide the cat with all the necessary substances. The optimal amount of food per day is indicated on the packaging. Finding a balanced natural diet is more difficult. However, there are Siamese who categorically refuse “crackers”. Feed them boiled chicken and canned food for children. Beef and lamb should be served raw, but pork is completely prohibited. Be careful with dairy products. Many adult cats cannot digest lactose, so milk causes diarrhea. But include cottage cheese or fermented milk products in the menu.
Not all Siamese cats eat dry food.
The role of a balanced diet and the health of the Siamese cat
Don’t think that your cat is expecting gastronomic variety and pickles. If she likes the products, she feels good, do not introduce something new into her diet unless necessary. But when feeding naturally, take care of vitamin and mineral complexes. Let's take them in courses. The main thing in the nutrition of Siamese cats is not to overfeed them in order to prevent obesity. Neutered animals are especially prone to overeating. But the cat should also not be allowed to become exhausted. If her appetite is normal and her figure is painfully thin, parasites may be to blame. Deworm the animal. And if this does not work, contact your veterinarian.
Siamese should not gain excess weight
Appearance care
Caring for Siamese is not difficult. They themselves cope well with this task. Cats of this breed have no undercoat and short fur. Brush your pet every three to five days or more often during shedding. It is better to use a brush with natural or rubber bristles for the procedure. And then you can polish the fur with a piece of suede. Manipulations with the fur coat are needed not so much by the cat itself, but by the owner, in order to maintain cleanliness in the house.
Even a child can handle caring for a Siamese
Bathe Siamese cats only when necessary - when they are dirty or it is too hot and you need to cool the animal down. Some representatives of the breed are good at water procedures. Pay special attention to the Siamese's gorgeous ears. They must be periodically inspected and deposits removed with a cotton swab moistened with oil. Clean eyes are an indicator of a cat's health. But they should also be wiped from time to time.
Teeth do not need care if the cat eats dry food. She chews the crackers and peels them. And with a natural diet, monitor their condition - wipe regularly with a damp swab, remove tartar from the veterinarian.
The owner must keep the Siamese ears clean
Cat litter and walks
Siamese cats are clean, they quickly learn to relieve themselves in their toilet. But there are also difficulties. To avoid them, find out from the owners of the mother cat what kind of litter their animals are used to. Choose a spacious litter box so that your cat doesn’t feel too cramped.
It took our Siamese cat quite a long time to get to her new home. But when we finally put the kitten down on the floor, he immediately began to look for the toilet. Fortunately, we took care of the amenities in advance. Having found the tray, the pussy did everything it was supposed to with relief. And we, fascinated by her aristocratic manners, immediately gave her a name - Lady. Later, the aristocrat showed that the toilet is not the main thing. More than once she hung from the curtains, tore up the wallpaper, stole sausage from the table, and hunted birds on her walks.
Beginning Siamese owners complain that their pets require constant attention. If there is not enough of it, the cat begins to disrupt the order. To prevent this from happening, play with him more often. Another way to calm a raging beast is to make him a Siamese or Oriental friend. Playing together will distract cats from damaging property. If this is not possible, try walking with your pet. The street provides so much information and tires the cat so much that for several days after the walk he behaves calmly. Some cat owners claim that their Siamese loves exercise so much that they themselves bring a leash and harness.
Walking together brings cats and their owners closer together
Living conditions and proper care
Siamese pets are clean animals. They independently monitor the cleanliness of their fur, so you will only need to intervene in this process from time to time.
Before you bring this graceful pet into your home, it is recommended to purchase some accessories that will help you care for your cat. These include:
- a comb with frequent but not sharp teeth for combing out the animal’s fur;
- special toothpaste;
- scratching post;
- cat litter;
- bowls for feeding.
Did you know? The largest litter of any pet ever recorded was in 1970. A Siamese cat living with a UK family has given birth to 19 kittens. Among them, unfortunately, only 15 survived.
Siamese have short hair and no undercoat. In this regard, cats need to provide warmth and minimize drafts in the house. If at some point the room is not warm enough, you will need to insulate the pet’s resting place.
