Siamese Cat: Breed Profile, Personality, Care, Price & Breeders

The Siamese is a graceful, blue-eyed cat known for its intelligence, sociability, and chattiness. It has its own opinion on every subject and believes it needs to share it with you. You’ll never feel lonely with a Siamese.

If you want a sweet, talkative kitten, the Siamese is the perfect choice. But keep in mind that cats of this breed shouldn’t be left alone for long. When left alone, Siamese cats get depressed.

What else should future owners know about the Siamese? How is it different from other cats?

Is it hard to care for, and how much will it cost to keep? You’ll find the answers to these and other questions in our article.

Siamese Personality and Traits at a Glance

Affection for family	★★★★★
Shedding	★★☆☆☆
Health	★★★☆☆
Playfulness	★★★★☆
Vocality	★★★★★
Good with kids	★★★★☆
Friendliness toward strangers	★★★☆☆
Ease of grooming	★★★★☆
Gets along with other pets	★★★★☆
Intelligence	★★★★★

Tolerance for being alone: 1

Never get a Siamese kitten if your home is empty most of the day. When left alone, Siamese cats suffer and become apathetic and listless.

These loving, gentle cats need to be the center of their people’s attention. They need care and proof of your love. Like little dogs, they’re ready to follow their owner everywhere. They’ll find something to do while you’re gone, but you may not like it. If your job keeps you away most of the time, consider British Shorthairs or the Scottish Fold.

Shedding: 2

The Siamese’s short coat has no undercoat, so it’s easy to care for.

You won’t have any problems with fur if you spend 15 minutes a week brushing your cat with a grooming mitt.

Activity level: 4

The breed is quite active and athletic.

Of course, Siamese cats aren’t as active as Bengals or Abyssinians, but they happily join in games with their family. They love to take part in everything the family does, follow people around, perform tricks, and do agility.

Vocality: 5

No other cat can boast such a melodic voice. Siamese cats talk all the time.

These cats are smart. They understand their owner’s tone of voice and answer in their own “cat” language. They meow to get attention, voice their requests, and report on the mischief of other pets. The Siamese voice has a distinctive husky quality.

When a female is in heat, her loud voice can become a real problem.

Good with kids: 4

The Siamese gets along best with active kids.

It will happily join in all the child’s games. But adults should explain to kids that strong-willed Siamese cats aren’t toys. They shouldn’t be squeezed, pulled by the tail, or held by force. These cats don’t like being treated that way and may use their claws and teeth.

Attitude toward guests: 3

Siamese cats love people but are wary of strangers.

They may not appreciate a guest’s attempt at physical contact and may react aggressively to a simple attempt at petting.

Gets along with other animals and dogs: 4

Siamese cats can get along wonderfully with other cats and dogs.

But they’re very jealous and will demand plenty of attention from their owner.

Ease of care: 4

Siamese cats are incredibly clean and shed little, so caring for them isn’t especially difficult.

Intelligence: 5

The Siamese’s intelligence is truly impressive.

It understands perfectly well what people want from it and most often happily responds to human requests.

Health concerns: 3

The Siamese breed has a genetic predisposition to a number of inherited conditions.

Read more about Siamese health in the “Health and Common Diseases” section.

History of the Breed

The Siamese comes from Thailand, which was once called Siam, and that’s where the cat’s name comes from. The breed has an ancient past. In Thailand, these cats, romantically called “moon diamonds” by the locals, were known as early as the 14th century. Siamese cats were considered sacred animals and were kept only by monks and members of the royal family. Until the 19th century, Europe and America knew nothing about this unusual breed, because the cats weren’t allowed to leave the country.

In Europe, the first Siamese cats were presented to the public at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in 1871. In the US, the first Siamese cat was brought as a gift to Lucy Hayes, the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1878. It was sent by David B. Sickels, an American diplomat stationed at the consulate in Thailand.

The breed didn’t win cat lovers over right away; these Eastern beauties looked too exotic. Today, the breed is very popular and recognized by all international cat associations.

Appearance

The Siamese stands out for its special grace, petite size, and a certain regal air that matches its personality. Siamese kittens are the only ones that weren’t crossed with European cats, which preserved their pure Eastern roots.

