by Annie Jane

Created on: December 20, 2008

HISTORY

The Siamese originated from Thailand; thought to be one of the oldest breed still alive, although the exact date of appearance is unknown, but some documents are as old as the 1700's. The cat's, however, didn't make it out of Asia until around 1884, when Jane Veley of England received two Siamese cats from her brother Edward Blencowe Gould who brought them back as a gift. The two cats, Pho and Mia, went on to have three kittens a year later, which died for unknown reasons. Siamese today are similar, if not twins, to their ancestors from Thailand.

APPEARANCE

Kittens are born cream white, but within the first few months they begin to get darker points (the dark spots on head and feet). When they reach about four months old, you can usually tell what color they will be. Siamese that live in warmer climates are usually lighter than those in colder climates. However, like all Siamese, they will darken with age. Siamese are sometimes referred to as "apple-heads" due to their heads; which are very long, but have very aligned chins. Siamese have beautiful blue, almond-shaped eyes. A majority of Siamese were once said to be cross-eyed, but has been corrected through selective breeding. The Siamese have smooth, short, flat-lying coats. Their hearing can sometimes be bad, but usually not deaf.

Seal points are a brown, almost black, with pale bodies. Chocolate points have milk chocolate on their legs, tail, and face with creamy white bodies. Blue points have a bluish-white body with blue points. Lilac points have white bodies which pinkish gray points.

TEMPERAMENT

Siamese do not adapt well to changes or strangers due to their nervous and very sensitive temperaments, but they do like people and being social. Some people refer to Siamese with "people personalities" because they communicate with not only their voice, but their body too. They love being the center of attention and in the life of the party. They are affectionate, and very intelligent cats, as well as famous for being quite the singers. They are very vocal with low-pitched, but loud, voices. Sometimes, Siamese have habits to bond to one person. Even as adults, Siamese tend to be very playful and active.

FAMOUS SIAMESE CATS

Am and Si Siamese duo from lady and the tramp

Kit from charmed

Nemo a travelling buddy for British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson

Shan Shein White House cat for the Ford family

Bucky Katt from Get Fuzzy

Shan Dara from novel The Cat Master

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