The Siamese cat, along with the Persian, is one of the oldest and most famous cat breeds. The origin of the breed is a widespread mutation that occurred over 500 years ago and originated in Asia, namely Siam, today's Thailand. Siamese cats did not find their way to the western part of the world until the late 19th century and were kept primarily in royal courts as a status symbol.
Personality of the Siamese cat
The elegant Siamese cat captivates with its blue eyes and affection. Siamese cats are sometimes jokingly called “the dog among cats.” This name comes from the fact that they allow a person to educate himself to a certain extent. However, they study as much as they want. Anyone who tries to teach a Siamese cat anything by force will become familiar with its claws. She forms a very close bond with her owner and even learns to walk on a leash.
Siamese cats are very active cats that have a clear need for companionship. It is best to keep them in twos because they have a strong social behavior and can interact with each other for hours. When playing with other Siamese cats, they demonstrate their cheerful temperament. Intelligence and good nature make the Siamese cat an ideal family cat.
Young Siamese cats become sexually mature earlier than many other breeds, namely four to six months. The cat is ready to mate every two weeks. After 63 to 69 days of pregnancy, the Siamese cat gives birth to four to six kittens. Sometimes more. Kittens develop relatively quickly compared to other breeds.
Description of the breed
The Siamese cat is medium in size and is characterized by a thin but muscular build. A female cat weighs three to four kilograms, and a female cat weighs four to five kilograms. The elegant, sleek Siamese cat has surprisingly long, narrow limbs, with the hind limbs slightly longer than the front. Its small paws are oval shaped. The tail is long, thin and ends in a pointed end.
The neck is similar to the rest of the body, long and narrow. The head is medium in size and wedge-shaped. The chin and ears form almost a triangle. The nose is long and straight, and the chin is barely defined. The pointed ears are large and slightly diagonal. The eyes are almond-shaped, slightly slanted and spaced far apart. Typical for a Siamese cat - bright Blue colour eye. The coat is short and has a small undercoat because the breed originated in warm Southeast Asia. The wool is very soft and shiny.
The Siamese cat is one of the most demanding breeds. She requires a lot of attention from her owner because she is very affectionate and prone to jealousy. She doesn't like other animals in the house, but she feels very comfortable in the company of others. Siamese cats. Therefore, she cannot be left alone. Because of its temperament and pronounced love of play, the Siamese cat needs a lot of space in the apartment.
A common problem in keeping Siamese cats is their sensitivity to cold and wet conditions. You should never expose Siamese cats to drafts. Additionally, the Siamese cat tends to have poorer vision at night than other breeds. After washing, it must be dried thoroughly. But the shorthaired Siamese cat's coat is very easy to care for. It is enough to clean it with a brush. If you keep two Siamese cats, you have even less work to do because the cats love to groom and clean each other.
Typical diseases of Siamese cats
Siamese cats suffer from hereditary diseases and inherited developmental defects. The latter includes a broken tail, which was previously considered a feature of the breed. Today, animals with broken tails are no longer used for breeding.
Inherited diseases include retinal atrophy, in which the retina of the eye is destroyed due to metabolic problems. This is often revealed by the fact that the cat cannot see anything at night. Other common eye conditions include squinting and tremors. This is likely due to a lack of melanin, as the Siamese cat is a partial albino. However, these disadvantages are unlikely to limit the cat.
Siamese cats may inherit thickening of the inner heart wall. This leads to a heart murmur and increased heart failure. For other hereditary heart disease, the aorta and trunk pulmonary artery not associated in newborn Siamese cats. As a result, the kitten is very weak and this can lead to heart failure.
In addition, there are known diseases caused by metabolic disorders in which few red blood cells are produced. Siamese cats with this inherited condition suffer from anemia and increased sensitivity to light. In addition, the breed is susceptible to a disease in which insoluble protein is deposited in the organs, especially the liver or kidneys. Over time, this can cause damage to these organs.
Additionally, Siamese cats may experience a disorder in which waste products of metabolism, such as amino acids, are no longer broken down. They accumulate in the brain and damage it. With a genetic test, a veterinarian can easily identify the disease to prevent inheritance. For certain types of cancer, Siamese cats are two to eight times more likely to develop the disease than other breeds.
