As their name represents, Siamese cats originated from felines born in Siam in Thailand. No one can really know how they made it to the American lands during the 19th century. Luckily, the lovely breed has made its way to the country to become one of the most favorite cat breeds.
Here are some interesting Siamese cat facts:
1. Siamese Cats Are A Very Old Breed
A Thai manuscript called the Tamra Maew shows a description of the Siamese cats. That book was made between the 14th and 18th centuries which suggests that Siamese cats are a very old breed.
2. Siamese Cats Had Crossed Eyes Before
A lot of Siamese cats once had crossed eyes and kinked tails. Cat experts suggest that these features made the cats unwanted. However, these physical features were thought to be some kind of myth. But today, you can see a cross-eyed Siamese cat.
3. Siamese Cats Have Round Faces
Originally, the Siamese cats had a heavier body and a round face shape. Gradually, they were bred into the fine-boned shape they are today. You can see the variety in Siamese shapes in cat shows, however, some cat breeders still produce Siamese kitten with the traditional look.
4. The Siamese Breed Was Once The World’s Fattest Breed
On average, the male Siamese cat weighs up to 11 to 15 pounds (6.8 kg) and the female ones weigh up to 8 to 12 pounds (5.44 kg). The Guinness World Record does not want to encourage people to overfeed their pets for the sake of being registered. However, a Siamese cat named Katy has claimed the title of the world’s fattest cat earlier in 2003. Katy ended up reaching 50 pounds (22.68 kg) which is equal to the weight of a six-year-old boy.
5. Their Tips Are Temperature-controlled
First things first, Siamese cats have a white coat, dark paws, and ears, have you ever wondered why? Well, it happens because of the temperature-sensitive enzyme that makes the Siamese develop the color in all of their body. Originally, Siamese kittens are born with white fur then they develop their color points weeks later.
6. Siamese Cats Were Treated in a Royal Way
Today, most cats get treatment like royalty. That was the same case hundreds of years ago when many Thailand families treated Siamese cats were treated in a royal way. Siamese cats were thought to have the souls of the family members who had passed away.
7. A U.S President Once Had a Siamese Cat
The first Siamese cat that arrived in the U.S belonged to the president Rutherford B. Hayes‘ wife Lucy as a gift. In 1878, a U.S diplomat working at the consul in Thailand shipped one of the fines Siamese cats to the First Lady. Ever since that time, Siamese cats became one of the most favorite cat breeds of all time.
8. Siamese Cats Were Once Considered Spies
Two Siamese cats were extremely clever that they alerted their owners to hidden microphones at the Dutch Embassy in Moscow, Russia. Both of the cats were sleeping happily while, out of the blue, they started to jump on their paws and clawing the walls. The Ambassador, Henri Helb, thought that they must have figured out something that is not accessible to the human ears. After investigating, they discovered 30 tiny microphones hidden behind those walls.
9. Siamese Cats are Surrounded by Folklore
According to the legend, a clowder Siamese cat was thought to stand to protect the royal golden goblet. Unlike the common beliefs that cats do not care enough to do anything seriously, these Siamese cats took their job very seriously.
10. Siamese Cats Are Very Vocal!
Just make a quick search on YouTube and type “Siamese cat meowing”, you will be amazed by the results you get. There, you will see hundreds of videos of talkative cats meowing and talking to their humans. Siamese cats are expressive animals and are not shy about it. They can loudly express their feelings, needs or demands for attention with loud meows! Their meows have always been said to be as loud as that of a baby crying.
Siamese cats are one of the most famous, loved cat breeds of all time. They are energetic, active and affectionate cats. They do make the perfect pet for families with energetic members or children. They are known for living for a long time, so you can have fun with that energetic sweet cat for a long time.