The Siamese, who came from ancient Thailand, won the hearts of people back in the 16th century and received the nickname “moon diamond” from them. Siamese cats were introduced to Europe in 1884. Their intelligence, free spirit and loyalty have made them revered and beloved pets.
It turns out that cats similar to Siamese are found in nature very often. Thanks to breeding work, the Siamese today have a great many descendants. They all differ from each other both in appearance and in character.
Balinese
This cat breed got its name thanks to the plasticity and grace that cats have, named after the Balinese temple dancers.
This is a miniature, slender cat with unique grace. She is fluffier than the Siamese, she has an elongated body and long legs. The average cat weighs up to 4 kilograms.
Representatives of this breed are less aggressive than Siamese, friendly, sociable and very attached to their owner.
Cats similar to Siamese in color
There are more than forty varieties of this breed. It is not surprising that people often cannot identify true Siamese and their own kind. Some of them have a very similar color, and some are slightly different.
Thai cat
Thai cat
Thai cats are similar to Siamese, and more so than anyone else. Quadrupeds are larger and fluffed, although if a person is not well versed in breeds, he can easily confuse two different representatives. Those Thai cats that exist today are similar to those Siamese that lived several centuries ago.
Today, representatives of the breed have the following features:
- Weight – on average from 3.5 to 7 kg.
- The coat has no undercoat and is absolutely smooth.
- Personality – sociable, love to be around people.
It’s difficult to say anything about the color, because the color of the fur coat is almost the same as that of the Siamese. As for the eyes, their color is sky blue, and their shape resembles almonds. If you already have animals in the house and really want to get yourself a Thai, this won’t be a problem. Representatives of this breed get along well with cats, dogs, and other animals. Thais are often called “talkers” because they love to “communicate” through meowing. In this, by the way, they are similar to their feline ancestors, the Siamese. The Thai cat is rarely seen today, although many people like this particular breed because it has a number of its own characteristics and distinctive characteristics.
Burmese cat
Burmese cat
Sacred Burma is the name given to Burmese cats. Representatives of the breed are similar to Siamese, but only very fluffy. This is the nuance that distinguishes four-legged animals from their own kind. At the same time, if furry animals do not have white “socks” on their paws, then they can no longer be classified as purebred representatives of the breed.
Distinctive features of Burma:
- Weight – about 6 kg.
- The coat is medium length and soft.
- Personality – active, but calm and soft.
Many people pay attention to this breed because it has a non-conflict nature. The animal doesn’t care who lives next to it, no jealousy will arise anyway. Kittens in most cases are born snow-white, and only by six months the fur acquires the tone that will remain with the animal for the rest of its life.
Important! In some representatives of the Burmese, the coat darkens only in the third year of life. This nuance is not a pathology.
Balinese Balinese cat
Balinese cat
This is another cat breed similar to the Siamese. Representatives of the Balinese appeared relatively recently - in 1940. Since then, cats have been actively bred all over the world. Many people believe that the animals were first seen in the country they were named after, but this is not the case. The breed is American, and is named after Balinese dancers who walk with a severe limp. Women try to hide it by making graceful movements. This is how cats walk gracefully and proudly.
The peculiarity of animals is as follows:
- Weight – usually no more than 4 kg.
- The coat is soft and of medium length.
- Character – active, kind.
Balinese are considered slender cats, their bones are thin and their limbs are long. At the same time, the muscles are well developed. Most people are attracted to animals by their expressive blue almond-shaped eyes. Representatives of felines do not always like to be around people, but they are very bored without their owners, so it is not recommended to leave four-legged animals on their own for a long time. Breeders say that the Balinese came from the Siamese, but only the hair of the former is slightly longer, which is almost the only difference between these two breeds.
Himalayan cat
If you look closely at the Himalayan cat, you will notice that it is also incredibly similar to the Siamese. True, unlike her, she has a flat muzzle and long hair. The color point color brings her as close as possible to her ancestors, however, looking at the ears and body shape, you understand that she has a lot in common with the Persian representatives. Despite the fact that the breed appeared in 1930, it was only in 1945 that everyone started talking about these cats. The reason was that the breeders finally managed to eliminate all the shortcomings so that the cats looked perfect.
