The Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are considered one of the oldest oriental cats and were originally believed to be from Siam or present-day Thailand. It is believed that the first Siamese cat in England came from an English ambassador who brought a Siamese cat back with him after receiving it as a gift in Siam in the late 1800’s. Due to its almond slanted eyes and unique look, Siamese cats quickly became popular and were recognized by cat organizations, enabling them to compete in shows in Europe and the United States.

The colors and shape of Siamese cats are almost always the same. Siamese cats have almond, slanted shaped eyes, usually blue, which are one of their physically distinguishing characteristics. They also have short, creamy colored coats with darker splashes of color on the tail, face, lower legs and paws. The darker color is called a colored point and is a result of a mutated enzyme involved in melanin production, which becomes active at cooler parts of the body. The mutated enzyme is nothing to worry about as it just causes the darker colors. By the fourth week of age for a kitten, you will be able to tell what color the spots will be. Siamese cats also have long legs, a long neck, large ears and a big tail. The fur is short and lies close to the skin of the Siamese which adds to the effect of their sleek muscles and wedge shaped head.

Siamese cats generally weigh 7-9 pounds and often live 15-20 years or longer, if properly taken care of. Some minor genetic issues with Siamese are a predisposition to crossed eyes, kinked tails and genetic cardiac problems. However, with selective breeding these problems have been eliminated or largely reduced in most Siamese bred cats today. Other than usual veterinary care like getting shots and being checked for parasites there are few healthcare related issues.

Siamese cats are well-known for being vocal, intelligent and playful. Their cries have sometimes been compared to that of a human baby. Siamese cats will make noise to get your attention or for fun. They are not a quiet animal. Siamese cats are also very social animals that will play with other pets including other cats and dogs. Siamese cats are loyal and tend to bond to one individual more strongly than another. Siamese loyalty can be compared to that of a dog’s. As Siamese cats require so much attention they are not good pets for people who are going to be away a lot or not have much time to play with them. Siamese cats will not stay on your couch all day but instead be moving around, wanting to play and find ways to keep busy.

As Siamese cats are very intelligent and playful they can find their way into pretty much everything and will do what it takes to get your attention. However, a Siamese cat’s intelligence also means that it is trainable in just about anything a dog can do. Siamese cats can learn basic commands like stay, come and fetch along with learning how to walk on a leash and doing tricks. They are also very acrobatic and sometimes able to open drawers. A Siamese cat will tell you vocally or playfully what it wants so you better have the energy to match. 

Yahoo! News Search Results for siamese cat
Yahoo! News Search Results for siamese cat

Tough times for young Siamese kitten
Fresh from her latest hernia surgery, Su-Lei, a Lilac Point Siamese kitten, is on the road to recovery, with the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue Society.
Adoptable Pets: Alameda's new bunnies available for homes
The East Bay rabbit Rescue is hosting the Bunny Art Show & Adoption Event, a large adoption event with five rescue groups from all over the Bay Area: the House Rabbit Society, Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, private rescues and volunteers from local shelters, including Alameda.
Cat rescued after being on 40-foot utility pole for nearly two days
If cats have nine lives, ?Mister? has already used up one of them.
Black cat population is booming on Marco
June and July has brought kittens, kittens and more kittens as well as abandoned adult cats too. Carlita is a 4-year-old bobtail tortoiseshell female who was abandoned at a motel in Naples. She has a wonderful new home now. A pair of kittens came to us that were rescued behind the Publix on San Marco Road. The mom cat was abandoned and gave birth behind the store to two kittens. A wonderful home ...
In Photos: Model feline Lorenzo on the, er, cat walk (The Newsroom)
The Newsroom - Cats are known for good grooming, but few have a sense of style. Now consider Lorenzo the cat, a notable and hilarious exception. The 2-year-old feline was recently profiled in an AP article because of his love of posing for the camera while wearing outfits.
Auto show and concert benefit programs for those with autism
Times staff Friday, August 27, 2010 SPRING HILL Show Benefits kids, adults with Autism "Unlocking Autism for a Cause," a benefit auto show and concert, will take place on Sunday at the Palace Grand, 275 Della Court. The car, truck and motorcycle show will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; food and beverages will be available. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. for the Tommy Mara Unplugged concert. A buffet dinner ...
Adoptable Pets: As fad wanes, Chihuahuas more often in shelters
The popularity of specific breeds comes and goes, as do many trends in our culture.In last week's column we featured the Labrador and its long-held place as the eminent 'family dog' in the world of pets.
pets of the week
The following is a list of pets available at local animal shelters:
Siamese brings joy to senior citizen's life
I have had many blessings during my 90 years, but the appearance of Ziggy as a part of our family has been special. He was a few weeks old when abandoned and rescued.
Some vets not taking L.A. vouchers for spay-and-neuter due to non-payment
Some local veterinarians are refusing to accept Los Angeles vouchers for low-cost spay-and-neuter surgeries because the city hasn t paid them since last year.