Siamese Kittens

Siamese kittens are members of a regal and elegant breed. The Siamese lithe body and graceful movements make them a dynamic breed.

As a breed, the Siamese have been around for many years. Siamese feline originated in They, however, were most popular in the years after World War II. The breed dominated cat shows in the United States and Europe in the 1940’s and 1950’s. They have been a beloved breed worldwide ever since.

Physical Appearance

Siamese kittens have short-hair and lengthy bodies, legs, and tails. They are a muscular yet still refined breed. Overall, Siamese have an average size build with prominent pointed ears. Their heads are wedge shaped with almond shaped eyes. Most Siamese felines have blue eyes.

Healthy Siamese feline coats have a sleek and glossy appearance. The coat is fine and lies close to the body.

Colors

Siamese kittens come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are color-pointed cats. Color–pointed cats have faces, tails, and feet that abound with color. Siamese cats have bodies that are white to cream colored.

The recessive gene known as the Himalayan gene causes color to stay limited to the breed’s extremities. The Siamese coat color is dependent upon heat levels. Warmer parts of the body are cream or white colored. Cooler parts of the body (legs, tail, and nose) are darker in color.

The Cat Fancier’s Association only accepts Siamese cats with traditional colors: lilac, blue, seal, and chocolate. However, Siamese cats come in other colors and patterns as well: tabby points, red points, cream points, tortie points, and torbie points. Coat color will darken as the Siamese kitten ages.

Temperament

If you’re looking for an expressive breed, then the Siamese may be for you! Siamese cats are very vocal. They love to talk to their owners to demand their attention. They also are quite extroverted and enjoy being around people and other pets.

If you’re going to be gone frequently from home, it is best to get two kittens or have another pet around the house as a companion for your Siamese cat. Siamese are very social creatures and thrive on having other people or animals around to interact with.

Siamese kittens are also highly intelligent animals. They can sense when their owners are upset or emotional. They are also very clean cats. Siamese felines love to play. They can learn to play fetch and other games.

Care

As a breed, Siamese cats are easy to care for. They lack the double coat that many other short-haired breeds carry. They can be brushed or hand groomed by stroking the coat with the hands or with a scarf. Siamese cats may only need a bath if excessively soiled or if competing in a show.

Development

A Siamese kitten tends to develop and reach maturity relatively early in life. Females can become sexually mature as early as 5 months of age.

Photo by Randy Renfro @ flickr.com

Health Issues

Siamese cats face numerous potential health problems. Many Siamese have genetic predispositions to health issues. Here are some common health concerns facing the Siamese breed.

• Crossed Eyes

  Crossed eyes are common in Siamese cats. While not a serious problem for most cats, the condition can make a Siamese ineligible to compete in cat shows. Crossed eyes are inherited and there is little that can be done to treat the condition.

• Glaucoma

  Siamese cats are prone to developing glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when pressure in the eye increases and causes pain and eventual blindness. Cats are treated with medications to reduce pressure in the eye.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  In progressive retinal atrophy, the retinal is destroyed and no longer transmits visual signals to the brain. The result is progressive blindness in cats. Siamese the disease is hereditary.

• Tetralogy of Fallot

  Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that causes an opening between the ventricles of the heart. Therefore, blood cannot pump properly in the heart. Cats with this disorder have difficulty breathing and may have seizures. Luckily the disease is quite rare.

• FORL

  Feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL) occur primarily in adult cats. Lesions form on teeth causing extreme pain in cats. Some teeth may even break off while a feline is chewing food. Siamese have a genetic predisposition to developing FORL.

• Pancreatitis

  Siamese felines have a genetic propensity to developing an inflammation of the pancreas. Cats with pancreatitis may not eat and appear tired and sluggish.

• Asthma

  Siamese cats have a higher rate of developing feline asthma than other breeds. Overall, about 1% of felines develop asthma. Asthma occurs as on allergen triggers airways to constrict causing difficulty breathing and wheezing.

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