Himalayans have a somewhat rounded body, and their fur is soft and long. The animals get along well with dogs or cats, as well as with children. Aggression is something that is not typical for the breed.
What you need to know about the breed:
- Weight – on average from 4 to 6 kg.
- The coat is quite long, but it is easy to comb.
- Personality – sociable, gets along well with other animals, and leads an active lifestyle.
Cats are unique in that until they are 2-3 years old it is impossible to say exactly what color their coat will be. Some people not only like the appearance of the animals, but also the fact that felines will not be able to hang themselves from curtains due to the shape of their body.
Tonkinese cat
The Tonkinese is a breed that was created by mating a Siamese with a Burmese. At the same time, the animal took only the best from the two representatives. The Siamese gave the Tonkinese cat a color that one can only dream of - even and bright, and the Burmese gave a beautiful and strong body.
Distinctive features of the breed:
- Weight – not less than 3 kg, but not more than 5.5.
- The coat is soft, short, smooth and incredibly shiny.
- Personality – affectionate, devoted, cannot be alone for long, obedient.
If there are children in the house, then it is better to have a Tonkinese cat, which will never jump on a child or offend him. When the animal gets tired of the baby’s company, it will turn around and leave.
Sometimes you can hear that representatives of the Tonkinese breed are called Siamese golden. This is another name for these animals. Although there are breeders who note that this is a variety of the breed. Animals that belong to her learn very quickly, they are incredibly smart and playful. A distinctive feature of cats is their aquamarine eyes.
Burmese
Burmese cats were bred by French breeders in 1925. Outwardly, they resemble soft toys: fluffy with big blue eyes.
A distinctive feature of the Burmese are the “gloves” on their paws. She differs from the Siamese in her calm disposition, she can easily find something to do on her own, has a calm character and is moderately energetic. Representatives of this breed are good at feeling the mood of their owner: they can calm a choleric person or lift the mood of a melancholic person.
Thai
Another close relative of the Siamese is the Thai cat. They originated from Thailand. Previously, the Thais guarded temples and lived at the court of the Siamese dynasty.
In their gracefulness they even surpass the Siamese. This breed has a playful disposition and is active until old age. They are very attached to their owners, which reminds them of a dog. These animals are not inherently timid; they are famous for their fearlessness.
Note: The Thai breed is suitable for lovers of temperamental and active animals.
He has a playful character and curiosity.
Beneath their fur they have a strong body with well-developed muscles, and they are slightly larger than their Siamese counterparts.
Cats similar to Siamese: similarities and differences
Seychelles
This breed was developed by crossing Siamese and Persian cats. Their heads are triangular, Persians are similar to Siamese only in their eyes. They have different lengths of fur. It is elongated in the area of the tail and shoulders. The legs are long and thin, and the face has a mask-like coloring. Seychelles cats have a very aristocratic character. They consider themselves masters of the house and want people to obey them. They are playful, sociable, and love children. But if you offend or hit an animal, it remembers it for a long time and even takes revenge. Prone to cardiovascular and dental diseases. They do not require special care, but you still need to pay attention to your pet.
Balinese
The breed is similar in appearance to the Seychelles cat and the short-haired Siamese, but has longer fur. The same triangular muzzle, large ears placed to the sides. The tail is large and thin, with a break on it, which is why the breed does not participate in exhibitions. The color may vary between individuals. These animals resemble dogs in their habits. They are loyal, can even walk on a leash, and are playful. Suitable for families with children and other animals. Prone to various diseases.
No special care is required, however, it is recommended to have these pets for apartment living; they are not created for the street.
Thai cat
This cat can often be confused with the Siamese as they look similar. Thais are bred through selective breeding and are descended from the Siamese. Powerful body, round muzzle and eyes, short legs. However, the Thai cat has the same blue eyes. Color varies. Their character is affectionate and flexible, they are obedient, and become attached to their owner. Playful and active. They make mouse hunters. They have good health and do not require special care.
