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Need to Know
- Benefits from an experienced owner
- Needs a large amount of exercise and interactive playtime
- Very talkative and friendly cat
- Requires regular grooming
- Needs outdoor space
- Not ideal for family homes
- Requires a calm environment
- Can be left alone for a few hours at a time only
Personality
Incredibly affectionate, intelligent, and opinionated, the Siamese is a friend to everyone. They can talk a mile a minute in their signature, low-pitched voice, making them known as the extroverts of the feline world. Siamese have a very dependent nature, often bonding very closely to one person, desiring to be around them constantly. If you go into the kitchen to cook, they will want to follow you and get in on the action!
Siamese cats are self-assured and highly active. They need daily playtime with their owners—or else they’ll find something to occupy their time. Siamese should not be left alone for long periods, as they need to be with people and can develop separation anxiety if not regularly around their owners, but they can be left for a few hours at a time. They require a lot of attention and affection but will give you back every ounce of love you give them.
The Siamese is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. These sleek felines with brilliant blue eyes originated in what is now Thailand, where they lived in palaces and temples. They were treasured companions of royalty and religious leaders for generations and served as guardians of precious documents and valuables in the Buddhist temples.
Because the Siamese were so valued in their native land, the cats were rarely given to outsiders. However, by the 1800s the Siamese had been exported to Britain. The first Siamese imported to North America lived in the White House with First Lady Lucy Hayes in the late 19th century. By the early 1900s, Siamese cats began appearing in North American cat shows. The breed rapidly clawed its way to the top of the scratching post, and today is one of the most popular short-haired breeds in North America.
Siamese Cats bond strongly with one specific person and require a lot of attention. They desire to be around people, so busy homes where everyone is out for long periods of time aren’t ideal. Siamese like to have cat companions; you’ll often see it recommended to get two at a time to keep each other company.
The Siamese needs a healthy amount of attention and activity. Owners should be ready to provide them with cat trees, climbing opportunities, food puzzles, and interactive play.
Siamese cats need a secure yard or spacious indoor area for play.
These fantastical felines are a clean and tidy breed. Siamese Cats have very short coats that do not shed that much, saving you plenty of time and effort. A simple brushing now and then is all that is required.
Siamese cats are clever and relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and will enjoy spending time bonding with their owner.
Highly social, they love to be around people but tend to get a little jealous when having to compete for their owner’s attention. This might make homes with small children a difficult living situation.
The cost of a Siamese cat from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Adopting a Siamese Cat
Interested in adopting a Siamese cat? Here are answers to some common questions about bringing one of these charming cats home.
The Siamese cat's personality is very similar to that of a dog. They are friendly, outgoing, intelligent, and love playing with their owners.
They can live up to 15 years if properly cared for.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Siamese on Purina.
Did You Know?
- Famous Siamese cat owners include Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, and President Jimmy Carter.
- A Siamese cat starred in the 1965 Disney film “That Darn Cat.” It played a mischievous secret agent cat named D.C. who helped solve crimes with the FBI.
- In Thailand, there was a common belief among royalty that they could reincarnate into a Siamese Cat and be able to enjoy long, lavish lives in temples being spoiled by priests and monks.
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