Turkish Angora (Angora cat)
Turkish Angora is one of the most popular breeds cats. On the one hand, this is due to her striking appearance, and on the other, to her wonderful character. If you want to know more about cats with luxurious coats, we will be happy to provide you with all the information important information about the breed. ...
Cat breed: Russian Blue
Russian Blue is a breed of domestic cat with a very characteristic appearance. Representatives of this breed have blue-gray, silky shimmering, very thick fur, emerald-colored eyes and a smiling facial expression. The legs are long, the body is slender and athletic. This is a calm, balanced and pleasant cat, which, when meeting a person, begins to trust him very much. ...
German longhair cat: description, character, care, typical diseases
The German Longhair impresses not only with its noticeably long coat, but also with its strong character. It is therefore not surprising that this cat was originally bred in the 19th century and is still widespread today. ...
Scottish Fold (Scottish Fold): description, character, care, typical diseases
Quiet, gentle, but still very sociable: the Scottish Fold has very special traits and a special appearance that makes it so popular among many cat lovers. Our article on the Scottish Fold clarifies the character and care of the cat of this breed, as well as much more. ...
Persian cat: description, character, care, typical diseases
The Persian cat is one of the oldest and most popular cat breeds in the world. Her distinctive appearance with close-set eyes and a short, prominent nose gives the impression of arrogance and inaccessibility. But in fact, the Persian cat is a very pleasant and calm breed, whose pleasant character delights many cat lovers. ...
Eyes are the mirror of a cat's soul
Where does nystagmus come from?
Let's look at the anatomy. The eyes play a very important role, and it is impossible to imagine maintaining body balance in space without clear vision. After all, between the eyes and other organs vestibular apparatus there is a close connection. Thus, it can be argued that the eyes for our brain are sensors that transmit readings to the brain, and it already analyzes it and makes decisions on what to do next. But,
when a cat begins to have nystagmus, this indicates damage to the brain as the main center.
Types of nystagmus
I would like to immediately note that such a disorder can be either acquired or congenital. The latter is typical for representatives. Kittens with nystagmus are often born there.
As for acquired nystagmus, the cause may be:
- injury,
- severe stress,
- transferred disease.
And if congenital nystagmus is not treated, then acquired nystagmus can and should be fought. However, not with the symptom of spinning eyes itself, but with its root cause.
Nystagmus can also be pendulum - in this case, the speed of eye movement is the same in all directions. And also clonic - in this case we can distinguish slow and fast phase pupil movements.
Root causes of nystagmus
Veterinarians have been able to identify the most common root causes of nystagmus in cats. These are the following manifestations:
- Albinism - in this case, the cat has a problematic picture of retinal pigmentation, worsening visual function, the animal may lose its vision.
- – against the background of cataracts, glaucoma, dry keratitis or conjunctivitis, nystagmus may develop.
- Inflammatory processes inner ear- When main body The vestibular system fails, and vision suffers.
- Reception medicinal products– in particular means for treatment neurological problems in cats.
- Physiological pathologies - some cats develop swan neck syndrome between 4 months and 12 months. The cat walks with its head tilted to one side and its pupil is spinning.
Siamese cats are one of the oldest and most popular breeds in America, according to the CFA. Like any purebred, Siamese cats are prone to certain genetic diseases. The fact is that the more diverse the gene pool, the healthier the animal. This is why mixed breeds tend to be healthier.
We were not once so fragile and tender, but today everything has changed. Responsible breeders worked to develop the breed in order to eliminate the genetic predisposition of these cats to certain diseases. But, alas, it is not possible to completely rid this sensitive animal of the onset of diseases.
Siamese cats, as a rule, have always been quite difficult to tolerate anesthesia, unlike cats of other breeds, therefore usual procedures, such as sterilization or dental work can be much more difficult for them. In addition, some Siamese cats still carry the gene for convergent strabismus or cross-eyedness. Although it looks funny, it does not change behavior or ability to good eyesight in a Siamese cat. Another common problem is a kinked or broken tail, which is often found in cats of this breed in various options. It was once mandatory for a show cat to have a curved tail or multiple coccygeal hemivertebrae, but breeders, recognizing the kink as a violation of the breed standard, have worked to eliminate the gene that causes this trait.