Peterbald
The breed is graceful and beautiful. Outwardly they are similar to sphinxes, due to the lack of hair, but they are similar to Siamese with eyes. They have a graceful body, slender paws, large pointed ears, and a long tail. May vary in color. These cats are curious, sociable, friendly and at the same time vindictive. They are good hunters. They love to meow, are loyal to their owner and are clean. Predisposed to genetic abnormalities. Requires daily eye rinsing and regular bathing. It should be remembered that due to the lack of fur, the pet should not be left in the sun for a long time.
Himalayan cat
Externally, the breed is as beautiful as the Siamese, but fluffy. Appearance characteristics:
The animal acquires a special luster due to its fluffiness.
- big blue eyes;
- round head and small ears;
- strong body.
These are smart and calm animals, they love tenderness and affection, they prefer to climb into their owner’s arms and purr. They are friendly and get along well with children and other pets. Little kittens are very playful, but they grow up and become calm cats. Due to their long coat they require constant brushing. Prone to polycystic kidney disease.
Foreign white
This breed is called the White Siamese. They are intelligent, sociable and loyal animals. They like to fetch objects in their teeth, like dogs. They cannot stand loneliness. If the owner spends a lot of time at work, then it is better for the cat to get a pair. Foreign Whites are talkative; when they demand attention, they begin to meow. Life expectancy is up to 20 years. No special care required.
Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are the result of crossing the Siamese and the Sacred Birman. The breeders intended to get the strong physique of the Burmese cat and the color of the Siamese. But genetics has made its own adjustments to these tailed animals.
They have developed intuition, feel a person’s mood and know how to behave with him.
A distinctive feature is the aquamarine-colored eyes.
Note: it is believed that Tonkinese cats have strong energy fields, thereby being able to protect their owners and the house in which they live from negative influences.
Oriental
The Oriental breed was brought to Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. Since this breed was also brought from Thailand, they were initially classified as Siamese. But soon the British Siamese Cat Club set specific standards for this breed, and Orientals were not suitable for it because of its completely green eyes and solid gray color. But since 1925, the color of Orientals can be not only gray, as they began to be actively selected.
Representatives of this breed have active mobility and cheerfulness.
Note: Representatives of the Oriental breed are very attached to their owner and themselves and do not like to be alone.
Orientals have a strong build and thin bones. The tail is very long and thin.
What makes Siamese stand out?
Siamese are distinguished by their graceful physique, beautiful blue eyes and, of course, their coloring, called “color point”. With this color, the fur on the body has a light tone, and the ears, muzzle, tail and paws have a darker shade.
According to experts, the history of the breed began in the Thai city of Ayuda, which existed from 1350 to 1767. It was there that local monks bred these graceful beauties, who, according to Eastern beliefs, were endowed with higher power.
This is interesting! Siamese cats are quite easy to train. If desired, any owner can teach the pet to sit, lie down, or give voice on command. In addition, these purrs love to be with humans. This is largely why the Siamese breed is so popular in the world.
Himalayan
This breed was bred as a mixture of Persian and Siamese cats. For further breeding of the breed, only kittens with a pronounced Siamese color were selected. The Himalayan breed is less emotional than the Siamese and is more obedient. They have a strong build and therefore are not very mobile; they prefer calm play with their owner to jumping on curtains.
Note: The Himalayan breed is characterized by a sociable character and devotion to its owner.
Javanese
In the late 1970s, Maureen Davis began breeding Siamese-colored Balinese dogs, but in different colors. This is how the Javanese cat breed came about.
Javanese are very active and require a lot of attention, which they achieve by any means. They are distinguished by a strong attachment to their owners. The graceful, fragile appearance of these cats is surprisingly combined with their strength and strong muscles, which are hidden under a thin, silky coat. In everyday life they are hardy and unpretentious, they become very attached to children who know how to handle this independent creature. They mostly get along well with other pets; much in this situation depends on the character of their neighbor.
Cat breeds similar to Siamese in color
There are about forty breeds similar to the Siamese in color. Therefore, there is nothing strange in the fact that many inexperienced owners confuse Siamese cats with their cousins or second cousins.
Some of them are more similar to their “ancestors”, others less so, but the similarity of colors is still very clear.