- Wool. You need to brush your cat's coat about once a week. This should be done with a fine-toothed comb. You can also simply stroke the animal with wet hands, thus removing excess hair from the fur. You can add shine to your fur coat using a piece of suede fabric. The fur that is located on the ears can sometimes be cleaned with a velvet cloth.
- Bathing. This procedure should be carried out only before an exhibition or in case of heavy contamination. Frequent contact of your pet with various detergents should be avoided, as this can cause baldness. Washing should be done using a special shampoo. In this case, the water should be quite warm, not lower than 38-40° C. After the cat has been bathed, it must be kept warm.
- Teeth. Siamese cats need to have their teeth examined and brushed once a week. For this procedure, you should use a special toothpaste. You should also regularly give your pet treats that can clean their teeth. If the manifestation of tartar is noticed, you should definitely visit a veterinarian.
- Claws. The breed of cats in question readily uses a scratching post and, with its help, can independently maintain the desired length of its claws. If necessary, you can use a file and a nail clipper. In this case, you need to trim the claws as carefully as possible, otherwise you can damage the nerve roots and blood vessels.
- Ears. You should carefully inspect your ears and clean them once a week. For cleaning, it is recommended to use a cotton swab or a flagellum, which are moistened with petroleum jelly. If you notice a crust, discharge, or an unpleasant odor, you should contact your veterinarian.
- Eyes. Cats' eyes should also be examined and washed once every seven days. To wash the eyes, it is recommended to use a strong tea infusion and a cotton swab. An excellent option would be a chamomile infusion. It is important to carefully remove the discharge, as well as the marks it left on the fur. Otherwise, the fur near the eyes will darken. If the discharge manifests itself frequently and abundantly, then you need to consult a veterinarian on this issue.
- Toilet. The litter box should be cleaned every day and thoroughly washed every two weeks. Detergents with a strong scent should not be used.
- Bowls. Immediately after your pet eats, you need to rinse the bowl with hot water. Both dry food bowls and water containers should be washed daily. Any food left on the floor in the feeding area should be removed immediately. Siamese are extremely clean and cannot tolerate unpleasant odors.
Siamese cats have short hair without undercoat, so they need to be kept warm. There should be no drafts in the house. If the room is cool, insulate the resting place. Siamese are very clean animals and take care of themselves independently. It is enough to control the state of appearance, only occasionally interfering with the process.
Grooming
Combing with a fine-toothed comb (not sharp) – once a week. You can simply stroke your Siamese with wet hands, then wash off any stuck hairs. To add shine, use a piece of suede. Clean the fur on the ears occasionally with a velvet cloth.
Swimming is only possible when heavily soiled or before an exhibition. Frequent contact with detergents can cause baldness. For the procedure, use a special shampoo. The water should be warm (temperature not lower than 38-40 oC). After bathing, the cat should be warm.
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Dental care
Inspection and cleaning with special toothpaste – once a week. Provide teeth-cleaning treats regularly. If you find tartar, contact your veterinarian.
Nail care
Siamese willingly use a scratching post and maintain the required length of their claws themselves. If necessary, use a nail clipper and file. Trim the nails carefully so as not to damage the blood vessels and nerve roots.
Ear care
Inspection and cleaning – once a week. Use a cotton swab soaked in petroleum jelly. Reason to contact a veterinarian: discharge, crusts, unpleasant odor.
Eye care
Inspection, washing - once a week. Use a strong infusion of tea (warm boiled water, chamomile infusion) and a cotton swab. Remove secretions and their traces on the fur, otherwise it may darken. Reason to contact a veterinarian: constant heavy discharge from the eyes.
cat litter
Cleaning - daily. Thorough washing – 1 rub. at 2 weeks Do not use detergents that have a strong odor.
Wash with hot water immediately after eating. Bowls for dry food and water should be washed daily. Remove food left on the floor and wash the feeding area. Siamese are very clean, they do not like unpleasant odors.
