Siamese
The Good
- Forms incredibly strong bonds with their favourite humans
- Highly intelligent and trainable, perfect for interactive play
- Stunning appearance with striking blue eyes and elegant build
- Generally healthy with impressive lifespans often reaching 20+ years
The Real
- Extremely vocal - your Brisbane neighbours will know when they want attention
- Can become depressed if left alone for long periods
- Not ideal for families with very young children due to their need for respectful handling
- Prone to specific health conditions including respiratory issues and amyloidosis
Gallery
Breed Overview
Once the exclusive companions of Thai royalty, Siamese cats have charmed their way into Australian homes with their striking looks and captivating personalities. These medium-sized felines are instantly recognisable with their colour-point coats, brilliant blue eyes, and sleek, muscular builds. What truly sets them apart, however, is their dog-like devotion to their humans and their legendary chattiness.
Siamese cats are the ultimate "people cats" - they'll follow you from room to room, offer commentary on your daily activities, and insist on being involved in everything you do. Whether you're working from your Melbourne apartment or relaxing on the Gold Coast, expect your Siamese to be your constant companion and conversation partner.
These intelligent cats thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. They're not content to simply exist in your space; they want to be active participants in your life. From Perth to Cairns, Siamese owners quickly discover these cats have opinions about everything and aren't shy about sharing them. Their social nature makes them excellent companions for households where someone is usually home, but they can struggle with the isolation that comes with traditional 9-to-5 work schedules.
History
The Siamese cat's journey from the temples of ancient Siam (now Thailand) to Australian loungerooms is steeped in legend and royal intrigue. Ancient Thai manuscripts, including the "Smut-khoi," describe cats with light bodies and dark points on ears, tails, and paws - the distinctive colouring we recognise today as the colour-point pattern.
These sacred cats were believed to guard temple souls and accompany deceased royalty to the afterlife. Only Thai royalty and high-ranking officials were permitted to keep them, making them among the world's most exclusive feline companions for centuries.
The breed's introduction to the Western world began in 1880 when the King of Siam gifted two pairs of Siamese cats to the English consul-general in Bangkok. These cats caused quite a sensation in London society, and their popularity spread rapidly throughout Europe and eventually to Australia.
The first Siamese champion, Wankee, won his title in 1898, establishing the breed's reputation in cat fancy circles. Over the decades, breeding practices evolved the Siamese from their original moderate build to the more extreme wedge-shaped head and slender body we see in modern show cats. However, many Australian breeders now focus on maintaining the breed's traditional appearance while preserving their wonderful temperament and health.
Traits & Characteristics
Siamese characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Siamese cats are generally robust with impressive lifespans, but they're predisposed to several specific health conditions that Australian owners should understand. The most common concern is their tendency toward respiratory issues, particularly asthma and bronchial disease, which can be triggered by Australia's variable air quality and seasonal allergens.
Amyloidosis, a protein disorder affecting the liver and kidneys, occurs more frequently in Siamese cats than other breeds. Early symptoms can be subtle, making regular veterinary check-ups crucial. Progressive retinal atrophy, while more common in other breeds, can also affect Siamese cats, typically appearing around 1-2 years of age.
The breed's historical association with crossed eyes has largely been bred out, but some Siamese still experience vision challenges, particularly in low light conditions. This makes them more vulnerable as outdoor cats, especially during Australia's early winter evenings.
Australian Seasonal Care:
During scorching summer days across Australia's interior and coastal regions, Siamese cats need careful temperature management. Their short coats offer minimal insulation, so provide air conditioning, cooling mats, and multiple water sources when temperatures exceed 30°C. In contrast, during Melbourne's chilly winters or Canberra's frosty mornings, these cats appreciate warm bedding and draft-free sleeping areas.
Humidity management is particularly important for Siamese owners in tropical Queensland or the Northern Territory. Ensure good ventilation and consider dehumidifiers during the wet season to prevent respiratory irritation. Regular dental care is essential, as Siamese are prone to dental disease - brush their teeth regularly with cat-safe toothpaste.
Siamese cats require high-quality nutrition to maintain their sleek build and high energy levels, but their intelligence can make feeding time both rewarding and challenging. These cats are notorious for being picky eaters with strong food preferences, and many will loudly voice their displeasure if their meals don't meet expectations.
Choose commercial diets approved by pet food standards that provide complete nutrition for your cat's life stage. Siamese cats benefit from multiple small meals throughout the day rather than free-feeding, as they tend to overeat when food is constantly available. This is particularly important in Australia's warmer climates, where smaller, frequent meals help prevent digestive upset during hot weather.
Food puzzles and interactive feeders are excellent for Siamese cats, providing mental stimulation while slowing down eating. These intelligent cats can quickly learn to operate complex puzzle feeders, making mealtime an enriching activity. During Australia's summer months, consider serving wet food at room temperature rather than straight from the refrigerator to encourage adequate fluid intake.
Weight management is crucial for Siamese cats, as their slender build makes even small weight gains noticeable. Monitor their body condition regularly, and consult your veterinarian if you notice weight changes. Many Australian veterinary clinics now offer nutritional counselling specifically for maintaining optimal body condition in different breeds.
Fresh water should always be available, particularly important during Australia's dry conditions and hot summers. Some Siamese cats prefer running water, so consider a water fountain to encourage proper hydration.
