Siamese cat breed

Siamese cat breed information and advice

Siamese cats are an ancient Oriental/Asian breed. They are believed to have originated from Thailand, which was previously known as Siam. The breed appeared in the UK in the 19th century and is one of the most popular breeds today. An elegant, graceful cat with long legs, they’re very talkative and won’t fail to charm you.

This breed guide covers everything you need to know about the Siamese, from temperament to health problems.

Siamese cat facts

Siamese cat insurance

Keeping your Siamese cat fit and healthy will be a priority for you, which is why it’s a good idea to take out cat insurance. Siamese cats can suffer from a range of inherited health issues and pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills. Cats can become ill at any age, so it’s always best to take out pet insurance when they’re a kitten.

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

Sainsbury’s Bank Siamese insurance can be taken out as soon as your cat is 8 weeks old, right up until their 10th birthday. And once you have cover in place, we’ll insure your Siamese cat for their entire life - as long as you renew your policy year after year. Giving you one less thing to think about.

How to care for a Siamese cat

Siamese cats don’t need any special care apart from regular grooming. As with most pets, they should have a balanced diet and lots of exercise. It’s also a good idea to check for any gum disease while cleaning their teeth.

Temperament and behaviour

Siamese cats like a routine so try to feed them at the same time every day. They love human attention and will often follow you around the house. They’re very talkative and will let you know if they are happy or not. They’re affectionate cats and will enjoy sitting on your lap and having a cuddle. Siamese cats are also very active and inquisitive, so life will never be dull.

This breed has a high hunting and chasing instinct, so Siamese cats are likely to bring in ‘presents’ from outside on a regular basis.

Common health problems

Siamese cats can be susceptible to a few inherited health problems in addition to the normal conditions associated with ageing. They may also be more prone to certain types of cancer. To help cover the costs of these treatments, it’s advisable to take Siamese cat insurance.

How long to Siamese cats live?

Siamese cats are considered a long-living breed. The lifespan is between 15 and 20 years if they’re well looked after.

Are Siamese cats born cross-eyed?

In the past Siamese kittens were born cross-eyed. This was due to a mutation in the connections between the eye and the brain. To compensate for this, the cats became cross-eyed. This condition has now been bred out of the breed. The original breed also had a kinked tail which has also now been bred out.

When do Siamese cats stop changing colour?

Siamese kittens are born white, then change colour and develop their distinctive markings when they are a few weeks old. Their coat colour is determined not only by their genes, but by the temperature of their surroundings.

Siamese cats have a gene that inhibits pigment in their fur resulting in albinism, but this only affects the fur above a certain temperature. As the mother’s womb is warm, the gene is not switched on at birth but once the temperature drops, these genes are turned back on. As the extremities are cooler than the rest of the body, this is where most of the pigment is deposited, giving the characteristic ‘pointing’ seen in this breed.

Where do Siamese cats come from?

Siamese cats are descended from one of the cat varieties native to Thailand, formerly known as Siam. They were imported into the UK in the 1800s. The breed was known as the "Royal Cat of Siam" as it had been reported that they had previously been kept by Siamese royalty.

Is a Siamese cat right for you?

Siamese cats make great family pets and are good around small children. However, it’s wise to make sure young children are always supervised and not left alone with any pet.

These cats love attention and can be demanding. They don’t like to be left alone for too long, so consider getting another Siamese cat, ideally a sibling, for company. They also get on well with cat-friendly dogs. But don’t forget that they tend to have lots of energy and need to be kept entertained.