And Meow, a Word about Siamese Cats

April 6th is designated as Siamese Cat Day. We’re happy to spend some time honoring these unique felines. Sometimes known as Meezers, Siamese kitties are purrticularly captivating. While all of our feline friends are adorable and full of purrsonality, many people find Siamese cats to be a little extra, but only in the best ways. In this article, a local San Antonio, TX veterinarian talks about Siamese cats.

What Sets Siamese Cats Apart?

Siamese cats have lovely and distinct coat patterns. They have pale tan or white bodies with dark tips and blue eyes. They are also known for being exceptionally bright and affectionate and forming exceptionally strong connections with their people. They’re also quite vocal! Fluffy has a distinct, loud meow and is very outgoing, playful, affectionate, and always entertaining. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States!

Another intriguing aspect about these characters is their uncanny capacity for learning tricks. Many like playing ‘fetch’ with their people, and Fluffy might even like walking on a leash.

What Are Some Siamese Cat Legends?

Fluffy has collected a large number of legends! Legend has it that Buddhist monks kept Siamese cats because they believed the cats warded off bad spirits. When a member of the royal family died, their souls were reborn as Siamese cats, according to ancient Siamese beliefs. This, of course, meant that the cats were completely pampered and spoiled, with monks serving their every need. (Clearly, they never forgot this.)

Another classic ‘tale’ about these beautiful kitties concerns their eyes. Many Siamese cats have crossed eyes, as you may have noticed. According to legend, this occurred when a Siamese king told Fluffy to protect a cherished goblet. The kitty obediently wrapped her tail around the vase and gazed at it. She was so preoccupied with her responsibilities that her eyes crossed and her tail bent!

What’s An Interesting Fact About Siamese Cats?

Fluffy once exposed two spies! Two of the cats were the resident felines at the Dutch Embassy in Moscow in the 1960s, during the height of the Cold War. The cats kept continuing to meow and scratch at a specific location on the walls, alerting their people that there was something peculiar there. After taking a closer look, officials discovered two dozen hidden microphones in the wall.

What Should I Know About Siamese Cats Before Getting One?

Siamese cats, like all cats, require nutritious food, a clean litterbox, proper medical care, and, of course, lots of affection. Actually, Fluffy might need more attention than other cats. While some of our feline friends are reclusive and self-sufficient, Siamese cats are incredibly friendly. They’ve even been dubbed ‘Velcro kitties.’ In fact, if left alone for too long, they might become worried and lonely! If you’re thinking about adopting one of these adorable kittens and your pet will be spending a lot of time alone at home, you might want to acquire two.

Potential owners should know that Siamese cats are often sensitive. Never yell or scare Fluffy; she’ll remember it!

It’s also worth noting that Fluffy is a bit of an escape artist. Many Siamese cats love to be walked on leashes, so if you enjoy being outside, you should look into this. Ask your San Antonio, TX veterinarian for training tips.

How Do I Keep A Siamese Cat Content?

Purr activation starts with good, basic kitty care.  Fluffy will require nutritious food, a clean litterbox, and regular veterinary treatment. That will cover her essential needs. To really please your feline overlord, you’ll need to provide lots of toys and attention. 

• Meezers are noted for their playful and friendly behavior. They frequently follow their humans from room to room, chattering on about everything from the moth at the window to the dust bunny under the couch.
• Enrichment and stimulation are both very important. You’ll need to supply your feline buddy with plenty of toys and carve out time for playing with her regularly.
• Fluffy will also like a cat tower, as many Siamese cats like high places. They also seem very fond of supervising their humans and sometimes peering down at us with adorably smug expressions.
• Keep in mind that Meezers can get lonely if by themselves too much. You may want to adopt two. 

Are Siamese Cats Really Loud?

One thing that makes Fluffy stand out is the fact that she likes to talk about, well, everything. Siamese cats’ meows are distinct and can sound similar to human baby cries.

However, keep in mind that each cat has its own distinct purrsonality. While many are outspoken, some are quiet.

Are There Different Kinds Of Siamese Cats?

Although all Siamese cats have pale bodies and darker points, the CFA provides four outfit choices. There is the original seal point, which is tan fur with dark brown or black tips. The chocolate wardrobe is lighter in both body and points. A blue Siamese has bluish-gray points on a grey body, while a lilac has a white body. Flame and cream, as well as tabby and tortie points, are permitted by the International Cat Association. All Siamese kitties have blue eyes, despite their fashion choices. 

Fluffy can have lengthy fur, though longhaired Siamese cats are uncommon. (Balinese cats have long fur, and look very similar to Siamese cats.)

Of course, no matter what kind of coat these kitties are wearing, they are all gorgeous!

What’s the Siamese Cat’s History?

Fluffy is from Thailand, which was once called Siam. These lovely kittens have been around for thousands of years. They used to be popular pets among the nobility. They are mentioned in archives dating back to the 14th century! They also appear in the Tamra Maew (The Cat Book Poems), published between the 14th and 18th centuries.

In ancient times, Siamese kittens were revered and were often gifted to foreign embassies and officials. Their name makes this clear. They are known as wichien-maat, which translates to “moon diamond.”

Fluffy came to the United States in 1878 and then to the United Kingdom in 1884. In 1902, she formed her first fan club and was officially admitted to the CFA in 1906.

How Popular Are Siamese Cats?

Siamese cats are quite popular. Fluffy’s popularity may have peaked following World War II, when they were the most popular cat breed in terms of registrations. However, these lovely animals did not always do so well in the West. After Fluffy made her debut at the first cat show, a journalist called her an “unnatural nightmare.” Disney also did the breed no favors by making them the feline villains in Lady and the Tramp.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Siamese Cat? 

Siamese cats’ average lifespan is slightly longer than that of other cats. The majority of our feline friends will live for between 12 and 19 years, but Siamese cats can live up to twenty years. One particularly long-lived cat, Scooter, made it to thirty, and made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s oldest kitty. That’s pretty extraordinary for a cat!

Do you have any queries about Siamese cat care? Has your Meezer not been to the San Antonio, TX animal clinic in a while? Please contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.