## The "talking" cat

The Siamese is one of the most recognizable and beloved feline breeds. Elegant body, intense blue eyes, dark "mask," unmistakable voice.

But it is also a breed **for the few**: the Siamese is not your typical quiet and independent cat. It is **vocal, exuberant, dependent**.

You either love it passionately, or you will never understand it.

## The history: from Thailand to European parlors

**Origin**: Thailand (ancient **Siam**, from which the name derives).

**History**:
- **14th century**: already documented in Thailand.
- Sacred dog of Buddhist monasteries.
- Given as gifts to European dignitaries since the 19th century.
- **1871**: first exhibition in England.
- Breed officially recognized by the end of the 1800s.

**Modern selection**:
- Body increasingly "tubular" (modern show line).
- "Traditional" line (apple head, rounder body).

## Physical characteristics

### Modern line (show line)

**Size**: 30-35 cm at the shoulder.

**Weight**: 3-5 kg (slim, never bulky).

**Body**: tubular, long, slender.

**Head**: triangular, elongated.

**Ears**: large and pointed.

**Tail**: long and thin.

### Traditional line

**Head**: rounder ("apple head").

**Body**: more solid.

**Appearance**: more "classic," less extreme.

## The "colorpoint"

All Siamese have **colorpoint** fur:
- Light body.
- Dark "points": muzzle (mask), ears, legs, tail.

**Colors of the points**:
- **Seal point** (dark brown): the most classic.
- **Blue point** (gray-blue).
- **Chocolate point** (light brown).
- **Lilac point** (gray-pink).
- **Red point** (orange).
- **Cream point**.
- **Tortie point** (tortoiseshell).
- **Tabby point** (striped).

**Curiosity**: the color of the points is **dependent on temperature**. The colder areas of the body develop pigment (extremities). Cats living in warm climates have lighter points.

## The eyes: the trademark

**Unique characteristic**: **intense blue eyes**.

It is no coincidence: the colorpoint gene is linked to the gene of **iridal hypopigmentation**.

**All** Siamese (and derived breeds) have blue eyes.

## The character: the real reason to love or avoid it

### Typical characteristics

**Extremely vocal**:
- Constant meowing, "conversational."
- Characteristic vocalization similar to that of a child.
- Constantly communicates with humans.

**Highly attached to the owner**:
- Chooses a "preferred" human.
- Follows them everywhere.
- Wants to be involved in everything.
- Suffer intensely from loneliness.

**Intelligent**:
- Among the most intelligent feline breeds.
- Learns commands.
- Opens doors, drawers.
- Solves problems.

**Energetic**:
- Hyperactive as a kitten.
- Adult: still active.
- Requires stimulation.

**Social**:
- Suitable for families with children.
- Great with other cats (preferably similar breeds).
- Also good with non-aggressive dogs.

### What you might not like

**Constant vocalization**:
- Some Siamese meow **dozens of times a day**.
- Especially if ignored.
- Particularly at night (if bored).

**Emotional dependence**:
- Never leaves you alone.
- Suffers greatly from loneliness.
- Ideally: in pairs.

**Destructive intelligence**:
- Opens refrigerators, cabinets.
- Finds creative ways to "disturb."
- Requires constant stimulation.

## Care

### Coat

**Short, shiny fur**:
- Weekly brushing (sufficient).
- Bathing rarely necessary.
- Simple maintenance.

### Feeding

- High-quality food.
- High protein (>40%).
- Active breeds require adequate portions.

### Exercise

- Intense daily play.
- Minimum 30-45 minutes a day.
- Mental stimulation (puzzle feeders, tricks).
- Vertical space (shelves, scratching posts).

### Health care

**Generally good health**.

Some predispositions:
- **Amyloidosis** (show line).
- **Strabismus** (cosmetic, not functional).
- **Feline asthma** (occasional).
- **Dental problems**.

Life expectancy: **15-20 years** (among the longest-lived cats).

## Relationship with other animals

**With other cats**:
- Great if compatible.
- Preferably another Siamese or similar breed (Orientals).
- Pair of Siamese = "vocalization multiplier" (guaranteed noise).

**With dogs**:
- Good if the dog is balanced.
- Siamese may "dominate" small dogs.

**With children**:
- Excellent (patient, social).
- Initial supervision recommended.

## The "related" breeds

**Oriental family**:
- **Balinese**: Siamese with semi-long hair.
- **Oriental Shorthair**: Siamese without colorpoint (various colors).
- **Tonkinese**: Siamese × Burmese (more balanced).
- **Burmese**: closely related breed.

All have a "Siamese-like" character (vocal, attached, intelligent).

## The cost

**Purchase**:
- Breeder ENCI/FIFe: €800-1,500.
- Show line: up to €2,500.
- Below €600: be cautious.

**Year 1**:
- Vaccinations, sterilization, microchip: €300-500.

**Annual**:
- High-quality food: €300-500.
- Veterinary care: €100-300.
- Accessories: €100-200.
- Total: €500-1,000.

**Total life (15-20 years)**: €10,000-20,000.

## Adopting a Siamese

**Ideal for**:
- People present at home many hours.
- Active families.
- Those seeking an intense relationship with their cat.
- Those who enjoy "conversation" with their pet.
- People with time for play and stimulation.

**Not suitable for**:
- People who work 9-10 hours outside without other animals.
- Those looking for a "quiet" cat.
- Those living in apartments with very sensitive neighbors.
- Those looking for an "independent" cat.

## Typical stories

**Positive story**:
- Active family with children.
- Siamese included in pairs (with another Siamese).
- Daily play.
- Result: happy cats, happy family.

**Negative story**:
- Single person working 10 hours outside.
- Siamese alone.
- Result: vocal, destructive, depressed cat.

**Lesson**: the Siamese **is not a cat for everyone**.

## The myths to debunk

**Myth 1**: "Siamese are mean cats."
**False**: they are hyper-social, not aggressive.

**Myth 2**: "Siamese have severe strabismus."
**Partially true**: some have mild strabismus, which is not functional.

**Myth 3**: "Siamese do not get along with other cats."
**False**: they do very well with compatible cats.

**Myth 4**: "Siamese are hyperactive."
**True**: but with adequate stimulation, it can be managed.

**Myth 5**: "Siamese are only for experts."
**False**: for anyone who understands their needs.

## The historical curiosity

Siamese were dogs **considered sacred** in Thailand. They lived in temples and royal palaces.

It was believed that they hosted **souls of deceased** members of the royal family.

When a royal family member died, **a Siamese was dedicated to them**: the cat lived in the temple after the owner's death.

A fascinating history that explains their modern veneration.

## The truth

The Siamese is one of the **best feline friends** for those who love:
- Constant conversation.
- Intense relationship.
- Dog-like cat (follows, plays, participates).
- Interactive intelligence.

And one of the **worst nightmares** for those seeking:
- A quiet cat.
- An independent cat.
- A cat that "doesn't cause trouble."

**Choose wisely**.

If it’s your cat: you will have 15-20 years of a unique, intense, deep relationship. The Siamese will never disappoint you. But it will ask for everything.

And it will be worth every meow.