The Siamese Cat

This enigmatic cat originates in Siam, the place we now know as Thailand.   Siamese
cats were highly honored by generations of Siam’s kings—so much so that they were
kept in the royal palace.  Talk about the royalty of the cat world!  They were trusted
to protect the palace and monasteries from evil spirits and were thought to bring good
luck. 

In 1884, the first Siamese cats made their way to Britain when the current king of
Siam decided to gift them to a British general.  Then, they inevitably made their
way to the United States. Now, the Siamese cat is one of the most universally
recognized domestic cat breed. According to the Cat Fancy Association (CFA), they
are the most popular shorthair breed and the third most popular breed overall.

Though this breed encompasses a myriad of colors, there are a few disagreements
surrounding what constitutes a true Siamese cat and what doesn’t. However, these
wonderful felines are known and most easily recognized for bodies that are
generally light in color with darker areas known as points.   The darker points are
usually around the face, ears, legs, feet and the tail.  

Weighing between eight and fifteen pounds, this short-haired, blue eyed sensation of the
cat world has two body types.

The modern Siamese (also known as the “show”) have long, elegant bodies with
refined tapering lines and a wedge-shaped head to match.  

The traditional Siamese, also known as the “applehead,” is a robust, round-headed cat
with a muscular physique and generous bone structure.  

These shoulder perching, toy catching cats are as famous for their personalities as they
are for their color points.  Incredibly vocal cats, they have an uncanny talent for
communicating with humans that other cats simply don’t possess.  If you’re the type who
wants to come home to peace and quiet, then you have the wrong cat.  The socialites
of the cat world, the Siamese will talk you into a corner with their loud raspy yowl. Since
Siamese cats believe the world revolves around them, they demand attention.  They
are also very dependant on their human companions.  Far from aloof, they crave
interaction, lots of hugs and kisses and boy do they love their games!  These cats are not
meant to be left alone. 

Fortunately, where the Siamese are high maintenance emotionally, they are low
maintenance in every other aspect. These short hairs need relatively little grooming.
Because their coats lie so close that they look painted on, a gentle weekly brushing to
remove dead hair is sufficient.  Like every other breed, they have their small share of
genetic faults.  Aside from the occasional crossed eyes and kinked tail, which are
mainly cosmetic issues, this breed has its share of gingivitis. 

These cats have above-average life spans for cats.  They can remain in your life typically
between 15-20 years though over 20 years is by no means an anomaly.  The reward for
such an emotionally high maintenance cat is worth it: you can have a staunch supporter
and a loyal companion for a really long time. Imagine having a cat that can help tutor your
children on the art of speech and years later, live long enough to see them off to college!
Only the Siamese.  

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Article provided by the April HealthyPetNet Newsletter, http://www.healthypetnet.com/newsletter/april/story.asp?realname=10053250