Siamese Cat History

Introduction

With their striking blue eyes and refined, slender faces, Siamese cats possess an aura. From its origins in ancient Siam (now Thailand), this breed has a history bathed in royalty, temples, and global recognition. This cat is famous for its striking colorpoint coats, intelligent disposition, and affectionate nature. Hence,  making it one of the globe’s most popular cat breeds. Guarding Buddhist monasteries to working in Hollywood, so,  its journey from the medieval kingdom of Siam to its modern-day home, is a demonstration of its ever-growing popularity. Knowing Siamese cat history is essential to fully appreciate this remarkable cat.

Origins in Siam

Ancient Siam and the Siamese Cat

The origin of the Siamese cat is in Siam centuries ago, today Thailand. Siamese cats were first bred by Siamese royals, and they cherished them as palace companions. The origin traces back to ancient literature. In addition, it is illustrated in “Tamra Maew” or the ‘Cat-Book of Poems. Their native Thai name, wichien-maat, or “moon diamond,” also reflects their worth.

Siamese Cat Legends and Lore

Legends show that Siamese cats guarded Buddhist temples and sacred animals. The search results don’t mention the legend of crossed eyes and kinked tail in so many words. So,  it’s a key characteristic of Siamese cat lore that is worth a mention if space allows.

Early Portrayals of Siamese Cats

Siamese cat’s name is in an ancient book called “Tamra Maew” meaning, ‘The Cat-Book of Poems, derived from the Ayutthaya Kingdom between 1350 AD-1768 AD. The first description and picture of the Wichianmat (Siamese cat) is in a collection of ancient manuscripts called the Tamra Maew (The Cat-Book Poems).

The Siamese Cat’s Journey West

Introduction to the Western World

The first reference in Western literature regarding the Siamese cat appeared in the 14th century when Giovanni de Marignolli, an Italian visitor, described encountering a cat whose fur was “soft and glossy” in the Kingdom of Siam. Two Siamese cats, named Pho and Mia, came to the United Kingdom in 1871 along with a British consul named Edward Blencowe Goappeareduld. The cats were a present to Queen Victoria.

Early Breeding Programs and Breed Standards Siamese Cat History

The queen became enamored of the cats. So they became favored by British nobles. Siamese cats came soon in European and North American cat shows. Within a decade, in 1906, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized them as a distinct breed.

Evolution of the Siamese Breed

Over time, the Siamese cat breed evolved as breeders bred for certain traits. In the 1950s and 60s, breeders began to favor a sleeker and thinner body, a longer, thinner tail, and a more pointed face. This new Siamese cat form, the “modern” Siamese cat, gained popularity quickly and is the most common type of Siamese cat today. The “old-type” Siamese has a round body and head. They register it as the Thai cat.

The Siamese Cat in Popular Culture

Siamese Cat History in Literature and Film

These cats featured in cartoon movies and TV shows throughout history and are now one of the most popular cat breeds.

Siamese as Companion Animals

The Siamese is an indigenous Thai domestic cat. Today, it’s one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America. They’re the epitome of “people cats,” for they love to play with their masters, sleep next to them, and pounce on their lap.

Siamese Cat Characteristics

Physical Traits of Siamese Cats

Siamese cats have a colorpoint coat, an outcome of albinism that’s temperature-dependent. Distinctive features like blue almond-shaped eyes, triangular head structure, large ears, long, thin, muscular body, and point coloration in all its different forms characterize the modern-style Siamese. Aside from the traditional “seal point” Siamese cat, whose points are dark brown and body cream-colored, nowadays there are many other Siamese cats with unique appearances. These are the “chocolate point” Siamese cat, with a chocolate-pointed coat and beige body, and the “blue point” Siamese cat, with gray-blue points and a white body.

Temperament and Personality

Siamese cats are highly intelligent and playful. They are highly affectionate and social. So, they can form strong attachments with their owners. Siamese cats are also famous for making a great variety of noises ranging from gentle chirps to screaming yowls.

How to Take Care of a Siamese Cat

Grooming Needs

Siamese cats are a low-maintenance breed. Because they have a short single coat, this cat breed requires little grooming. Light weekly brushing requires more than enough to keep their coat in top condition.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

These cats are extremely intelligent and active. This means that they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.

Health Considerations

Siamese cats are generally a healthy breed with minimal genetic problems and an average lifespan of 11-13 years. Upper respiratory illness, feline hyperesthesia syndrome, and mediastinal lymphoma are the most common illnesses in Siamese cats.

Conclusion

Siamese cats showcase an impressive tapestry of history and beauty from their ancient sacred beginnings in Siam to their status today as beloved companions. Hence, their conversion from temple guardians to cherished family pets shows how adaptable and enduring they are. With their bright blue eyes, personalities, and distinctive history, Siamese cats remain fascinating feline enthusiasts worldwide. As one of the oldest specifically named breeds of Asian cats. Thus, the Siamese become the hearts of millions and are a reflection of the range and splendor of the cat world. Their story reminds us of our bond with these amazing creatures.

FAQ On Siamese Cat History

• Q: Where do Siamese cats come from?
• A: Siamese cats originated in Siam, now modern-day Thailand
• Q: What is “wichien-maat” referencing?
• A: In Thai, within-maat means “moon diamond.
• Q: How old is the Siamese breed?
• A: Historians are not exactly sure how old the breed is, but one Thai manuscript, “Tamra Maew,” or “The Cat Book Poems,” appears to illustrate Siamese cats, anywhere from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
• Q: When did Siamese cats come to the West?
• A: The first recorded mention of the Siamese cat in Western literature occurs in the 14th century. They weren’t imported to the West, however, until the 1870s
• Q: How did Siamese cats originally come to America?
• A: They first appeared in the U.S. when President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes were given a Siamese cat by the American consul in Bangkok, David Sickels.
• Q: When was the Siamese cat acknowledged as a breed?
• A: The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized them as a separate breed in 1906.
• Q: Are Siamese cats talkative?
• A: Siamese cats are notorious for their signature vocal stunts and won’t hesitate to let their feelings and demands for attention be heard in sharp meows. Their meow has also been compared to a wailing, crying baby.
• Q: What is the modern Siamese cat like?
• A: Breeders, during the 1950s and 60s, began to prefer a leaner and more streamlined body type, with a thinner, longer tail and a more angular face. This new type of Siamese cat known as the “modern” Siamese cat, became popular very quickly and remains the most prevalent type of Siamese cat seen today.