April 6th is Siamese Cat Day, which honors some very special cats! These beautiful felines, sometimes known as Meezers, are highly charming. While all of our feline companions are loving and full of purrsonality, many people find that Siamese cats are, well, kind of extra. That’s not a bad thing: they’re also extra cute and extra lovable! In this article from Armitage Animal Clinic, a Newmarket, ON, veterinarian discusses Siamese cats.
Where Do Meezers Come From?
Fluffy developed in Thailand, once known as Siam. These adorable kittens have been around for thousands of years. They were previously the preferred pets of royalty. In fact, they are referenced in archives dating back to the fourteenth century! They were also mentioned in the Tamra Maew (The Cat Book Poems), which was published sometime between the 14th and 18th centuries.
The cats were considered sacrosanct and were frequently presented to foreign embassies and officials. That is clear from their name. In Thai, they are known as wichien-maat, which means “moon diamond.”
Fluffy traveled to the United States in 1878 and subsequently to the United Kingdom in 1884. She established her first fan club in 1902 and was officially admitted to the CFA in 1906.
What Color Is The Siamese Cat?
Siamese cats have gorgeous, individual coat patterns. They are usually very pale brown or white with dark tips and blue eyes. They are also considered to be quite intelligent and affectionate. They typically form very strong bonds with their people. They’re also very vocal, with a distinct, loud meow, and are highly outgoing. These mischievous, adorable, and frequently amusing kittens have a devoted following. In fact, they are one of the most popular breeds in the US!
What else is interesting about these guys? They can learn tricks! Many dogs like playing ‘fetch’ with humans. Fluffy may even like walking on a leash.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Siamese Cat?
Fluffy has a slightly longer average lifespan than most cats. Most of our feline companions will live between 12 and 19 years. Siamese cats can live for up to twenty years. One particularly ancient cat made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest kitten. Scooter, that furball, reached the ripe old age of thirty. That is actually pretty incredible for a cat!
What Are Some Of The Legends about Siamese Cats?
Fluffy has amassed quite a few legends. According to mythology, Buddhist monks kept Siamese cats to ward off bad spirits. The ancient Siamese people also believed that when members of the royal family died, their souls were reborn as Siamese kittens. This, of course, meant that the lucky cats were completely spoiled, with monks looking after them hand and foot. (Clearly, they have not forgotten this.)
Another old ‘tale’ about these adorable kitties involves their eyes. As you may have noticed, many Siamese cats are crossed-eyed. According to rumors, this occurred when a Siamese king assigned Fluffy the responsibility of guarding his treasured vase. The cat wrapped her tail around the vase, staring at it. She was so intent on her job that her eyes crossed and her tail kinked!
What’s a Fun Fact About Fluffy?
Meezers once busted two spies. In the 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, two of the cats lived at the Dutch Embassy in Moscow. The cats continued to meow and scratch at a specific location on the walls, alerting their people to something unusual. Officials took a deeper look and discovered two dozen hidden microphones in the wall.
Do Siamese Cats Have Special Care Needs?
Let’s begin with basic cat care. For the most part, Siamese cats require the same things as any other cat: good food, a clean litterbox, adequate veterinary care, and, of course, lots of affection.
Of course, it will take a little more than that to keep your feline overlord content.
Entertainment and stimulation are critical for these frisky felines. You will need to supply plenty of toys and make time to play with your kitty on a regular basis. Fluffy will also like a cat tower, as many Siamese cats like to look down on their kingdoms from high vantage points.
Fluffy may require a bit more attention than other cats. While some of our feline companions are aloof and independent, Siamese cats are incredibly friendly. Meezers are known to be lively and affectionate. They frequently accompany their people from room to room, chatting about anything and everything, from the moth at the window to the dust bunny behind the couch. They’ve even earned the nickname ‘Velcro kitties.’ In fact, they can become worried and lonely if left alone too often! If you’re thinking about adopting one of these adorable kitties and your pet will be spending a lot of time alone at home, you might consider getting two. You get double the cuteness, and your furry pal won’t be lonely while you’re out.
It’s also worth noting that Siamese cats can be rather sensitive. Never yell or scare Fluffy; she will definitely remember it, and may very well hold a grudge.
Another thing to be aware of? Fluffy is quite the escape artist! Many Siamese cats prefer going for walks on leashes, so if you enjoy being outside, you may want to consider giving this a shot. Make sure to ask your Newmarket, ON, veterinarian for more information.
Are Siamese Cats Always Loud?
Fluffy’s tendency to talk about everything is one of her most distinguishing characteristics. Siamese cats have characteristic meows that sound similar to the cries of human babies.
However, keep in mind that our feline pals have very unique purrsonalities. While many kitties are outspoken, some just don’t have much to say.
What Colors Are Siamese Cats?
all Siamese cats have whiter bodies and darker points. However, Fluffy can wear a variety of colors. The CFA offers four options. There’s the original seal point, which has tan fur with dark brown or black tips. The chocolate Meezer sports a browner body and points. A blue Siamese has bluish-gray points on a grey body, whereas a lilac has a white body. The International Cat Association also recognizes flame and cream, tabby points, and tortie points.
Meezers all have blue eyes. Fluffy can have long fur, but longhaired Siamese cats are quite rare. (Balinese cats resemble longhaired Siamese cats, so it’s not uncommon for people to confuse the two.)
Are Siamese Cats Popular?
The Meezer’s popularity peaked after World War II, when she was the most popular cat breed according to registrations. However, these beautiful cats did not always do well in the West. After Fluffy made her debut at the first cat show, a journalist said she was an “unnatural nightmare.” Ouch! Disney didn’t exactly do the breed any favors by portraying them as the feline villains in Lady And The Tramp! The Siamese did a bit better in That Darn Cat, another Disney film.
Visit Your Newmarket, ON Animal Clinic
Do you have any questions about caring for a Siamese cat? Has it been a while since your feline pal visited the animal clinic? Please contact us here at Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON, pet hospital, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs.
