by Leigh-Ann Andersen

Created on: December 03, 2010

Of all the breeds of cats available in the world today, the Siamese is one of the most popular. They have unique and vibrant personalities, and are wonderful companions. For those interested in purchasing a Siamese kitten, there are some things to consider.

Selecting a breeder is the first step in purchasing your kitten. There are literally hundreds of Siamese breeders in the United States, and many more throughout the world. Don’t be too hasty in your selection. Do your research and ask for references. If at all possible, visit the breeder and take a good look at the facility.

When adopting any cat, Siamese or not, health is always a major concern. Ask to see the parents of the kittens, and enquire about the general health and well being of the parents. Pay attention to any mention of heart or liver problems with either parent, since these can be passed down to the kittens, especially with a breed such as the Siamese.

Take a look at the area where the kittens are kept, ensuring that it is free of dirt, fleas, and mites. Check to make sure all kittens are clean and healthy in appearance, and ask about a health guarantee. You want to make sure that if you take your kitten to the veterinarian and are told that your new family member is seriously ill, you can return the kitten for a refund.

Siamese kittens are highly social and quite dependent. They shouldn’t be removed from their mother before twelve weeks of age, or they could develop severe anxiety disorders. A breeder who encourages you to take the kitten home before this is likely not interested in the health and well being of the kittens.

Observe the kittens for a while. Do not pick a kitten simply because you like the way it looks. Watch them as they interact with each other. The happy and frisky kitten is the best pick for most people. The wallflower might not be feeling well, or might dash under the couch as soon as you get home. Look for the kitten that will be more compatible with your lifestyle.

You might notice that the kittens are either a creamy white, or that their markings are lighter than expected. This is normal. Siamese markings start to come in around four weeks of age, and don’t finish darkening until the kittens are approximately a year old.

Siamese kittens are very vocal and require a lot of attention. If you tend to stay home a lot, or can take the kitten with you, then your kitten will be happy and well socialized. If, however, you’re away from home for long stretches of time and it's not possible to have the kitten accompany you, a second kitten might be a viable option. No one likes to be alone, least of all a precocious Siamese kitten.

The choice to bring a Siamese into your home is not to be made lightly. They can live for fourteen or more years, and are full of energy and love. If you’re ready to love them and give them the attention they deserve, Siamese might be the breed for you.

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