WCF Breed Standard

Body. Long, with elegant proportions. Not large. Slender and muscular.
Head. Wedge-shaped. The wedge starts at the tip of the nose and widens in straight lines out to the ears.
Muzzle. Narrow.
Neck. Slender and long.
Ears. Set as a continuation of the wedge of the head. Very large. Wide at the base and narrow at the tips.
Chin. Forms a vertical line with the tip of the nose.
Nose. Straight and long.
Eyes. Almond-shaped. A deep blue. Set at a slight slant.
Legs. Slender and long. The hind legs are longer than the front legs.
Paws. Oval and dainty.
Tail. Thin at the base and along its length, very flexible and long. The tip is pointed.
Coat. Short, with no undercoat. Glossy and silky. Lies close to the body.
Color. There are about 20 color varieties. “Points,” markings darker than the base color on the face, ears, legs, and tail, are required.
Weight. Not described by the breed standard. 6.5 to 13 lb.
Height at the shoulder. Not described by the breed standard. 9 to 10 in.
Lifespan. Members of the breed are considered long-lived. On average, they live 14 to 25 years.

Important!

Siamese cats are known for their long lives; some have been reported to live more than 30 years.

Siamese Cat Colors With Photos

There are more than 20 Siamese color varieties.

The best-known Siamese colors are:

Seal point (brown): a cream color that may shade to light brown. The points are dark brown.
Blue point: a snow-white body with bluish points.
Red point: a white body with red (apricot) points. There may be stripes on the markings, which isn’t a fault.
Caramel point (light cream). This color is a bit different from the traditional ones, since the cat can’t be called either white or brown. Its color has a magnolia tint, and the points are grayish pink.
Chocolate point. The body is ivory, and the markings range from chocolate (coffee with milk) to darker shades.
Cinnamon point (ivory). The body is ivory, like the chocolate point, but the markings are pinkish brown.
Lilac point (pinkish). The body is the color of whipped egg white, and the markings are light gray with a pinkish sheen.
Tortie point: a rather unusual color with a colored mask and matching markings on the legs, tail, and ears.
Tabby point: the markings are striped. The body is pale, with no shading (solid).

Important!

The points are caused by a gene that modifies albinism, and they appear as the cat grows, on the cooler parts of the body. Kittens are born completely white and darken with age. In colder regions, Siamese cats have darker points.

Living With and Caring for a Siamese

Short-haired Siamese cats are naturally clean and need minimal grooming.

The most important thing is to give them enough attention, care, and affection. Then the myths about the breed’s nastiness will stay just myths. In an atmosphere of love and care, these beauties become gentle, affectionate, and devoted pets.

What a Siamese Needs

These cats have a very short coat with no undercoat, so they’re very sensitive to cold. They can only be kept somewhere warm and draft-free. The ideal temperature for kittens is 77–82°F.

If your Siamese lives in a cool room, make its resting spot warmer with a cozy bed. In the cold season, you can put a hot-water bottle wrapped in a towel on the bedding. The breed is completely unsuited to living outdoors.

These cats are smart and quick, and they easily learn to walk on a leash (harness). Their habits are very dog-like, and you can teach them commands and tricks. Siamese cats love long walks and wouldn’t mind setting off on a trip on their own, so keep an eye on windows and outside doors. If you leave them open, the cat may slip out.

Siamese cats are very sensitive. They can tell different tones of voice and understand words. They’re also touchy. If you scold or punish your pet unfairly, it may hold a grudge and try to get back at you. Raise Siamese kittens and adult cats in a calm, loving atmosphere. These cats may bond with one family member, choosing that person as their owner, and they take separation from that person very hard.

Siamese cats are agile and love active games; they can race around the house for hours. It’s important that they have enough space. Put all dangerous appliances, electrical cords, and breakable decor out of the cat’s reach. Keep in mind that Siamese cats are very curious; they have the blood of hunters and explorers. They may climb into cabinets, nightstands, washing machines, and other unexpected places.

When their owners are away, they can get into mischief, and sometimes it’s destructive. Knocked-over flowerpots, unwound balls of yarn and rolls of toilet paper, a reprogrammed TV box: all of this may be waiting for you when you get home from work. These cats have nimble, very long toes, and they quickly learn to use them.

To keep a bored cat that misses you from wrecking your home, get it a few puzzle toys. Siamese cats are smart and love playing with them. To give your cat an outlet for its energy, you can build or buy a vertical multi-level cat house or activity center. But the best cure for boredom is a companion animal. Small active dogs or cats with a similar temperament make ideal companions for a Siamese.