Respiratory problems in Siamese cats
Siamese cats tend to be prone to respiratory problems, but this is only a problem in young cats. Infection of the upper respiratory tract usually caused by one of two common pathogens. Calicivirus lasts about a week and manifests itself with nasal syndrome and discharge from the eyes, ulcers around the mouth and nose, general malaise, and widespread pain in the cat's nose and mouth. Feline rhinotracheitis can last from two to four weeks and is characterized by sneezing and increased salivation. However, most healthy adult Siamese cats do not develop these diseases. viral diseases, because, like other purebred cats, they usually live indoors and until vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Siamese cats are sociable and intelligent, they need company. This is why so many Siamese cats in shelters need help. They do not tolerate living and staying in such institutions well, because they become depressed. They are better off in foster families. One of the ways to emphasize the Siamese’s refusal to live like this is the appearance psychological disorder entitled psychogenic alopecia, in which they obsessively lick their fur and develop bald patches. This tendency to excessively lick can also be caused by boredom or anxiety, such as when moving to new house, when a new family member appears or problems with other cats.
Vestibular disease in Siamese cats
Some Siamese cats develop vestibular disease. This is a genetic problem that is associated with inner ear, in particular the nerve serving hearing aid. A cat with vestibular disease exhibits signs consistent with loss of balance, such as head tilt. The cat may be disoriented and dizzy. This is a relatively minor problem and the issue usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. If this seems to be too much for your cat, your veterinarian may prescribe medication.
Scientists have also identified a number of other diseases that a Siamese cat may be prone to, but they are still much less common. These include the following:
- mammary cancer (most often in unspayed or unspayed cats);
- some hereditary myocardial dystrophies;
- skin asthenia – hereditary disease connective tissue in Siamese cats, when the skin becomes soft and breaks easily;
- gastric hypokinesia – frequent vomiting;
- asthma - in rare cases, allergic in nature;
- endocrine alopecia – if not psychogenic, the cause must always be established;
- feline hyperesthesia syndrome - licking the back and tail with purring;
- pyloric dysfunction - narrowing of the lumen between the stomach and intestines;
- sphingomyelinosis is a disease nervous system, the appearance of blindness due to insufficiency of the enzymatic system.
Siamese cats live longer than other breeds - about 20 years or more, and are known to be a very healthy breed.
Siamese cats. Character, care, diseases and treatment
Business card Siamese cats - an original color of the paws, not found in any of the cat breeds. They are also distinguished by their lightness, small size and head, shaped like an arrowhead. No breed can boast of being related to the Siamese, whose uniqueness has never been diluted by crossbreeding.
Siamese cats. A little history
Siamese cats come from Thailand, then called Siam. They were surrounded by an aura of holiness, revered in temples, participated in the rituals of the royal family and were protected by a law that prohibited the export of Siamese from the country. Later, the taboo was broken by the ruler himself, and Siamese cats began to breed in Europe.
The Siamese cat is a frequent character in Thai legends. For example, one of the myths tells of a princess from Siam who uses a cat's tail as a storage for rings while bathing in a river. One day the cat “didn’t keep track” of the jewelry: it disappeared wedding ring, the infanta has since secured the tip of her pet’s tail with a knot.
By the way, the tail used to have knots and creases hallmark this breed. Later it turned out that similar features appear in offspring from close relatives: now their presence indicates insufficient purity of the litter.
The homeland of the Siamese cat has been established, but its ancestors are still unknown. The most likely version is wild bengal cat: the gestation time for both individuals is the same and lasts more than 65 days, but all other cat breeds bear kittens for 55–65 days.
IN late XIX century, the king of Siam made a generous gift to the English monarchs, which was brought by the consul and served as the beginning of the spread of Siamese cats throughout European territory. Later, the breed appeared on the American continent and in other countries. Siamese breed Today there are four dozen species.
