Siamese cats are an elegant and one of the most popular pedigree cat breeds and has been with us for hundreds of years. As is the case with Birman cats, legend states that Siamese cats were sacred and guarded Buddhist temples. Siamese kittens were highly prized and it considered a great honour to be given one as a gift. Theft of one of the Royal Cats of Siam from the Royal Court was punishable by death.
Here are some interesting facts about Siamese cats:
The Siamese breed originated in Thailand (formerly known as Siam) in the 14th century.
All Siamese cats were born cross-eyed. This is due to a genetic flaw in their eye structure.
Selective breeding means that most Siamese cats will not be born cross-eyed.
Their average lifespan is 15-20 years.
Siamese cats made their debut in Europe in the 19th century.
Siamese kittens are albinos and are born completely white.
Siamese kittens will develop their colour following birth once they have been exposed to a cooler environment compared to the warm surrounds of the womb.
Back in the 14th century the royal family in Siam kept Siamese cats for their beauty and also because they believed their pet would receive their soul when they died.’
Siamese cats have appeared in popular movies such as “The Incredible Journey” and “The Lady And The Tramp”.
All Siamese cats have blue eyes.
Legend has it that Siamese cats would guard the king of Siam by sitting next to his throne and they would attack anyone who threatened the king.
Siamese cats will become very attached to one owner and will follow that person everywhere.
The majority of their colour pigment will be seen on their nose, ears, paws and tail, this is because these parts of the body are the coolest.
The Guinness Book of World Records reported that Scooter the Siamese cat lived to be 30 which made him the oldest living cat in the world.
A Siamese cat can be taught how to high five, walk on a lead and even how to play fetch.
Siamese cats need plenty of interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated throughout the day.
Siamese cats are one of the more vocal breeds.
Siamese cats love people, even children and strangers who may visit.
The Siamese cat has made it into the “Animal Planet’s Smartest Cat Breeds”.
Some celebrities who have owned Siamese cats are Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Ellen DeGeneres and John Lennon.