These smart cats learn to use the litter box quickly. Your attention and praise are their main motivators. Don’t use punishment with them. An unpleasant tone or force will be met with resistance by these strong-willed, freedom-loving cats. An offended kitten may completely stop using the litter box. Sometimes adult cats do the same, as a way to protest and punish their owner.

What Care Involves

The coat is smooth and very short, with no undercoat. These cats don’t really need brushing; running a damp hand or a grooming mitt over the coat is enough to remove dead hair. The fur on the ears can occasionally be cleaned with a piece of velvet fabric. But caring owners don’t skip brushing; they brush their cats weekly with a wide-toothed comb or a natural-bristle brush. To give the coat shine, finish with a piece of chamois.

Siamese cats hate water. They’re panicky about it. They have no undercoat and are always cold, so don’t force them. Bathe them very rarely, only if the coat gets very dirty with something sticky or smelly (oil, tar, paint). Right after the bath, dry your pet thoroughly and wrap it in a warm, dry towel. To dry it quickly, you can use a hair dryer.

These Eastern beauties are prone to dental problems, so pay enough attention to their mouth and teeth. Check the teeth weekly and brush them with special toothpaste and a brush. Siamese cats should get used to this not-very-pleasant procedure from an early age. Special dental treats help clean the mouth. To catch and remove tartar in time, take your pet to the vet.

The breed uses the scratching post a lot, which naturally wears down the claws. If that’s not enough, trim the claws with clippers and smooth them with a special file. Do this gently and very carefully. Remember that Siamese cats are sensitive; if you hurt them, they may take offense. Ask your vet to show you how to trim claws properly.

Check your pet’s big ears once a week for unpleasant odors, crusts, or unusual discharge. Any of these are reasons to see the vet. If the ears are fine, clean them with a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil. Cotton swabs aren’t suitable for cleaning a cat’s ears. Your vet may recommend another ear cleaner from the pet pharmacy.

The cat’s almond-shaped eyes may sometimes get crusty. If this happens rarely and the discharge is clear and odorless, there’s no reason to worry. Just check and wipe your pet’s eyes with a cotton pad moistened with warm water. Pus-like or heavy discharge is a reason to see the vet.

Siamese cats are incredibly clean. So you’ll have to wash their bowls in hot water right after meals, every day. The feeding area also needs to be kept clean.

Siamese cats dislike bad smells and may refuse to eat in a dirty place. You also need to keep the litter box very clean; these tidy cats won’t use a dirty one.

Important!

Place the litter box as far as possible from the food and water bowls. A Siamese won’t eat where it does its business. Put the food bowls in a quiet, secluded spot.

How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Siamese?

What to Buy for Your Kitten

Essentials:

Two or three bowls (depending on the type of feeding). Choose a large water bowl; Siamese cats often like drinking from big containers. Price: $10–$25.
A litter box. A large one with high sides: $15–$40.
A wide-toothed comb or a natural-bristle brush: $10–$20.
A scratching post: $25–$60.
Toys. Choose puzzle toys and toys your cat can chase. Price: $20–$80.
A plastic carrier with a metal door. Price: $30–$60.
A bed. A warm one with sides: $20–$50.

Extras:

A vertical activity center. Price: $100–$400.
Nail clippers. Price: $8–$15.
A harness and leash. Price: $15–$35.
Cat-proof window screens. Price: $30–$80.
A water fountain. Some Siamese cats love drinking running water. Price: $25–$60.

Caring for a Siamese may cost $600 to $1,200 a year.

Your budget will depend on your means, the diet you choose, the type of litter, and your pet’s health.

Health and Common Diseases

Genetic Breed Abnormalities

Siamese cats can have congenital conditions specific to this breed:

Congenital crossed eyes (strabismus). A vision problem caused by abnormal development of the eyeball. It develops in cats with the acromelanism gene (Siamese, Thai). The gene affects the ability to see the world in three dimensions, so these cats see everything as a flat image.
A kinked tail. A kink in the tail is considered a breed fault. The bent vertebrae constantly pinch the nerve endings, so cats with this defect are in constant pain and discomfort and may become aggressive because of it.

Important!

In the former Soviet Union, people believed that a true Siamese should have a kinked tail and crossed eyes, and that it should be aggressive and vindictive. That’s because importing a real purebred cat into the country was very expensive, so the cats brought in were often rejects with developmental abnormalities.