Pedigree kittens are initially snow-white, but later their color changes. The colors of the coat are dark brown (seal-point), chocolate, lilac and blue, its texture is short, thick and shiny. The Siamese cat is graceful due to its small size and thin bones, but has strong, muscular legs.
Main distinctive features A purebred Siamese cat is considered to be:
- eyes, their shade should be bright blue (green is occasionally found), and their shape should be almond-shaped;
- the tips of the paws with a unique darkening (this color is possible due to the difference in skin temperature: in the colder extreme areas, dark pigment predominates in the fur);
- "mask" on the muzzle.
- Breed standards
- The following indicators are typical for Siamese cats:
- a small, graceful and muscular body, an elongated and thin neck, as well as shoulders and chest, equal in width to the hips;
- long thin limbs with compact oval paws;
- a tail resembling a long whip, pointed at the edge;
- a wedge-shaped head, an elongated straight bridge of the nose, a smooth forehead, a narrow muzzle, a shaped chin;
- almond-shaped eyes, color – azure or bright green;
- impressively sized triangular ears;
- *coat with short, satin and densely growing hair, no undercoat.
Character of Siamese cats
Siamese cats have a keen mind and a passion for understanding the world around them. A future owner who decides to purchase a representative of this breed must be prepared for its jealous and not always predictable character: the pet prefers the company of its owner and tries to accompany him everywhere.
They need to devote a lot of time, but those who are patient and loving will be rewarded: Siamese are playful, gentle and selflessly devoted to their owner, they are well trained and are able to demonstrate all sorts of tricks. Many owners note that the habits of this breed are somewhat similar to those of dogs: in return for attentiveness, love and patience, Siamese cats bestow devotion and affection.
The voice of a Siamese cat is quite unusual: it is loud, with a harsh timbre, and at the same time cats love to talk. You should not buy this breed if such modulations irritate you, and if an active and energetic pet is a burden to you. Mobility and a constant desire to be in sight, in the thick of things, will be very useful in a large family: the cat will be satisfied, having received its share of attention from everyone, while no one will have time to get bored.
not whimsical when it comes to heat
If there is already another pet in the house, a cat or dog breed, then their compatibility with the Siamese cat will depend on the characters of both parties: both development options are equally possible.
How to care for a Siamese cat
Thanks to short hair and the absence of undercoat, care for the Siamese cat is reduced to a minimum. It is very easy to comb it, even the owner’s hand is suitable for this: moisten your palm and stroke the pet along the growth of the fur, towards the tail. All loose hairs will remain on the palm.
Like all felines, the Siamese cat should be regularly bathed, ears cleaned, and teeth brushed. It is better to start all these procedures while your pet is not yet grown up: firstly, he will get used to them and will accept them without resistance, and secondly, this breed is prone to dental diseases.
When cared for, Siamese cats can live up to twenty years. The diseases characteristic of them are the same as those of most felines: these are genetic problems, as well as common illnesses cats. These include:
- liver amyloidosis, subsequently leading to liver failure;
- development of breast cancer;
- enlargement of the myocardium, or heart muscle (cardiomyopathy);
- dental diseases (gingivitis, tartar and others);
- strabismus (very rare, and in ancient times, like knots on the tail, was considered a sign of the breed);
- ordinary ailments (worms, lichen, fleas - can be cured by the owners).
Fortunately, serious illnesses in Siamese cats this is a rarity, and the absence of the rest depends almost entirely on the attentive and careful attitude owner to his pet. Give your pet attention and love, and he will selflessly warm your heart.
And below is not a Siamese, but also a beautiful cat:
Incredible facts
Siamese cats, in addition to their graceful appearance, are smart, playful and loyal pets.
This breed has many unique characteristics and they are one of the most recognizable cats in the world due to their exotic coloring and energy.
Siamese cats have a long body and beautiful almond-shaped eyes. blue color, large ears and wedge-shaped muzzle. They have short, silky fur with dark point markings.
Siamese cat breed
1. Siamese cats are ancient breed
Like most cat breeds, the true origins of Siamese cats are shrouded in mystery. Some claim that these cats were pets of kings, others believe they were raised by Buddhist monks.
When members royal family died, it was believed that the Siamese cat received their soul. The cat was transferred to the temple, and she spent the rest of her life in luxury under the care of the monks.
