Have you ever seen a “Siamese cat”? Actually, this cat is known as the “Siamese” breed worldwide. Interestingly, only Japan calls it the “Sham cat”.
On this page, I will introduce the Siamese breed, which was once popular in Japan. However, there are still many things that are not well known about their history and personality.
Let’s explore the secrets of the Siamese cat!

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～ Basic information. ～

Country of origin　Thailand.

Weight male: 3-5kg　female: 3-4.5kg.

The history of Siamese cats is very old, and they have been cherished as “lucky cats” since the Ayutthaya Kingdom era of Siam (now Thailand). The Siamese cat’s mystical appearance is also known as the “Moon Diamond,” and there is a legend that when the king of Siam dies, his soul resides in a Siamese cat and travels to the next world.

Although this cat was kept only in Siam, in 1885, the royal family presented a pair of Siamese cats to the British consulate. The deep point color and beautiful sapphire blue eyes became popular among cat lovers, and this event led to the spread of Siamese cats worldwide.

By the way, Siamese cats were first imported to Japan during the Meiji era. However, during World War I and II, they were threatened with extinction. After the war, crossbreeding was carried out to revive the declining number of Siamese cats, but this resulted in two types of appearance.

The slim body type is called “modern style,” while the slightly rounder body type is called “traditional style (old style).” However, since modern style was more popular, a popularity gap began to emerge, and traditional style became less common.

Breeders who were concerned about this situation focused on breeding traditional-style Siamese cats, which were registered under the name “Thai” in 2009.

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Siamese’s Q&A.

Where does Siamese come from?

The country of Thailand was once called Siam, and that’s where the name comes from. The name “Sham,” which is used in Japan, also comes from the old name of Thailand.

What are the color variations of Siamese ?

■Types of body colors.

Siamese cats come in blue, black, chocolate, and lilac colors.

■Types of patterns and color schemes.

・Pointed.
Parts of the body such as the head, ears, legs and tail are colored.

■Types of eye color.

Blue only.

■Types of hairs.

Siamese cats are a shorthair breed.

What does Siamese look like?

The Siamese cat has a wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped eyes, large ears with a broad base, and an oriental body type. It has a well-toned, muscular body with slender legs and tail.

As I mentioned earlier, there are two types of Siamese cats: modern style and traditional style.

■Modern style.

The modern style is generally slim and is what most people in Japan refer to as Siamese cats. Originally, Siamese cats were closer to the traditional style, which was considered to have a difficult temperament. However, they were bred for pets by improving their temperament, which has become somewhat calmer.

■Trad style.

The traditional style is characterized by a rounder face and overall roundness. It is also known for its loud meows and somewhat aggressive temperament. However, the number of traditional-style Siamese cats has decreased due to the popularity of modern-style Siamese cats. They are now registered under the name “Thai cat”.

Is it true that Siamese coat color changes with temperature?

Siamese cats do have a “Siamese gene,” which suppresses pigment formation and is influenced by temperature.

Specifically, when it is hot like in summer, the coat color becomes lighter, and when it is cold like in winter, the coat color becomes darker. Newborn kittens are born with a completely white body because they are protected by their mother’s warm belly.

As they grow, the pointed coloration gradually appears and is separated into colors. This Siamese gene is said to be inherited only when both parents are purebred Siamese cats.

How much does it cost to buy Siamese ?

When keeping animals as pets, it is necessary to follow the laws established by each country. This time, I will talk about keeping Siamese cats at home in Japan.

Purchasing from a breeder or cattery costs around 100,000 to 200,000 yen. When considering a purchase, it is a good idea to visit and see the cat you are interested in. The price range at pet shops is around 80,000 to 200,000 yen.

Furthermore, if you purchase from a cattery, which is the highest qualification for breeders, the price may be higher than that of a general breeder. Since catteries require certification from pedigree issuing organizations such as CAF and TICA, breeders with this qualification are highly reliable and have added value. The reason for the high price is that it is proof of trust.

In addition to these factors, there are several conditions that affect the price range:

・Traditional style (also registered as Thai cats).
・Being a kitten.
・Having excellent pedigree.
・Having rare colors or patterns.

Although there are other conditions, prices tend to be higher when these conditions are met.

Learn more about Siamese personality and traits!

①Cool have a sweet face and cool face both! But he has a spoiled personality.

Siamese cats can be wary of people other than their family and have a strong sense of caution. They can be a bit difficult to handle, but they are loyal and have an affectionate side that they show only to their owners. Many people are captivated by their obedient nature. Siamese cats do not like to be constantly cuddled, so they are perfect for those who want a cat that can maintain a moderate distance.

②It’s good to be clever, but I like to play pranks.

Since Siamese cats are intelligent, they are easy to train. However, because they are smart, they may hide things or scratch furniture when they want attention or want to play. They may become habitual offenders if they enjoy the taste of mischief. On the other hand, this is also a manifestation of the owner’s desire to be the most important person in their life. If you communicate with them with love and affection, you may be able to prevent them from doing so to some extent.

