Siamese Breed

Having been nurtured and protected within temple walls for centuries, a fact documented in art and literature, the Siamese became world-wide known through the royal family of Siam. This is the way this breed became known outside the borders of what we now call Thailand. Siamese began appearing in English cat shows in the late 19th century and in America in the early years of the 20th century. Seal point, the best known variety, was the colour of these early examples. While chocolate points did appear from time to time, it was the blue point that was the next colour of Siamese to gain recognition (1934). The chocolate point was recognised next, and in 1955, the lilac point completed the breed.

The Siamese distinguishes itself by its brilliant almond-shaped blue eyes and its coloured points on its ears, face, tail and feet which provide a striking contrast to its light coloured body. It has a long, slender body type and a long wedge-shaped head with huge ears. There also exist a more rounded type of Siamese, they are called the "Traditional" or "Applehead" Siamese. The Siamese is a vocal, lively, demanding and affectionate breed. The Siamese is warm, loving and a highly intelligent cat with a great sense of humour. They are naturals at inventing and playing games, using favourite toys to play fetch. The "ideal" Siamese is a svelte, graceful, refined cat of medium size with long tapering lines. It is in excellent physical condition, very strong, lithe and muscular. It has a distinctive combination of fine bones and firm muscles. Males may be proportionately larger. Its coat is short, fine textured, glossy and lying close to body.

The four main points are:

Seal Point: Body: even pale fawn to cream, warm in tone, shading gradually into lighter colour on the stomach and chest. Points: deep seal brown. Nose leather and paw pads: same colour as points. Eye colour: deep vivid blue.
Chocolate Point: Body: ivory with no shading. Points: milk-chocolate colour, warm in tone. Nose leather and paw pads: cinnamon-pink. Eye colour: deep vivid blue.

Blue Point: Body: bluish white, cold in tone, shading gradually to white on stomach and chest. Points: deep blue. Nose leather and paw pads: slate coloured. Eye colour: deep vivid blue.

Lilac Point: Body: glacial white with no shading. Points: frosty grey with pinkish tone. Nose leather and paw pads: lavender-pink. Eye colour: deep vivid blue.