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Where Did Siamese Cats Come From

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Is Siam Still A Country

Things you NEVER knew about Siamese cats

For most of its history, the country currently called Thailand was known as Siam. After reforms in 1932, which transformed the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, the name was changed in 1939 to Thailand. In 1945, the name reverted back to Siam, and in 1949 it changed back again to Thailand.

In Literature And Film

Siamese cats have been protagonists in literature and film for adults and children since the 1930’s. Clare Turlay Newberry‘s Babette features a Siamese kitten escaping from a New York apartment in 1937. British publisher Michael Joseph recorded his relationship with his Siamese cat in Charles: The Story of a Friendship . The “Siamese Cat Song” sequence in Disney’s Lady and the Tramp , featuring “Si” and “Am”, became “notorious for its racist depiction of the Siamese cats”. The 1958 film adaptation of Bell, Book and Candle features Kim Novak‘s own Siamese cat as “Pyewacket”, a witch’s familiar. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford tells the story of three pets, including Siamese cat “Tao”, as they travel 300 miles through the Canadian wilderness searching for their beloved masters. The book was a modest success when first published, but became widely known after 1963 when it was loosely adapted into a film of the same name from Walt Disney. Disney also employed the same Siamese in the role of “DC” for its 1965 crime caper That Darn Cat!, with The New York Times commenting “The feline that plays the informant, as the F.B.I. puts it, is superb. This elegant, blue-eyed creature is a paragon of suavity and grace”.

Where Did Siamese Cats Originate

The native home of Siamese cats is Thailand. In the country, the breed once considered sacred and was respected. The cat Siamese was usually found in temples and was protected by law. The royal family Siamese cats were used for certain rituals. Due to all these, taking out the cats abroad was prohibited. However, with time, the cat was moved to Europe and eventually the United States.

Siamese cats are often remembered in Thai legends and tales. For example, one legend says that the cat breed was always accompanied by a Thai princess while bathing in the river. Before bathing, the princess had to remove her rings and rub them on the cats tail so she could be safe until she finished bathing. Also, if the princess lost her wedding ring, she had to tie knots on the tip of the Siamese cat tail.

Speaking of knots the presence of knots and kinks in the tail was considered a characteristic feature of the Siamese cat. However, it is now known that the knots are formed as a consequence of cross-breeding of close relatives. Today, the presence of knots or kinks is considered a defect.

The true origin of Siamese cats is not known. It is possible that the breed came from the wild Bengal cats. This is thought so because the pregnancy period of both Siamese cats and wild Bengal cats is not less than 65 days. On the other hand, the term pregnancy for all other cat breeds is 55 to 65 days.

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Siamese Cats Have Stunning Looks

Siamese cats are known for their sleek and distinctive appearance. Most are silver-grey and have striking blue eyes. However, these beautiful felines can also be seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, or even red! Interestingly, Siamese cats are born completely white and develop their unique markings in the weeks following birth.

Where Did Siamese Cats Come From

Where Do Siamese Cats Come From?

Where Did Siamese Cats Come From? Origin story: Siamese cats came from Thailand, then known as Siam. Theres still a debate about how old they exactly are, but the Thai manuscript Tamra Maew seems to depict them.

What breeds make a Siamese cat? Breeds derived from the Siamese breed

Some breeds derived from the Siamese are: Balinese, Bengal, Birman, Burmese, Havana Brown, Colorpoint Shorthair, Himalayan, Javanese, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, Oriental Longhair, Savannah, Snowshoe, Thai Cat, Tonkinese and Mekong Bobtail.

When did Siamese cats originate? Although no one is certain when Siamese cats were first bred and domesticated, its commonly believed that they originated in Thailand around the 14th century, when they first appeared in a Thai manuscript. This would make them one of the oldest cat breeds in the entire world.

Are Siamese cats from Egypt? Siamese Cat history shows they originated in Siam, what is now Thailand. For years, it was once believed they came from Egypt due to the resemblance to the Egyptian Cat Goddess, Bastet. Siamese Cat History shows they originated in Siam, what is now Thailand, not Egypt.

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What Do They Eat

The most important thing to do if you give your cat commercial cat food is to always look for high-quality cat food. The Siamese have a triangular head. The shape of their jaw is according to that, which basically means that they don’t have the habit of chewing their food, but mostly swallow it whole. Chewing is important for health, however. It decreases the chance of indigestion and keeps the teeth clean as it reduces the chances of tartar or plaque buildup. So, remember to choose the kind of cat food that would force them to chew their food. Food is one of the most important catalysts to the growth of Siamese cats. So, you can give them high-quality cat food or you also may discuss with your vet and give them tailor-made food made from scratch but it should be perfectly balanced in terms of nutrients.