Prevention

To avoid these health problems, choose your kitten responsibly. Ask the breeder for the kitten’s paperwork and its parents’ paperwork, as well as genetic test results.

The required list of preventive care should include:

vaccinations on schedule;
flea and tick treatments;
deworming;
vitamins.

If you’re not getting the cat for breeding, decide on spaying or neutering in its first year.

Preventive care may cost $300 to $500 a year.

Feeding

Choose your Siamese’s diet as responsibly as possible. These exotic Eastern beauties are known as very picky eaters and may be fickle in their tastes. Some of their preferences genuinely puzzle their owners.

For example, a Siamese may happily snack on nuts or mushrooms. They also love various fruits. But don’t indulge your pet; the owner should give the cat a balanced, carefully chosen diet. Whether it’s a natural diet or commercial food is up to you.

Raw and Homemade Diet

Meat should be the foundation of every cat’s natural diet. When planning a Siamese’s menu, keep in mind that too much red meat makes the coat of this breed darker. So 30% of the animal protein should come from fish.

Animal protein should make up 70% of the menu:

lean meat (rabbit, beef, turkey, chicken breast, lamb, game);
ocean fish (cod, tuna, flounder);
shrimp;
quail eggs;
beef liver, 1–2 times a week.

What else the diet should include:

fat-free cottage cheese;
kefir and plain yogurt;
vegetables (carrots, broccoli, zucchini, pumpkin, pattypan squash, cauliflower);
fruit (apples, pears, bananas) as a treat;
olive oil;
greens (spinach, lettuce);
brewer’s yeast;
bran;
dried seaweed (kelp).

All cats on a natural diet are prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements.

Forbidden foods:

bones (chicken, fish);
milk;
sweets;
baked goods;
onion and garlic;
fatty pork;
sausage;
beans;
smoked foods;
spices.

The daily portion is calculated with this formula: 7–7.5% of the cat’s body weight. Two meals a day are enough for adult cats.

Important!

Don’t forget about access to clean water. It should be available around the clock. Many Siamese cats like drinking from big dishes or straight from the faucet, so pour their water into a big dish or buy a water fountain.

A natural diet will cost about $40–$80 a month.

Commercial Cat Food

When choosing a commercial food, consider your pet’s condition, age, and activity level. Rule out cheap economy foods from the start. Purebred cats need high-quality super-premium and holistic brands. And don’t forget the breed’s special trait: alternate meat and fish recipes.

Recommended brands available in the US:

ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free, a high-quality holistic dry fish food;
ACANA Grasslands Grain-Free, a dry meat-and-fish formula;
Weruva wet food, with a number of fish and seafood recipes;
Royal Canin Savor Selective, for picky adult cats;
Instinct Original Grain-Free, a chicken-based food;
Royal Canin Siamese Adult, for adult Siamese cats.

The daily portion is calculated based on your pet’s age, weight, and activity level. On average, Siamese cats need 1.6–2.5 oz of dry food a day.

Feeding your cat will cost about $25–$55 a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Siamese cats live as house cats?

Cats living with a family can live a long life of 15–25 years. Some exceptionally long-lived members of the breed have reportedly lived past 30.

How much do adult cats and kittens weigh?

Siamese males are somewhat larger than females. At three months, females weigh 2.2–3.3 lb and males 3–6 lb. By six months, females reach 3.7–5.3 lb and males 5–9 lb. Adult females weigh 7–9 lb, and males 9–13.5 lb.

Do they like being held?

Siamese cats are affectionate and gentle with their own people. They may ask to be picked up or sit in your lap. Some even meet you at the door and ask to be held. With strangers, they may not.

Can they live outdoors?

No. These cats are very sensitive to cold. They can’t even be kept in a cold room.

How aggressive is the breed?

There are legends about how aggressive Siamese cats are. But they’re only legends. True purebred Siamese cats are affectionate pets that become very attached to people. The myth about their vindictiveness and aggression arose in the Soviet era, when cats with genetic defects and behavioral problems were imported into the country. Modern purebred Siamese cats are smart and strong-willed, but not aggressive.

Do they like to scratch and climb?

They do, if they’re bored. Don’t leave your pet alone for long periods, and give it toys it can play with while you’re away.

Is this breed hypoallergenic?

