April 6th is Siamese Cat Day, which honors some very unique kittens. These stunning felines, sometimes known as Meezers, are not only highly charming, they are also extremely loving and purrsonable. While all of our feline companions are charismatic and full of cute quirks, many people find that Siamese cats are, well, a little extra. This article features a discussion by a local Cumberland County veterinarian on Siamese cats.

What Is Fluffy’s History?

Fluffy originated in Thailand, which was previously known as Siam. These adorable kittens have been around for thousands of years. They were traditionally the favored pets of royalty. In fact, they appear in records dating back to the 14th century! They were also mentioned in Tamra Maew (The Cat Book Poems), which was published sometime between the 14th and 18th centuries.

These pretty kitties were highly revered. In fact, they were often given as gifts to foreign diplomats and officials. Their favored status is clear in their name: they are known in Thai as wichien-maat, which translates to “moon diamond.”

Fluffy first arrived in the United States in 1878. She made it over to the United Kingdom in 1884. She got her first fan group in 1902 and was officially admitted to the CFA in 1906.

What Are Some Legends About Siamese Kitties?

There are quite a few of them! 

• Buddhist monks may have kept Siamese cats, believing that they kept evil spirits at bay. 
• The ancient Siamese thought that when a member of the royal family died, their souls were reborn as Siamese cats. This, of course, meant that the cats were completely treated and pampered, with monks looking after them hand and foot. (Obviously, they’ve never forgotten this.)
• Another old ‘tale’ about these adorable kittens concerns their eyes. As you may have noticed, many Siamese cats’ eyes are crossed. According to stories, this happened when a Siamese king assigned Fluffy the responsibility of guarding his treasured cup. The cat coiled her tail around the vase and peered at it. She was concentrating so hard on her responsibilities that her eyes crossed and her tail kinked!

What Are A  Few Fun Facts About Siamese Cats?

Here’s a really fascinating tidbit: Fluffy once caught two spies! Two Meezers stayed at the Dutch Embassy in Moscow during the Cold War’s peak in the 1960s. The kitties kept meowing and scratching at a certain location on the walls, alerting their owners to something unusual. Officials conducted a closer inspection and discovered two dozen hidden microphones in the wall.

What Should I Know Before Adopting a Siamese Cat?

Siamese cats, like all other cats, require nutritious food, a clean litterbox, proper medical care, and, of course, plenty of affection. Actually, make that loads of attention. Fluffy may need a bit more cuddles and playtime than other cats. While some of our feline companions are aloof and independent, Siamese cats are incredibly social. They’ve even earned the moniker ‘Velcro kitties.’ In fact, they tend to become worried and lonely if left alone for too long! If you’re thinking about adopting one of these adorable kittens, and your Meezer will be home alone a lot, you might want to adopt two. 

Meezers are recognized for their playful and cuddly personalities. They frequently accompany their people from room to room, chatting about anything and everything, from the moth at the window to the dust bunny under the sofa.

Something else you should know: Siamese cats can also be rather sensitive. Never yell at or scare Fluffy; she will remember it!

Keep in mind that Fluffy is a bit of an escape artist! Many Siamese cats prefer going for walks on leashes, so if you enjoy being outside, you might want to look into this. Make sure to consult your Cumberland County vets for training tips.

What Is So Unique About The Siamese Cat Breed?

Siamese cats have stunning and unique coat patterns. They are usually pale tan or white with dark tips and blue eyes. They are noted for their high intelligence and devotion, and often build exceptionally intimate ties with their people. 

Meezers are very talkative. They have a distinct, loud meow, and are fairly outgoing. These lovely kitties are full of mischief, lovable, and fun. It’s not hard to see why they have a dedicated following. In fact, they are among the most popular breeds in the United States!

We should also mention that these furry little lovebugs are capable of learning tricks. Many of them enjoy playing ‘fetch’ with their people. Fluffy may even enjoy going for a leashed walk.

Are There More Than One Kind Of Siamese Cats?

While all Siamese cats have lighter bodies and black points, Fluffy can wear a variety of colors. The CFA allows for four possibilities. There’s the original seal point, which has tan fur and dark brown or black points; chocolate, which is darker in body and points; blue, which has bluish-gray points on a grey body; and lilac, which has a white body. The International Cat Association also permits flame and cream, tabby points, and tortie points. 

The kitties all have blue eyes. Fluffy can have lengthy fur, though longhaired Siamese cats are extremely rare. (Note: Balinese cats resemble longhaired Siamese, so the two are sometimes confused.)

Of course, no matter what coat these kitties are wearing, they’re all gorgeous!

Are Siamese Kitties A  Popular Breed?

Fluffy’s popularity may have peaked after World War II: for a while, they were the most registered cat breed. However, these adorable animals did not always do well in the West. After Fluffy made her debut at the first cat show, a journalist referred to her as an “unnatural nightmare.” Disney didn’t help the breed by portraying them as the feline baddies in Lady and the Tramp! The kitties survived the bad PR, though, and are still quite popular today.

How Long Do Siamese Cats Typically Live?

Fluffy lives a slightly longer average lifespan than most cats. Most of our feline friends will live between 12 and 19 years. Siamese cats can live for up to 20 years. One particularly elderly feline made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest cat. Scooter, that furball, reached the age of 30. That’s incredible for a cat!

How Can You Keep a Siamese Cat Purring?

Let’s start with the basics of cat care. Fluffy will require a balanced diet, a clean litterbox, and adequate veterinary care to remain healthy. Of course, it will take a little more to properly satisfy your feline king.

These guys really need lots of entertainment and excitement. You will need to supply plenty of cat toys and make time to play with your feline friend on a regular basis. Fluffy will also like a cat tower, as many Siamese cats enjoy being up high.

Is The Siamese Cat Very Vocal?

Fluffy’s tendency to talk about everything is one of her most distinguishing features. Siamese cats have distinct meows that often sound similar to human newborns’ screams.

However, keep in mind that each cat has distinct purrsonalities. While many are fairly outspoken, there are a few that are silent. 

Do you have any questions about looking after a Siamese cat? Please do not hesitate to call us if your cat needs any type of veterinarian care. As your Cumberland County animal hospital, we are always purrfectly happy to help!