Feed The Right Amount Of A High Quality Diet

Siamese cats do not have any special dietary requirements when compared to other cats. What is important is to choose a high quality cat food that is certified to be complete and balanced by AAFCO. It is recommended to feed a combination of wet and dry food. Equally as important is to not overfeed Siamese cats because obesity can predispose them to a large number of chronic diseases. You can use the hand test to determine if your cat is at a healthy weight, or ask your vet what is a good weight for your cat.

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The Siamese Likely Descended From Sacred Temple Cats

What is modern-day Thailand was for many centuries known as the Kingdom of Siam. Particularly during the Ayutthaya Kingdom , Siamese Buddhist monks welcomed cats in their temples. In fact, it was believed that the Siamese cat would receive a royal family members soul after death. The cat was then moved to a temple, where she lived the rest of her life in luxury.

How Much Is A Siamese Cat Worth

New Kittens Siamese meowing like CRAZY, wants to be petted

A Siamese kitten can cost you anywhere from around $250 to $1000, whereas an adult purebred Siamese cat will cost you more than $1000. A number of factors play a part in the cost of a Siamese cat. Adopting one from the shelter may cost you a little less, but when purchasing a purebred, the cost can vary widely.

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Theyve Got Striking Looks

Via Pixabay

Famous for their ballerina-esque bodies, Siamese cats are sleek and lithe. They have piercing baby blue eyes, large ears, and a coat that comes in four different shadesseal, chocolate, blue, and lilac.

The majority of their fur is a lighter shade with darker markings around the face, ears, feet, and tail.

Where To Adopt A Siamese Cat

If youre considering getting a Siamese kitten or cat, please check adoption resources even purebred cats can end up in shelters and rescues. Try Petfuls adoption page.

If you decide to get your Siamese kitten through a breeder, watch out for any signs that the breeder is operating a kitten mill.

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Siamese Cats Are Famous

Siamese cats gained widespread notice in America in the late 1870s. Thats because an American diplomat stationed in Bangkok gifted one to Lucy Hayes, President Rutherford B. Hayess wife. Moreover, Siamese cats are movie stars. They have starred in many classics, including The Incredible Journey, The Lady and the Tramp, and That Darn Cat!

Siamese Kittens Are Born Completely White

Where Did The Siamese Cat Originate

One interesting fact many people may not know is that Siamese kittens are born with completely white fur! When theyre approximately four weeks old, they start developing their point coloration, or points. Generally, Siamese cats have a main coat color, with different, usually darker, colors on the point parts of their body their face, ears, tail, and feet.

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Siamese Cats Are Often Very Vocal

A quick search on YouTube for Siamese cat meowing will bring up hundreds of results of owners showcasing their cats talkative meow. Siamese cats are notorious for their distinctive vocal antics and dont shy away when expressing their feelings and demands for attention with loud meows. Their meow has often been compared to that of a baby crying.

Adelaide is up for adoption through our foster program.

Siamese Cat History How Much Do We Know

Mmm, history. I was never that keen on history at school. All those dates and battles! But Siamese cat history makes much more interesting reading.

Where did the Siamese cat originate? There are theories suggesting that the breed came from ancient Egypt, and certainly its body shape is similar to pictures of Bast, the Egyptian cat goddess. But there’s no actual proof that they came from Egypt.

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Physical Characteristics Of Siamese

The most noted characteristics of the Siamese cats are the expressive eyes and the contrast between those eyes and the pointed coat.

Today, however, two kinds of Siamese cats exist due to the years of selective breeding. The first kind is the traditional Siamese and the second the modern Siamese.

The first one has a round head and looks like the Siamese cat originally imported from Siam. This cat has a sturdier build and eyes shaped like almonds in the top half and rounded in the bottom half. There is a slight break in the nose, the ears are medium-sized and the muzzle is blunt but not short.

The wedge-headed Siamese result of the breeders intent to encourage an elongated look, which began to emerge in the 1950s and 1960s. The modern Siamese has a triangular or wedge-shaped head, from which the breed gets one of its nicknames Wedgies.

The modern Siamese cats have large, triangular ears that are set far apart and slightly slanted blue eyes. They have a long, slender, tubular body with long legs, a graceful neck and a long, whip-like tail.

Both of these Siamese types have striking eyes and a great personality.

How Did The Siamese Snowshoe Get Its Name

The Delightful Mutation Behind Siamese Cats

A Siamese has an inverted V shape around its nose and mouth, which is mostly white in color. The paws are white, which gave this breed its unique name. Siamese Snowshoes get attached to people very easily. They may be closer to a certain member of the family, but this will not stop them from gelling close to the others.

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So Youre Thinking About Gettinga Siamese Cat

AppearanceSiamese cats are one of the most famous cat breeds with good reason. They have beautiful blue eyes and sleek, elegant bodies with long legs and a fine, glossy coat. Siamese cats come in a variety of colours, the four basic ones being seal , chocolate, blue and lilac. They are pointed, meaning that their coat is darker at the points, i.e. the paws, tail, ears and face.

