Siamese Cats are believed to originate from Thailand, during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351 to 1767 AD). The wide range of the kingdom makes it unknown about the origin of the breed, however the cats first appeared in poems during this period. They were kept by well-to-do aristocrats and royal families. Local religions believed that people were reincarnated into the bodies of Siamese Cats after death.
While Siamese Cats are most associated with their homeland, Asia, they have since become one of the most popular breeds sought by Western culture as well. In the 19th century, Siamese Cats were the most popular breed in both England and the United States. It’s believed that former U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes received the very first Siamese Cats in the United States in 1878, as a gift from an American diplomat living in Asia.
Certain physical and social characteristics define Siamese Cats. Siamese Cats are born completely white, and don’t develop until about 4 weeks, when a “heat gene” kicks in. That leads to the typical markings that define the breed. They are one of the most vocal breeds, using different pitches in “meows” to highlight what the cat wants. The breed is known for its pale blue eyes, a result of a restriction of the amount of pigment in the eyes. Despite their blue eyes, which typically signals strong hearing in cats, Siamese Cats often have hearing issues. The blue eyes also restrict their night vision, making them a little more dependent on humans than other breeds. Other breeds that were bred from Siamese Cats include: Himalayan, Burmese, Tonkinese and Ocicat.
Are you thinking of adopting a Siamese Cat? Siamese Cats are more social, loyal, and dependent on their human owners than other cats. They are not the breed to adopt if you spend long hours outside of the home. Siamese Cats love attention and are very affectionate, by cat standards. Siamese Cats are extremely intelligent and are know for forming strong bonds with owners. They are more likely to follow their human owners around throughout the house. If they don’t receive enough attention, Siamese Cats can become depressed. Because of their social nature, Siamese Cats are a wonderful addition to any work-from-home environment, or any home with children.
Happy National Siamese Cat Day to all the Siamese Cat owners and their furry friends! If you’re thinking of adopting one of these wonderful cats, make an appointment with us to get your furry friend up to date on all the vaccinations that are required.