Siamese cats are beautifully low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, making them ideal for busy Australian households. Their short, fine coat lies close to the body and lacks an undercoat, resulting in minimal shedding year-round. A weekly brushing session is usually sufficient to remove loose hairs and distribute natural oils, though many Siamese cats will happily accept daily grooming sessions as bonding time.
During Australia's spring months, you might notice a slight increase in shedding as cats adjust to changing temperatures, but it's far less dramatic than what you'd experience with double-coated breeds. A simple rubber grooming mitt or fine-bristled brush works perfectly for their delicate coat.
Regular nail trimming every 2-3 weeks prevents furniture damage, and most Siamese cats adapt well to the routine if started young. Their large ears require weekly cleaning with a damp cloth or pet-safe ear cleaner, particularly important in Australia's dusty conditions or for cats living near coastal areas where salt air can cause irritation.
Dental hygiene deserves special attention in Siamese cats, as they're prone to dental disease. Daily tooth brushing with cat-specific toothpaste helps prevent tartar buildup and maintains overall health.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Short, fine, and close-lying with minimal undercoat
- Coat Colours: Seal, chocolate, blue, lilac points with cream to white bodies
- Coat Patterns: Colour-point with darker ears, face, legs, and tail
- Hypoallergenic: No, but lower shedding may suit some allergy sufferers
Siamese cats are among the most trainable feline breeds, rivalling dogs in their ability to learn complex behaviours and tricks. Their high intelligence and strong desire to interact with humans makes them excellent candidates for clicker training, and many Australian Siamese owners successfully teach their cats to walk on harnesses, fetch toys, and respond to various commands.
Mental stimulation is absolutely crucial for preventing destructive behaviours in these clever cats. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and rotating toy collections help keep their minds engaged, particularly important for apartment dwellers in Sydney or Melbourne where space might be limited. Many Siamese cats enjoy bird-watching from secure balconies or windows, making this an excellent enrichment activity for Australian city living.
Socialisation should begin early and continue throughout their lives. Siamese cats that receive proper socialisation typically welcome visitors and adapt well to household changes. However, they can become overly attached to one family member, so encouraging interaction with all household members helps create a more balanced relationship.
These cats thrive on routine but also enjoy new challenges. Consider teaching them to navigate cat trees, use puzzle toys of increasing difficulty, or even participate in cat agility courses - several Australian cities now offer feline agility classes. Their vocal nature means they'll often "talk" through training sessions, making the experience interactive and entertaining for both cat and owner.
Regular play sessions are essential, particularly for indoor cats. Interactive wand toys, laser pointers (always end with a physical catch), and motorised toys help expend their considerable energy and prevent attention-seeking behaviours.
Who is an ideal owner?
Siamese cats thrive with owners who appreciate an interactive, vocal companion and have the time for meaningful daily engagement. They're perfect for work-from-home professionals across Australia who enjoy having a chatty colleague nearby, retirees seeking an affectionate companion, or families with older children who understand respectful pet interaction.
These cats suit households where someone is home most of the day, making them ideal for shift workers, freelancers, or couples where one partner has flexible schedules. They can adapt to apartment living in places like inner-city Brisbane or Canberra, provided they receive adequate mental stimulation and aren't left alone for extended periods.
First-time cat owners often do well with Siamese cats due to their dog-like loyalty and trainability, though they should be prepared for the breed's vocal nature and attention requirements. Experienced cat owners who've previously owned independent breeds might be surprised by the Siamese's need for constant interaction.
Siamese cats aren't ideal for households with very young children who might not understand boundaries, or for people seeking a quiet, low-maintenance pet. They require owners who view their cat as a family member rather than just a pet, and who don't mind having their daily routines "supervised" by an opinionated feline companion.
Interesting facts about the Siamese
Interesting Fact
Siamese cats were once exclusive to Thai royalty and were believed to guard temple treasures
Interesting Fact
The breed's colour-point pattern is temperature-sensitive - cooler body parts develop darker colours
Interesting Fact
Many early Siamese cats had kinked tails and crossed eyes, traits largely bred out today
Interesting Fact
They're one of the oldest recognised cat breeds, with documented history dating back centuries
FAQ
Although no cat is truly hypoallergenic, Siamese cats produce less dander than many breeds due to their short coat and minimal shedding. Some allergy sufferers find them more tolerable, but it's best to spend time with the breed before committing.
Siamese cats make excellent pets for people seeking an affectionate, interactive companion. They're gentle with proper socialisation and generally get along well with children and other pets, though they prefer respectful handling.
Yes, Siamese cats are very affectionate and love physical contact with their humans. They often form special bonds with one family member but will happily curl up with anyone willing to provide attention and warmth.
Expect to pay between $800-$2,500 AUD for a Siamese kitten from a reputable breeder, with show-quality cats commanding higher prices. Always factor in ongoing costs like quality food, vet care, and pet insurance.
Siamese cats adapt well to most Australian climates but need protection from extreme temperatures. They require air conditioning during hot summers and warm bedding during cooler months, particularly in southern states.
Yes, Siamese cats can thrive in apartments provided they receive adequate mental stimulation and aren't left alone for long periods. However, be prepared for their vocal nature - neighbours in close quarters will likely hear their conversations with you.
Weekly brushing is sufficient for most Siamese cats, though they often enjoy daily grooming sessions as bonding time. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance compared to long-haired breeds.
Siamese cats are generally social and often enjoy the company of other cats, particularly other Siamese. They can also form strong bonds with cat-friendly dogs, though proper introductions are essential for success.