③I love exercise because I’m active!

Siamese cats love to play with their owners using toys like cat teasers and fetch toys. It’s also best to provide them with a cat tower. Siamese cats are prone to obesity, so it’s important to exercise them regularly.

④Cats that are not prone to allergies.

Siamese cats are said to be a breed that is less likely to cause “cat allergies.” These types of cats are called “hypoallergenic cats,” and other breeds such as Siberians and Sphynxes are also part of this group. Siamese cats have short hair and shed less, making them less likely to cause allergies.

However, whether or not allergy symptoms occur depends on the individual, so it cannot be said that it is absolutely safe! It is only said that “it is less likely to cause allergies compared to other cats.” Therefore, if you have symptoms of cat allergies, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before keeping a Siamese cat.

⑤Rather advanced breed.

As I mentioned earlier, Siamese cats have a unique personality. Therefore, for those who are new to keeping cats or beginners, there may be some difficulties in keeping them. They are also known for being vocal, so it may be difficult to keep them in apartments or condominiums. However, there are many Siamese cat enthusiasts who enjoy keeping them as pets. If you keep them while enjoying their company, you can have a fulfilling life with your cat.

What are Siamese diseases that are susceptible to it?

Siamese cats are prone to several diseases, including amyloidosis, strabismus, diabetes, and lower urinary tract disease.

①Amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is a disease in which a long, thin protein called amyloid deposits between cells and interferes with the function of various tissues and organs. Although amyloid can deposit throughout the body, liver deposition is called \”hepatic amyloidosis,\” and kidney deposition is called \”renal amyloidosis.\” In particular, renal amyloidosis can cause \”chronic kidney failure,\” so caution is required.

If you notice symptoms such as suddenly drinking a lot of water, loss of appetite, or frequent urination, please visit an animal hospital as soon as possible. The specific treatment method depends on the symptoms, but symptomatic treatment and medication are mainly used.

This disease often develops due to heredity or bacterial infection. In the case of heredity, it seems difficult to completely prevent it. However, you can manage your cat’s health to avoid infection. Please keep this in mind for the sake of your beloved family member.

②Strabismus.

Strabismus is also known as \”cross-eyed,\” which is a condition in which the black part of the eye moves inward. Although it can be judged immediately by appearance, symptoms such as being prone to bumping into things or not being able to chase toys well may occur. If you notice these symptoms, it may be a good idea to visit an animal hospital.

In particular, Siamese cats are prone to strabismus due to heredity and tend to occur around 6-8 months after birth. There is no prevention method in particular, but since strabismus due to heredity may be accustomed to a narrow field of view from birth, many cases are observed over time. Observation is often performed. It can also be cured by surgery, but strabismus due to heredity may return to its original state.

Since this disease does not threaten life, it is better to avoid unnecessary surgery as much as possible and not place too many objects in the territory where your cat lives. By paying attention to these things, your cat can live comfortably.

③Diabetes.

Obesity and lack of exercise are common causes of feline diabetes. Symptoms include sudden increase in water intake, increased frequency of urination, decreased appetite, and vomiting and diarrhea as the disease progresses.

Siamese cats are naturally slim, so it is easy to tell if they are becoming overweight. However, they can develop diabetes due to genetics or aging. Although it is difficult to prevent the disease due to congenital reasons, obesity can be prevented by moderate exercise and dietary management.

You can check whether your cat is overweight or not by using a “body condition score.” It is recommended to check your cat’s weight by placing them on a scale occasionally.

④Lower urinary tract disease.

Symptoms such as scratching the belly or tail, excessive grooming, and frequent meowing may indicate stress. The exact cause is unknown, but it is likely due to stress, which Siamese and Oriental Shorthair cats are prone to.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, please consult an animal hospital immediately. Treatment mainly consists of medication and behavioral therapy. Prevention methods include removing anything that may cause stress for your cat, as well as communicating with your cat frequently since they have a basic need for affection.

How long does Siamese last?

Siamese cats have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is similar to the average lifespan of other cats, which is 12 to 16 years.

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Bibliography.

まるごとわかる猫種大図鑑　監修：CFA公認審査員　早田由貴子

世界中で愛される美しすぎる猫図鑑　監修　

The Cat Fancier’s Association, Inc.
https://cfa.org/siamese/

今泉忠明 猫との暮らし大百科
https://www.anicom-sompo.co.jp/nekonoshiori/

みんなの猫図鑑
https://www.min-nekozukan.com/

Pet Smile news forネコちゃん
http://psnews.jp/cat/

子猫のへや
https://www.konekono-heya.com/sitemap.html

ねこちゃんホンポ
https://nekochan.jp/

公益社団法人　埼玉県獣医師会
https://www.saitama-vma.org/topics/猫の遺伝性疾患について/

アイキャッチ画像
https://pixabay.com/images/id-6468186/