PersonalitySiamese cats are almost as famous for their personality as they are for their looks. They are among the most vocal of cats, enjoying long conversations with their human friends. They are loving, loyal and crave human companionship, making them excellent family pets. Their high intelligence allows them to learn things quickly which, coupled with a natural curiosity, means theyre likely to work out how to open your draws and cupboards and have a good rummage.

Although they love a good snuggle on a warm lap, they also have high energy levels, which means its important to interact with them , and ensure they have plenty of fun toys. Siamese cats have a good tolerance for children as long as theyre taught how to interact with cats and will also form firm friendships with the family dog.

Siamese cats make great companions but they need companionship in return! They do not like to be alone for long periods, so are best suited to households where someone is home most of the time . They are also not very streetwise, and should not be allowed to roam outside unsupervised.

Key Characteristics Of Siamese Cats

  • Weight: 915 pounds 612 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 1520 years

The Siamese cat may be the worlds most recognizable feline.

Aside from becoming unforgettable in the classic Lady and the Tramp film, these cats are unmistakeable with their light coats and dark extremities.

Siamese are unique cats, with their long and angular elegance and coat coloration.

The main coat of the cat is light, and the facial area mask and extremities are dark. This pattern is known as seal point coloration. Other colors include chocolate, blue and lilac seal points.

Sometimes cinnamon, fawn and cream have been recognized.

The cats muscular body features:

  • A long, wedge-shaped head
  • Long legs, neck and tail
  • Large ears and almond-shaped blue eyes

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Why Get Cat Insurancefrom Pumpkin

While Siamese are a generally healthy breed, cat-astrophes can happen to any cat at any age. If your kitty gets hurt or sick, pet insurance can help you say yes to the best care, even when its costly. When it comes to shopping for this breed, youll want to choose an insurance like Pumpkin that covers hereditary conditions Siamese cats are prone to developing, and that can be costly to treat. While a reputable breeder will conduct genetic testing on your kittys parents to help minimize the chances of passing down hereditary conditions they cant always be avoided. Lets look at some common ones, and how Pumpkin Insurance could help cover the cost of care!

The Royal Cats Of Siam

Pin on Cat Breeds

Much of Siamese cat history is lost in the mists of time, but records found in Thailand, dating from the 1600s, confirm that Siamese cats existed then and that they were very highly prized pets.

Only royalty or noblemen were allowed to own them, and their cats had a special role to play in palace and temple life as spirit guardians.

When someone important died, a cat from their household was chosen to receive and house their soul. This lucky cat spent the rest of its life in luxury, pampered and cared for by temple priests.

The dead person’s family paid for the cat’s upkeep, as they believed this would bring their loved one good luck in the afterlife. It’s also said that the cats may have been ‘watch cats’, alerting the priests with their cries if strangers were around.

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Traditional Siamese Versus Modern Development

In the 1950s1960s, as the Siamese was increasing in popularity, many breeders and cat show judges began to favor the more slender look. As a result of generations of selective breeding, they created increasingly long, fine-boned, narrow-headed cats. Eventually, the modern show Siamese was bred to be extremely elongated, with a lean, tubular body, long, slender legs, a very long, very thin tail that tapers gradually into a point and a long, wedge-shaped head topped by extremely large, wide-set ears.

In addition to the modern Siamese breed category, The International Cat Association and the World Cat Federation now accept Siamese cats of the less extreme type, and any wichianmat cat imported directly from Thailand, under the new breed name Thai. Other, mostly unofficial, names for the traditional variety are “Old-style Siamese”, “Classic Siamese”, and “Applehead” .

Where Can I Adopt A Siamese Cat

Perhaps instead of going to a breeder, you are interested in finding a displaced Siamese who needs a home. While you are likely to see mostly shorthairs at shelters, it is possible to find one with Siamese cats available. Shelters get influxes of cats in the early spring and late summer, so search your local Humane Society or independent animal shelters to see what they have available. Many shelters keep photos and descriptions online that can be searched.

Some shelters specialize in the adoption of Siamese cats. To find these, you can ask around in your area or use Google for a location. You can also use this pagewhich catalogs animals available for adoption across the United States. You can apply search filters for location, age, and gender to help you find your new friend.

Much like visiting a breeder, you may have to travel a bit to find your Siamese for adoption. They are not as likely to be displaced as other breeds due to their popularity. But it is possible to find one to adopt. Adoption fees tend to be cheaper than fees when you purchase from a breeder. The cost of adoption should be available on shelter websites.

Beware of Craigslist or other listings that offer cats free to a good home. While some may have good intentions, there is a chance you are getting cats that are not healthy, have not been adequately immunized, and do not have medical records or histories available.

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Why Are Siamese Cats Cross

The Siamese cats have some pretty unique genes and one of them is the one that causes them to be cross-eyed. The eye condition is called strabismus. This results in the eyes not being in a line with each other. They usually cannot see straight as the center of their retinas gets shifted. In some cases, the albino gene that they have might cause them to only be able to see straight ahead when the cats have crossed eyes.

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