Content
Siamese are prone to diseases
Siamese cats are characterized by fairly good health. They live an average of 14–15 years; there are also centenarians who remain in good health for up to 20 years. But there are still a number of diseases that are specific to Siamese. The tendency towards them was the result of selection, when related animals were crossed.
Siamese cats often suffer from the following diseases:
- Strabismus - occurs due to improper development of the optic nerves.
- Respiratory pathologies, most often viral calcivirosis or rhinotracheitis. They have similar symptoms: fever, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, sometimes watery eyes, inflammation in the throat and nasal cavity. These diseases are not dangerous for humans, but the cat must be shown to a veterinarian so that he can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
- Mental disorders - occur due to severe stress. One of the manifestations is alopecia. Nervous shock forces the cat to lick itself especially often and thoroughly, resulting in bald patches. If the stressful situation is predictable (moving, exhibition, guests), give the cat a sedative in advance. It will help avoid serious consequences.
- Coordination problems are a consequence of genetic problems with the middle ear. It usually appears in very young kittens, but almost always goes away with age.
Siamese also suffer from common cat diseases. The best prevention is careful attention to your pet. If the disease is noticed immediately and measures are taken, there will be no complications.
Siamese have a genetic tendency to squint
Breeding
It makes sense to breed Siamese cats if your pet has a pedigree recognized by the felinological community. The future sire must meet all the requirements of the breed standard and receive high marks from experts at the exhibition. This is not a cheap pleasure. But without fulfilling all the conditions, the offspring your cat will produce will not be recognized as purebred.
The manufacturer of purebred kittens is obliged to take part in exhibitions
Mating: age, choice of partner, frequency of births
Puberty in Oriental cats occurs early. Usually by 10 months, young Siamese are ready to become parents. You will hear that the time for love has come. Siamese cats loudly and persistently express their desires. Experts from clubs and communities of cat lovers help you choose a mating partner. They give professional advice on pairing. If you are doing this yourself, pay attention to the breed characteristics of the future parent and his health. The cat must compensate for the cat's weaknesses so that their children inherit the best traits of both parents. You can evaluate the “suitors” and arrange a date with their owners at exhibitions.
You can find parent pairs at the club or at an exhibition
You shouldn't bring young male cats together. Such a meeting may not give the desired result. One of the partners must be more experienced. For mating to end in birth, carry it out on the cat’s territory. There the male feels more confident, and the visiting cat behaves more docile. Usually she is taken on a date on the second or third day of her heat. And they leave it there for 3-4 days.
Siamese cats grow up to one and a half years. Mating and childbirth do not affect this process. The owners note that after bearing and giving birth to kittens, the young mother significantly gains height and weight.
Cat owners are often concerned about how often their cat can give birth. There is no clear answer. Experts recommend breeding Siamese dogs through heat - 1-2 times a year. But everything depends on the health and well-being of the animal.
Siamese cats have a rather difficult time with sexual abstinence. They behave in a special way, trying to be the center of attention, worry, and scream protractedly and invitingly. And this happens both during the day and at night. Being around such a sex thing is very difficult. Our Siamese could wake up in the middle of the night to loudly complain about loneliness. But we only dreamed of peace. We did not plan mating, so we used sedatives to reduce sexual heat. We were convinced that non-hormonal herbal remedies (Cat-Bayun, Stop-stress) act gently and quite effectively. In any case, they shortened these restless periods. By the way, experts say that hormonal drugs can negatively affect health. But we felt completely calm when we sterilized the cat. Although the veterinarian warned that some temperamental Siamese, even after surgery, may call the cat for some time during their critical days.
Sometimes owners notice that the cat does not tolerate estrus well, but childbirth is not a problem for her. Then matings can be carried out more often. We just need to help her recover after childbirth: feed her heavily, give her vitamins.
Video: Siamese cat plays with a kitten
Siamese cat breed
Thailand, in ancient times called Siam, is the birthplace of Siamese cats.
Their history begins in the 14th century. and goes back many centuries. Residents of the country called cats “moon diamonds.” These were sacred animals that were found only in royal families and monks. Their export outside the country was prohibited, so in American and European territory they knew nothing about this breed.
