If you're searching for a Siamese kitten like the one you remember as a child, you might be surprised by the difference in appearance between what you remember and today's Siamese. The Siamese cat you may recall was likely larger, more robust, with a round head, normal-sized ears, and striking blue eyes. This version is now known as the "Traditional Siamese" or "applehead" Siamese. The one you’re more likely to find today, especially in shows, is the "Modern Siamese," which has a slender, elongated body, large bat-like ears, and pencil-thin legs.
The evolution of the Siamese breed over time is no mystery—it's a result of selective breeding. Once known for their kinked tails, which were a hallmark of the breed, this trait has been mostly bred out of show cats today. However, the kink can still show up in some lines. According to folklore, the kinked tail came from stories of Siamese cats holding princesses’ rings on their tails or guarding royal treasures. While charming, these legends are not based in fact.
Siamese cats were first brought to the Western world in 1884 when Mr. Owen Gould, the British Consul-General in Bangkok, brought a pair of Siamese cats to Britain. These cats, with their almond-shaped blue eyes and distinctive coloration, were an immediate hit, forming the foundation of the breed in Europe. Over the years, selective breeding for show purposes has led to the development of the two sub-breeds we see today: the modern show Siamese and the traditional applehead Siamese.
All Siamese cats have a creamy base coat with darker "points" on their ears, muzzle, paws, and tail. While the original Siamese were seal-pointed, today they can be found in a variety of colours, including blue, chocolate, lilac, and even red or tortoiseshell. In the United States, only four colour points—seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac—are officially recognized as Siamese, while other colourpoints are classified as Colourpoint Shorthairs.
Siamese cats are also known for their distinct personalities. They're incredibly talkative, demanding, and love attention. Siamese are often deeply attached to one person and can be quite vocal in their quest for affection. They are intelligent and playful, often engaging in playful antics to grab their owner’s attention.
Overall, whether you prefer the traditional applehead or the modern show Siamese, this breed's rich history, unique appearance, and loving nature make it a favourite among cat lovers.