Celebrate National Siamese Cat Day

April 6 is National Siamese Cat Day and I didn’t think I could top last year’s post. It focused on my love of meezers especially my soul cat, Merlin.

Well, it’s not hard to share more if you love Siamese cats like I do. I hope this love letter to the breed will make you appreciate them too!

 

This is the third in my mega love letter to meezers this week. Check out Tales from Siam: The Enchanted Origins of Siamese Cats

and 100 Unique Siamese Cat Names & Numerology Naming Tips

 

In a cozy Siamese cat nook,

Two felines would constantly look.

With eyes blue as the sea,

They’d plot mischievously,

And their tails would entwine like a book!

 

This post is dedicated to the memory of Merlin, my soul cat of 21 magical years. He was my muse when I launched Cat Wisdom 101 in 2011 and continues to inspire me creatively.

His archive of wit and wisdom live on in his column: Mondays With Merlin. Do a search. There must be over a 100!

 

 

In the feline kingdom, one breed stands out as a true marvel – the Siamese cat.

With their striking appearance, melodious voices, and enigmatic personalities, these feline companions have captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide for generations.

 

The Songbirds of the Feline Realm

 

 

Siamese cats are renowned for their vocal prowess, serenading their owners with a mesmerizing array of sounds.

From the soft trills that resemble a babbling brook to the distinctively raspy “Siamese yowl” that could rival an opera singer’s vibrato, these feline virtuosos never fail to captivate. Once you’ve heard it, you’ll never forget it. The photo above: Merlin age 21, on the way to the vet. I can still hear his guttural, elongated meow.

I’ve found their vocalizations louder than most cats making it a love it or hate it proposition.

But did you know that their vocal repertoire extends beyond mere meows?

Some Siamese cats have been known to mimic household sounds,

from the whirring of a vacuum cleaner to the jingling of keys – a true auditory delight or not 😉

 

 

Fashionistas with Feline Flair

 

Step aside, fashion icons! Siamese cats have been setting trends for centuries. With their sleek, elongated bodies and striking blue almond-shaped eyes, they exude an air of sophistication and elegance.

Their unique coloring, a combination of a light base coat and dark points on the face, ears, legs, and tail, is a result of a genetic mutation that causes partial albinism.

 

Those Eyes!

 

The Siamese’s trademark features are their vivid azure blue eyes and slightly cross-eyed expression – a striking and alluring combination.

The breed’s vivid cerulean gaze stems from genetics inhibiting eye pigment. Crossed eyes, known as strabismus, are a common trait in Siamese cats due to a genetic predisposition that affects the alignment of their eyes. The range of cross-eyed appearance in Siamese cats can vary from subtle misalignment to more pronounced deviation of the eyes from their normal position.

 

 

Cross eyes in Siamese are an inherited genetic trait linked to the same genetics that give them their pointed coat pattern.

Some Siamese cats may exhibit only a slight inward or outward turning of one or both eyes, while others may have a more obvious and noticeable cross-eyed appearance. Cross-eyed or not, they are fully accepted by breed standards.

 

Coat Color Magic

Siamese kittens are born completely white and gradually develop their color markings as they acclimate to cooler surroundings after birth.

 

 

Siamese cats boast a wide range of about 33 different coat colors, from silver-gray to orange, brown, cream, and blue or lilac hues.

The different color varieties are called points, including the main ones: seal point, chocolate point, blue point, lilac point, flame point and lynx point.

Their unique coat pattern results from a temperature-sensitive gene. When their body temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (around their nose, ears, paws, and tail), pigment production kicks in, creating those striking dark points.

 

Silky Smooth Companions

While all cats possess an inherent elegance, Siamese cats take it to a whole new level with their exquisitely fine and silky fur. I think it makes them look more slinky.

Unlike many other breeds, Siamese cats are relatively low-shedding, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a less hairy home.

Their short, sleek coats are not only visually stunning but also incredibly soft to the touch, providing a luxurious petting experience that’s hard to resist. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite things about the breed.

