In this article
The Siamese is one of the oldest and best-known cat breeds in the world. This profile draws on the CFA breed page and standard.
Origin
The CFA notes that the breed was first documented in a Thai collection of cat poems from the Ayutthaya period (1350–1767). The first known Siamese in the United States, named “Siam,” was given to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.
The CFA recognized the breed at its founding in 1906. At first only seal point was accepted; blue, chocolate and lilac followed in 1934, 1952 and 1955. FIFe recognizes it in category 4.
Size and build
The standard describes a medium-sized, svelte, refined cat; males may be proportionately larger. The CFA gives no weight range. What defines the breed is its long, elegant line.
Coat and colors
The coat is short, fine and glossy, lying close to the body. The signature is the pointed pattern: ears, mask, legs and tail darker than the body.
| Point color | Note |
|---|---|
| Seal point | The original color |
| Chocolate point | Recognized 1952 |
| Blue point | Recognized 1934 |
| Lilac point | Recognized 1955 |
All have deep, vivid blue eyes, with nose leather and paw pads matching the points.
Temperament
The CFA sums it up: vocal, affectionate, active; can be insistent. Siamese are highly communicative, seek warmth and close contact, often settle in a lap and have strong attention needs. Expect loud protests when left alone.
Grooming and care
- Easy coat: Siamese shed, but your hands or an optional rubber brush are enough.
- Bathing: generally unnecessary unless showing.
- Company and play every day matter more than any coat care.
Health
The CFA flags two conditions:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness. It is recessive and detectable with a genetic test; carriers can be removed from breeding or bred only to non-carriers.
- Amyloidosis, which affects the liver. It is harder to address because the responsible genes have not been identified. Breeders screen for affected relatives, and buyers should ask about any history in the kitten’s lines.
Changes in vision, loss of appetite, weight loss or yellowish gums need a vet. This content is informational and does not replace a veterinary visit.
Who the breed suits
People who want a talkative, present cat that sticks close to the family, and who are home for much of the day. Compare breeds in the cat breeds guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are Siamese cats really that loud?
It is a hallmark of the breed. The CFA describes the Siamese as vocal and highly communicative, with a wide range of sounds and body language, and warns it may protest loudly when left alone. If you want a quiet cat, look at another breed.
Can a Siamese be left alone all day?
It is not the ideal match. The CFA says the breed seeks close contact and warmth, often settles in a lap and has strong attention needs. In homes that are empty all day, a second cat and plenty of enrichment help.
Is every cat with dark points a Siamese?
No. The pointed pattern shows up in other breeds and in mixed-breed cats. A Siamese, by the standard, combines a svelte body, short fine coat, deep blue eyes and recognized point colors, and to belong to the breed it needs a pedigree.
What health tests should I ask about?
The CFA names progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness and has a genetic test to identify carriers, and amyloidosis, which affects the liver and has no test yet because the genes are unknown. Ask about both in the kitten's lines.