In the Thai manuscript "Poems of the Cat Book" you can find the very first description of cats with dark colors on the limbs, made by between 14th and 18th centuries. This suggests that Siamese cats are a very ancient breed, even if we don't know where they came from.
2. Siamese cats appeared at the first major world cat show
When Siamese cats were first exhibited at a cat show in England in 1871, they were described as "an unnatural, nightmare-looking cat, unique and elegant, with smooth skin and ears tipped black, and blue eyes with red pupils." They later became one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
Description of the Siamese cat
3. Siamese cats once had cross-eyed eyes and a tail with a kink at the end.
Many Siamese cats once had curved tail and squint. Cat breeders considered these characteristics undesirable and gradually weeded them out through selective breeding. According to legend, Siamese cats were tasked with guarding the king's golden cup. The cat clutched the goblet so tightly with her tail that it became crooked, and stared for so long that her pupils lost focus.
It is still occasionally possible to see Siamese cats with squint or a curved tail.
4. Siamese cats had a larger body and a more rounded face.
Initially, Siamese cats had a larger body and a round face rather than a triangular one. However, in the mid-20th century, cat breeders favored a more defined silhouette and gradually bred the slimmer, fine-boned cats we are accustomed to seeing today.
The updated breed can be seen at cat shows, but many breeders continue to breed Siamese kittens with a more traditional appearance. The International Cat Association also recognizes the Thai breed as having an old-type appearance.
5. Their Paws and Ears are Temperature-Regulated
Have you ever wondered why Siamese cats have light fur with darker coloring on their paws, ears and face? This is due to temperature-sensitive enzymes, causing dark color appears on cooler parts of the body and remains pale on warm parts. Siamese kittens are born with completely white fur and dark tips appear when they are a few months old.
Color of Siamese cats
6. Markings may vary in color.
Initially, only Siamese cats with dark brown markings were recognized - a color known as seal point. Today, Siamese cats with a variety of marking colors are also recognized, including blue, chocolate and lilac.
7. The Siamese cat was once the fattest cat in the world.
The Guinness Book of Records does not keep records of the fattest animals in the world, as representatives do not want to encourage people to overfeed their pets. However, the Siamese cat Katie could claim this title in 2003. A 5-year-old Ural cat from the city of Asbest in Russia was given hormones to curb her interactions with cats, which is why she developed a remarkable appetite. Eventually her weight reached 23 kg, which is heavier than a 6-year-old child.
Average The weight of a male Siamese cat reaches 5-7 kg, and a female 3.5 - 5.5 kg.
8. Siamese cats once foiled a plot
In the 1960s, two Siamese cats at the Dutch embassy in Moscow, Russia sensed something was wrong. Employees noticed that the cats would suddenly wake up and arch their backs, scratching the walls. Experts suspected that the excited pets heard a noise that the human ear could not detect. The study found 30 hidden spy microphones hidden in the wall.
9. A Siamese cat once gave birth to 19 kittens
One day on August 7, 1970, a Burmese/Siamese cat from Oxfordshire in the UK gave birth to 19 kittens. Unfortunately, four of them were stillborn. Siamese cats usually have around 4-6 kittens. A large litter of kittens has become largest litter of domestic cats in the world.
10. Siamese cats have a poetic name in their homeland
Thailand is considered the birthplace of Siamese cats, where they are called " moon diamond".
How long do Siamese cats live?
Siamese cats are considered one of the longest-living cats. Average duration their life is 15-20 years, and sometimes longer.
Personality of the Siamese cat
Siamese cats are very smart, curious and receptive cats.
They often act more like dogs than cats. Often these cats become attached to one person and follow him everywhere. Siamese cats retain a childish and playful character, they are very active and energetic.
These cats don't like to be ignored for long. They are perfect for those who love communication and activity. Siamese cats get along well with children and other pets.
Siamese cats require attention, they will vocalize and their behavior can be destructive if they don't get attention.
Remember that Siamese cats are quite loud pets. They can howl and scream for a long time if they want something. However, they are intelligent and can be easily trained to understand simple commands.