 

Fab Fastidious Felines

Cleanliness is next to cat-liness for the Siamese breed. These fastidious felines take grooming very seriously, meticulously cleaning themselves to maintain their immaculate appearance.

Their short, fine coats require minimal maintenance, but Siamese cats still dedicate ample time to their daily grooming rituals, ensuring that every strand of fur is in perfect order. It’s rare for them to need a bath unless they are show cats.

But it’s not just their physical appearance that makes them style mavens. These feline fashionistas have been immortalized in ancient Thai art, adorned with regal accessories fit for royalty. From ornate collars to jeweled tiaras, Siamese cats have been the epitome of feline high fashion since time immemorial.

 

Yes, the Siamese is An Ancient Breed:

 

Originating from the ancient kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand), Siamese cats have a rich history steeped in royalty and reverence. They were once considered sacred and were often found adorning the palaces of Thai nobility. They were first mentioned in a 14th C. Thai manuscript, making them one of the oldest cat breeds globally.

 

Kinky Tails in myth and fact.

 

 

The myths

• According to legend, a Siamese princess once entrusted her royal goblet to a Siamese cat for safekeeping. To provide extra security, the cat wrapped its tail around the golden goblet. The cat guarded it so diligently that its tail became permanently bent.
• The number of rings or kinks in a Siamese cat’s tail indicates how many past lives it has lived through (old Buddhist folklore).
• Having a kinked tail was considered lucky in ancient Thai culture, with more kinks bringing more luck

The facts

• Kinked tails are an inherited genetic trait caused by a mutation affecting tailbone/muscle development, not from external factors.
• Not all Siamese have kinked tails – straight tails are also acceptable per breed standards.
• They do not have any mystical significance and are similar to kinks that can occur in the tails of other cat breeds.

 

Agile Acrobats

 

In addition to their striking appearance and charming personalities, Siamese cats are known for their remarkable agility and athleticism. These feline acrobats can often be found gracefully leaping from one perch to another, executing gravity-defying jumps with ease.

Their lithe, muscular bodies and keen sense of balance allow them to navigate even the most precarious of environments, making them natural-born explorers.

 

The Enigmatic Intellects

 

 

Beneath their striking exterior lies a complex and enigmatic mind. Siamese cats are known for their insatiable curiosity, smarts and remarkable problem-solving abilities.

From mastering the art of opening doors and cabinets to unraveling the mysteries of the universe, these feline intellects approach life with a sense of wonder and determination.

Their intelligence is further evidenced by their ability to learn and retain tricks, with some Siamese cats even mastering complex skills and commands.

 

Extroverted Entertainers

 

 

Contrary to popular belief, Siamese cats are far from aloof or standoffish. In fact, they are the life of the party – social butterflies who thrive on companionship and attention. These feline extroverts are notorious for their affectionate nature, often forming deep bonds with their human counterparts.

Whether it’s following you from room to room or curling up in your lap for a cozy cuddle session, Siamese cats are the ultimate sidekicks, bringing joy and laughter to every moment.

 

Quirky Quirks: Wool Sucking and Pica

 

 

While undoubtedly charming, Siamese cats are also known for a few quirky behaviors that may raise an eyebrow or two.

One such quirk is their tendency towards wool or fabric sucking – a peculiar habit where they’ll knead and suck on soft materials like blankets, sweaters, or even human clothing. While the origins of this behavior are not fully understood, some experts believe it stems from a displaced nursing instinct or a self-soothing mechanism.

It’s not exclusive to this breed, pica can be more prevalent in Siamese cats and may require monitoring and intervention to prevent potential health issues from ingesting inedible objects.

Despite these idiosyncrasies, Siamese owners often find these quirky behaviors endearing, they add yet another layer of charm and personality to these already captivating felines.

So the next time you are lucky enough to find yourself in the presence of one of these magnificent felines, take a moment to appreciate the depth and complexity that lies beneath their mesmerizing exterior.

 

What is your experience with Siamese cats?

How will you celebrate National Siamese Cat Day?