One
of the oldest and traditional of cat breeds, the Siamese remains
the center of tales & legends dating back to ancient Siam
(now Thailand)
where it was favored companionship for temple priests and royalty.
First introduced
to the West in the late 19th century, the Siamese later made it
all the way to the White House - when First Lady Lucy Hayes, wife
of President Rutherford B. Hayes, became the first Siamese cat
owner in America.
Today, with
to their bright blue almond-shaped eyes, distinctive color points,
elegant bearing and "talkative" personality, Siamese
cats remain among some of the world's most popular cat breeds.
Behavior
& Personality
Having socialized
with humans for centuries, the Siamese cat is well-versed in stealing
the hearts of their owners.
Their legendary
low-pitched call is a form of communication called "meezer". It often sounds like a crying baby, which almost guarantees our absolute devotion to them.
Siamese elegannce and aloofness contrasts with a loving, playful nature with those closest to them.
Although the
Siamese may seem aloof and stand-offish to strangers, Siamese
cat owners know well how playful and affectionate they can be. Their need for companionship is also evident in a notable aversion to being left alone for any length
of time.
Care &
Health
The Siamese
requires no special care other than an occasional brushing along
with plenty of opportunity for companionship, play, and exercise.
Inherited
defects include crossed eyes, kinked tail, and more serious but
less common conditions like nystagmus
(jerking or rotational eye movements) and congenital
heart disease.
More information
about Siamese cats around the Web:
Traditional
Siamese Breed FAQ - FInd information on the breed's
history, characteristics and behavior, recognized breeds, tips on care
and training, plus related references and links to breeders.
Cat
Fanciers' Siamese Breed Profile - Get expert facts and information
on the breed's origins, Siamese behavior and personality plus
related photos, resources and suggested reading.
Siamese (cat) - Find a great overview from Wikipedia with details on its history and breeding, temperament, care and feeding, famous owners, and lots of eye-catching photos, with related resources.