The short-haired Siamese is a potential problem for allergy sufferers. Its relative, the Balinese, sometimes called the long-haired Siamese, is considered less allergenic.

Does the coat need grooming?

The coat needs minimal care; the breed has a short coat with no undercoat. Some owners simply run a damp hand over the coat to remove dead hair. You can also brush your Siamese once a week with a natural-bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb.

What eye colors do they have?

Cats of this breed have deep blue or sapphire eyes. Don’t believe anyone who offers you a purebred Siamese with a different eye color. Green, copper, and yellow eyes are breed faults.

Is the breed prone to heart disease?

Unfortunately, Siamese cats have an inherited predisposition to heart conditions, such as an enlarged heart and aortic stenosis.

At what age do they stop growing?

Siamese kittens reach adult size by 2 years old. By then, their coat and eye colors should be fully formed. In some cats, growth is complete by 1.5 years.

Reviews From Siamese Owners

Kirill: “I named my Siamese Klitschko. He was originally Piglet, but his fighting spirit decided his name and his destiny. People say Siamese cats are brawlers. It’s true. But out of respect for my cat, I’ll say that people have never suffered from his long claws, though the furniture and curtains have, regularly! Klitschko is a stubborn guy. He refused commercial food right away, even though I offered him the most expensive options. He eats only human food, including bread and butter and caramels. I know it’s bad for him, but that’s just how things turned out.”

Nikita: “When a blue-eyed kitten out of the whole litter jumped into my arms, this bearded engineer’s heart melted. I named him Pepper, in the hope that he’d grow up to be a hot one. Pepper is still growing. What can I say: like all Siamese, he has a spicy personality. First, he’s decided that the bathtub makes a great toilet, big and white, and so far I can’t convince him otherwise. Second, this cheeky guy sleeps only on my head. It feels like I grow a second beard at night. But that’s the end of his flaws. Pepper is a real man’s cat, rugged and playful at the same time.”

Slava: “Cats with similar coloring are often called Siamese. That’s where the myth about their aggression, vindictiveness, and sloppiness came from. In reality, true Siamese cats are an elegant breed in every sense. They’re tactful and unobtrusive; even when they miss their owner, Siamese cats don’t beg for affection but wait for it graciously. Of course, they don’t care for overfamiliarity, but if you remember that, you can build a wonderful partnership with your Siamese.”

How Much Does a Siamese Kitten Cost?

In the US, a Siamese kitten from a registered breeder typically costs $400–$2,500. Most pet-quality kittens cost $400–$1,000.

What Affects the Price

The price depends on:

the kitten’s class;
sex;
color;
age;
the cattery’s reputation;
the parents’ titles;
whether the kitten is sold with or without breeding rights;
pedigree.

Class has the biggest effect on the price:

SHOW: kittens sold with breeding rights that can compete in shows. Price: about $1,500–$2,500;
BREED: healthy kittens with no genetic conditions and good traits, with minor deviations from the standard; they can be shown and bred. These cost about $1,000–$1,500.
PET: companion cats without breeding rights that aren’t allowed in shows. Price: about $400–$1,000.

Where to Buy a Siamese Kitten in the US

The Siamese is very widespread and popular, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one. There are Siamese catteries and breeders all over the US.

Start with the breeder directories:

CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) Find a Breeder – https://find-a-breeder.cfa.org/;
TICA (The International Cat Association) breeder listings – https://tica.org/find-a-cat/find-a-cat-breeder-listings/.

Siamese Catteries

Klazeekats Cattery (Needville, Texas; CFA and TICA, established in 1984);
Jedicat Cattery (Kansas City, Missouri; CFA; Siamese and Colorpoint Shorthairs);
Katsmith Cattery (Orlando, Florida; CFA Cattery of Distinction);
Kristal’s Siamese Kittens (Cambridge, Massachusetts; CFA).

Similar Breeds

Many people think they know what a Siamese looks like, but it’s sometimes confused with other breeds (Orientals and Thai cats). These are indeed related and very similar breeds.

If you’ve read our article and still aren’t sure about the breed, consider these breeds: the Tonkinese, a breed created by crossing Siamese and Burmese cats, and the Mekong Bobtail, a short-tailed cat with habits that resemble the Siamese.

Sources:

https://www.thesprucepets.com/facts-about-siamese-cats-4173491

http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/siamese#1_ugw20zmq

https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/siamese-cats#/slide/1

https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breeds/siamese