The cat was first seen in Europe in 1871, during the Crystal Palace Cat Show.
She appeared as a pet in 1878 in the family of President Rutherford B. Hayes. It was a gift to his wife from American diplomat David B. Sickels, who brought the animal from Thailand.
The unusual appearance of Siamese cats did not immediately appeal to Europeans. But today the breed is at the peak of popularity. This pet is characterized by grace and majesty.
The Fold cat is a mixture of 2 different breeds. In character and habits it is similar to the Siamese. Differences include angled ears and slightly puffy fur.
Standard
Pet breeds are often confused, so you should know what a Siamese cat looks like:
- slender, elongated body with pronounced muscles;
- wedge-shaped head (the wedge originates at the tip of the nose and widens towards the ears);
- narrow muzzle;
- Long neck;
- the ears are large, continue the wedge of the head, they are wider at the base, narrowed towards the tips;
- long straight nose;
- almond-shaped blue eyes set at a slight angle;
- long limbs, forelimbs shorter than hind limbs;
- oval-shaped paws;
- thin tail, long and flexible, pointed at the tip;
- short, silky and glossy coat, lying close to the body, no undercoat;
- The color is represented by 20 species, but all Siamese have spots (points) that are darker than the main color on the face, paws, ears and tail;
- weight 3-6 kg;
- height at withers 23-25 cm;
- lives 14-25 years.
The Siamese cat is very different in appearance from the Thai cat.
Kittens of this breed are born white and change color unevenly as they grow older. In areas of the body with low temperatures, the coat is darker.
Varieties of colors of Siamese cats:
- Blue point. Snow-white fur, paws, ears, tail and muzzle are cast in blue.
- Seal point. Light brown or cream coat, points have a rich dark brown tint.
- Red point. White fur interspersed with red, apricot or reddish spots.
- Caramel point. Matching shade with pink-grey points.
- Lilac Point. White body with gray fragments, there is a slight pinkish tint.
- Cinnamon Point. Ivory color with pink-brown flecks.
- Chocolate point. The same color, but with chocolate markings; in some individuals the spots are almost black.
The color depends on the region of residence. In the northern regions, the spots on the coat are darker. The color is finally formed at 6-9 months, but if the animal lives in colder climatic conditions, then even an adult may darken.
Siamese cats are able to be friends with each other.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before deciding whether or not to get a Siamese, you should study its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- smart;
- devotees;
- easy to train;
- graceful;
- beautiful;
- get along easily with children;
- love to play;
- practically do not shed.
On the right is a Siamese cat called Thai, on the left is a Siamese cat of Liliak Point color.
Of the minuses:
- thermophilic, do not tolerate low temperatures;
- vindictive;
- touchy;
- wayward;
- independent;
- clean;
- they like to “talk”, while they have a loud voice;
- jealous, do not tolerate the presence of other pets in the house.
The Siamese cat is native to Siam (present-day Thailand). In this state it was considered sacred and protected by law. Taking these cats out of the country was strictly prohibited. Each representative of the royal dynasty had a Siamese, and even during a ceremony such as coronation, they were allocated a separate carriage for transportation.
As the story goes, the heirs to the throne had their only friend and companion - a Siamese cat. “Moon Diamond” is the name of the animal in Thai. The first Siamese cat was brought to England in 1871, where it was presented at an exhibition. Local residents greeted this animal without enthusiasm.
Siamese cats are easy to train and are able to remember some commands.
The first title, “Cat of Nightmares,” speaks for itself. Over time, people appreciated the beauty and features of the animal. In 1902, the British founded a club for lovers of these cats. Around the same time, the Siamese cat appeared in Russia.
The Siamese cat came to the United States as a gift to President Rutherford Burchard Hayes. Philip, Duke of Edinburgh presented it to Elizabeth II on her wedding day. These days, the Siamese cat breed is the third most popular breed in the world.
