Siamese, If You Please
This blue-eyed cat with colored points boasts a big personality.
By Michelle Jensen
Just about everyone is familiar with the Siamese cat and its antics. Whether from listening to the two ornery Siamese cats’ song in “The Lady and the Tramp,” watching the Siamese cat, D.C., help uncover the villains in Disney’s 1965 film, “That Darn Cat,” or reading the comic strip “Get Fuzzy,” it is apparent that the Siamese personality is well-known and unique.
History
The Siamese cat orginates from Thailand, (formerly known as Siam) and has existed there for centuries. It is estimated that manuscripts containing poems and illustrations of the Siamese were written in the 1700s. This collection of poems called “Tamra Maew” (Cat Poems), were translated into English and published in “The Legend of Siamese Cats,” by Marin R. Clutterbuck (1998).
The first imports to England were in the very late 1800s. The breed was so different from the cats Westerners were familiar with (the British Shorthair and the Persian), that the Siamese produced quite a mixed reaction.
One viewer commented that the Siamese was “an unnatural nightmare of a cat.” However, some fanciers took to the breed and the cats were bred and multiplied in the United Kingdom. During their early days in Britain, the Siamese cat was referred to as the “Royal Cat of Siam.”
The breed was in America by the 20th century. The Cat Fanciers’ Association Inc., officially recognized the first blue-point Siamese cat in 1934. By 1955, both the chocolate and lilac points were recognized by the association.
The breed grew in popularity, but two main body types emerged. The traditional (classic or applehead) body type is a muscular-bodied cat with a round head and normal-sized ears. This body type was the first of the breed to be introduced to the western world. However, the modern, show-style Siamese cat has a long, tubular body with a wedge-shaped head, large ears, almond-shaped eyes and long legs, tail and neck.
Not only is the Siamese a known and loved breed today, it can also be credited for the foundations of many other breeds. Some breeds derived from the Siamese include the Balinese (longhaired Siamese), Tonkinese (cross between Siamese and Burmese), Ocicat (cross between Siamese and Abyssinian) and Himalayan (orginially a cross between a Persian and a Siamese).
Appearance
The Siamese has blue eyes. Its body (traditional or modern) is light—white to fawn colored—featuring dark markings on the extremities: nose, ears, paws and tail. The colored points range from a dark chocolate to blue or lilac.
This color point phenomena occurs because of a partial albinism in which the color-producing enzyme fails to work at normal body temperature. This results in dark coloration on the coolest parts of the body. Siamese cats have a tendency to darken with age, and adults living in cool climates may become darker than adults living in warm climates.
The Siamese cat has very short hair, a flat-lying coat and little dander, making it a preferred breed for cat lovers with allergies.
A couple physical traits considered to be flaws prominent among Siamese are crossed eyes and kinked tails. Breeders have done well at eliminating these traits among purebred cats, but these traits may still exist in some of the non-registered Siamese.
Here I Am!
Despite their bad rap in some movies and cartoons, Siamese are friendly, social creatures. Siamese adult cats are more playful than other breeds, so retailers should inform potential owners that they need plenty of interaction. Toys such as dangle toys and laser pointers are a must for this social, active cat.
Known as a vocal breed, their distinct meow has been compared to that of a baby’s cry.
The Siamese is generally a good family pet, but may gravitate toward one person. On the other hand, they may not hesitate to run up to strangers insisting on being pet and engaged in verbal communication—they are just that friendly.
It is common for this intelligent cat to learn how to walk with a leash and how to fetch. This dog-like personality has a tendency to warm even the most fridgidly anti-cat person.
Siamese enjoy cat trees or cat condos to stimulate play and exercise. Since they like to be with people, these items should be placed in the room where the family or owner spends most of their time.
Siamese cats are not as active at night as other breeds, so owners should be informed that their cat may curl up and sleep on the bed with them through the night.
Diet
As is the case with all cats, Siamese need plenty of protien in their diet. The occasional low-calorie treat can be given as long as they are getting enough exercise. Treats that promote dental health or coat health are also an option, but don’t count on them to do all the maintenance.
A constant water supply is also necessary. Cats instinctively drink running water before drinking standing water, so customers may want to purchase a fountain.
Grooming
This breeds’ short, flat-lying coat needs little grooming compared to its long-haired companions, but a weekly brushing helps keep hairballs to a minimum. Remind customers to play with their kitten’s feet in order to get them accustomed to having their paws handled for nail clipping. Regular clipping helps keep nails from becoming too long or too sharp which is good for both pet and pet owner.
Stocking a variety of cat scratchers is a good idea. Retailers should encourage owners to provide a variety of scratchers around the home.
Regular home teeth brushing is also encouraged, so stock a variety of dental brushes to help customers prevent gingivitis and tartar buildup in their cat.
Retailers should also remind customers that any breed should have a yearly checkup at a local veterinarian to check the overall health of the cat. <HOME>
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