The Siamese traditional cat is a breed that originated in Thailand, where it was highly valued for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and striking appearance.
This breed is known for its short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming, making it a great choice for busy owners.
The Siamese traditional cat is a medium-sized breed, with males weighing between 11-15 pounds and females weighing between 8-12 pounds.
They are known for their striking blue eyes and pointy ears, which give them a distinctive and elegant appearance.
Royal Origins
The Traditional Siamese has a rich royal history that dates back to 1350 AD-1768 AD.
They originated in Siam, which is now known as Thailand, and were domesticated by the Siam royalty.
The Siamese breed is portrayed in an ancient text called “Tamra Maew” meaning, ‘The Cat-Book of Poems’, and is said to have come from the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
The Traditional Siamese was known for their mystical background, believed to bestow wisdom and magical powers, earning them great respect and honor from all.
They were presented as gifts from the royal family to friends, relatives, and visiting dignitaries.
A special Siamese cat was even selected to inherit the soul of a passing family member.
The first Traditional Siamese arrived in Europe in 1884, brought back by Edward Blencowe Gould, a British Consul-General.
He gifted the cats to his sister, Lilian Jane Gould, who bred three Siamese kittens from them.
Pho and Mia, the original cats, were presented at London’s Palace Show the same year.
The first Traditional Siamese was introduced to America by way of a gift given to Lucy Hayes, the First Lady to the 19th president of the United States.
Physical Characteristics
The Traditional Siamese has a distinctive round face, often referred to as an "applehead." This is the main distinguishing feature of the breed.
Their medium-sized bodies are of bulky stature, which sets them apart from other cat breeds. They have shorter tails compared to most cats.
Their large circular eyes are a beautiful shade of blue, a trait that's characteristic of the Siamese breed. Their ears are average in size, but appear smaller compared to their apple-shaped head.
The Traditional Siamese has a short coat, and their bellies are usually a shade of white due to their albinism. This also gives their eyes that recognizable blue color.
Here are the four natural colors that the points on a Traditional Siamese can come in:
- Seal Point (Seal brown points with a cream coat)
- Blue Point (Grey and Blue points with a white coat)
- Chocolate Point (Chocolate colored points with an ivory coat)
- Lilac Point (Pink points, lilac paw pads, and nose with an off white coat)
Traditional Siamese
The Traditional Siamese cat is a charming breed to behold. No matter who comes across this feline, they will surely be stopped in their tracks, thus justifying why the Siamese is one of the most famous cats in the world.
Their name in Thai is 'Wichien Maat,' which translates to 'Diamond Gold.' This name is a testament to the breed's elegance and beauty.
All Siamese kittens are born white and receive their color points as they grow. This means that new owners will get to see their kitten transform into a stunning adult cat.
Traditional Siamese cats used to have kinks in their tails, but the exact reason behind this trait is unclear. One story suggests that a Siamese cat was tasked with guarding a Royal Chalice and developed a permanent kink in its tail.
Their friendly, outgoing personalities make them a joy to be around. They are often vocal, letting their "people" know when they want something.
Here's a list of common colors found in Traditional Siamese cats:
- Seal point: dark brown points
- Blue point: slate gray
- Chocolate point: a medium brown color
- Lilac point: a pale pinkish-gray color
Their loyalty and affection towards their owners make them a great companion. They love attention but don't need to bother you for it – they'll call when they want you!
Interesting Facts
The Traditional Siamese cat is a breed that's steeped in history and fascinating facts.
The Traditional Siamese' name in Thai is 'Wichien Maat,' which translates to 'Diamond Gold.' This name gives you a sense of the cat's regal and luxurious origins.
All Siamese kittens are born white and receive their color points as they grow. This is a fascinating process to observe, and it's a big part of what makes the Siamese breed so unique.
The Traditional Siamese cat used to have kinks in their tails, which is said to be due to a royal chalice guarding story.
Classic Cats
The Classic Siamese cat is a transitional type between Traditional and Modern Siamese breeds. They have a more elongated build with longer legs compared to the old-style Appleheads.
Classic Siamese cats have a longer muzzle than Appleheads but still retain some of their distinctive features, such as large ears set close together at the top of the head.
These cats are highly socialized, making them great pets for families. They're affectionate towards family members and thrive in households with plenty of interaction.
Classic Siamese cats are known for their outgoing personalities and love attention from humans. They can be somewhat reserved around strangers, but once they get to know you, they're loyal companions.
Famous Cats
You know, the Siamese breed has a fascinating history, and one of the most famous cats in the world is the Siamese. This breed originated in Thailand, where it was highly valued as a temple cat.
The Siamese is known for its striking blue eyes, which are a result of a genetic trait that causes the eyes to turn blue as the cat matures. This breed has been a favorite of many cat fanciers for centuries.
Recommended read: Blue Point Traditional Siamese
One of the most famous Siamese cats is a cat named Wong Lee, who was a beloved pet of the King of Siam in the 19th century. Wong Lee was said to have been a loyal and affectionate companion to the king.
The Siamese breed has also been popularized by its appearance in literature and film, including a famous cat named Siam, who was a character in the 1944 film "The Heat's On."
Types of Cats
There are two broad kinds of Siamese cats.
The traditional Siamese category is further divided into the Applehead, Old Style, and the Classic Siamese cat breeds.
The Classic Siamese cat is a transitional type between Traditional and Modern types of Siamese Cats breed, with a more elongated build and longer legs compared to the old-style Appleheads.
Classic-type Siameses have a longer muzzle than Appleheads and large ears set quite close together at the top of the head, making them look adorable.
The Classic Siamese is closer to Traditional types in terms of looks than it is to Modern types.
They are highly socialized and affectionate towards family members, making them great pets for families.
The modern category is subdivided into Wedge, Light Colored Siamese, and Dark Colored Siamese.
Consider reading: Siamese Cat Point Types
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