Siamese can be found in every corner of the globe. The greatest interest in them was shown in the middle of the twentieth century. Modern Siamese cats differ significantly from their ancestors, who were distinguished by their large heads and heavy bodies.
The work of breeders has introduced some changes. Now the Siamese has a graceful body with a small, triangular-shaped head. The color range of animals is constantly expanding. The International Felinological Organization has recognized four colors of Siamese:
- Lilac-point (the predominant body color is magnolia, paws, muzzle and ears are gray-blue with a pink tint).
- Blue point (the predominant body color is fawn-gray, paws, muzzle and ears are gray-blue).
- Seal point (predominant body color is cream, paws, muzzle and ears are dark brown).
- Chocolate – point (the predominant body color is ivory, paws, muzzle and ears are milk chocolate). This color is the most popular.
Albino Siamese cats are called blondenes. Other colors of Siamese cats have earned recognition in other organizations.
- Torty point. The wool on the points is colored in three colors.
- Tubby point. The color of the points contains stripes.
Typically, Siamese cat kittens are born with pure white fur. They do not have any shades or spots. After a month and a half, the first spots appear on the babies. Only at one year of age do cats acquire their final coat color.
According to its description, the Siamese cat is an elegant animal with a muscular body of medium size. Has great flexibility. Long legs - slender and graceful. The tail, pointed at the tip, resembles a whip. The animal's head resembles a wedge, starting from the nose and diverging in straight lines to the ears. The ears are large, wide at the head with pointed tips.
The eyes of a Siamese cat are almond-shaped. They can be bulging or, conversely, deeply planted. Many representatives have strabismus at the genetic level. Eye color can be either blue or green. Some Siamese have multi-colored eyes.
The coat is short, silky, with a characteristic shine. Fits tightly to the body. There is no undercoat. There are also long-haired, fluffy Siamese cats, these are Balinese cats. Now the breed is divided into two subspecies.
The classics include animals with a muscular, well-built body. The eyes and ears are not very large. Others are slender and have a long body. The muzzle is elongated. The ears are large, pointed towards the top. Long tail and slanted eyes.
Strabismus is not uncommon among Siamese cats.
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We suggest you familiarize yourself with: Exotic aquarium fish
Castration and sterilization: time for surgery, care after it
If you do not plan to become breeders of Siamese cats and your pet does not have documents, you should not breed it. Kittens without measurements will never become show animals. There is no pedigree - and the cat is considered just a pet, like any striped cat. Of course, you can sell such kittens for a low price or give them away. But is it worth it? Isn't it easier to spay or castrate an animal that will not be a full-fledged producer?
It is better to sterilize animals that will not become producers.
The idea that a cat must have kittens at least once to be healthy is a myth. Veterinarians say that after sterilization an animal gets rid of hormonal changes. This means he becomes more balanced and gets sick less. Veterinarians recommend castrating Siamese cats between the ages of 8 and 10 months. This operation is simple, usually does not cause any complications and no special care is required after it.
After sterilization, the cat becomes calmer
Cats are sterilized after they are six months old. Postoperative care consists of treating the suture with an antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide). Usually healing proceeds without problems, and after 10 days the stitches are removed.
A castrated cat is an affectionate, adequate, sociable animal. Doesn't play much. He likes to be close to his owner all the time. Participates, like a dog, in all his affairs. He brings hair ties and rags when you throw them to him. He treats guests selectively: he hides from someone under the covers on the bed. He climbs into someone's arms and talks. Probably determines which person is by smell, since he hides before even seeing the person!
Natalya Thefly
https://irecommend.ru/content/nastoyashchii-siamskii-kot-ne-taets
Table: pros and cons of Siamese cats
Positive features | Negative traits |
Bright graceful appearance | The need to select food - not all foods are suitable |
Short hair is easy to care for | In some individuals, estrus occurs very violently |
Owner oriented | Requires a lot of attention, does not like to be left alone, is jealous |
Playfulness, mobility | Can be uncontrollable and noisy |
Friendliness, affectionate nature | Susceptible to some generic diseases |
Dog-like habits, loves walks, learns well | |
Fairly good health |