Thai
Perhaps it is the purebred Thais who are more similar to Siamese cats than others. But they are larger, and their fur does not fit so tightly to the body. Otherwise, an inexperienced person can easily confuse a Thai cat with a Siamese.
This is interesting! In color and build, modern Thais are closer to those Siamese that lived in Thai temples several centuries ago.
Today these cats have the following properties:
- weight 3.5-7 kilograms;
- coat without undercoat;
- friendly, sociable character.
In terms of color, the Thais almost repeat the Siamese. This also applies to the eyes: they have an expressive, rich blue color and an elongated almond shape.
The character of the Thai people is a gift in itself. They get along well with dogs and other cats. In addition, pets are very sociable and love to “talk” to family members by meowing. In the latter they are also similar to Siamese.
Burmese
Burmese cats, or “sacred Burmese” cats, are also very similar to Siamese cats. However, there are a number of differences between them.
Important! If a Burmese does not have white “socks” on its front legs, then we cannot talk about the purity of the breed.
Burmese cats are distinguished from Siamese by several features:
- weight around 6 kilograms;
- beautiful soft, fluffy coat of medium length;
- active and cheerful, rather gentle disposition.
Many people prefer the sacred Burmese because they are non-conflict and more predictable than the Siamese. In addition, they are not jealous, patient and love to play outdoor games.
The color of Burmese purrs is also noteworthy. Typically, kittens are born completely white and begin to darken only at six months of age. However, some representatives of the breed can acquire a darker shade at three years of age.
Otherwise, with the exception of the white “socks” on the front legs, the color of the Burmese is completely identical to the Siamese.
Balinese
The Balinese is a relatively young breed. They were officially recognized only in 1940. However, since then cats have conquered many human hearts. In many ways, they owe this to one feature, which gave the name to the breed.
The fact is that Balinese come from the American continent and are named after local Balinese dancers who had a pronounced limp. To hide this, the artists tried to make only precise, graceful movements. Balinese cats walk the same way - gracefully and very proudly.
These animals are distinguished by the following characteristics:
- relatively modest weight - about 4 kilograms;
- soft wool of medium length;
- playful and kind disposition.
Balinese are quite thin, have thin bones, but this is compensated by developed muscles. In addition, they are similar to the Siamese in their coat color and expressive blue eyes. Which, however, is not surprising, because breeders believe that Balinese cats descended from Siamese cats. They differ from their ancestors only in their fluffy fur.
Important! Balinese cats are very attached to their owners, so they should not be owned by people who cannot pay enough attention to their pets.
Himalayan
Himalayan cats are close to Siamese due to their characteristic color point color. In terms of physique, they are more reminiscent of Persians. This is evidenced by the flat muzzle, small ears, rounded body shape and soft, long hair.
The character of Himalayan cats is also different from the Siamese. They are non-aggressive and get along well with other pets.
The Himalayans are notable for a number of features:
- weighing 4-6 kilograms;
- long but very obedient hair;
- active, sociable and easy-going disposition.
This is interesting! Until two or three years of age, it is impossible to say exactly what color the fur of a Himalayan cat will acquire.
Tonkinese
Tonkinese are direct descendants of Siamese cats, because they were the result of crossing the former with Burmese cats. A breed arose that inherited all the best from its parents. From the Siamese, the Tonkinese acquired its color, and from the Burmese, a beautiful and strong physique.
Tonkinese cats have the following features:
- weight from 3 to 5.5 kilograms;
- smooth, shiny coat;
- gentle, devoted, obedient, but unobtrusive character.
Tonkinese are sometimes called "Siamese golds." Some breeders consider the designation to be just another name, others say that it is an indication of the subspecies in the breed.
Important! Tonkinese cats have expressive aquamarine eyes.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are one of the largest cat breeds. They have strong bones, developed muscles, a round head and long hair with developed undercoat.
They are similar in color to the Siamese: many representatives of the breed completely copy the color point and expressive blue eyes, others have some features that are allowed by the standard (white “socks”, a bib or the letter “V” on the muzzle).
Important! Ragdolls quickly won everyone's love thanks to their wonderful character. They are gentle, affectionate, unobtrusive and literally melt when you pick them up. Thanks to this last feature, these cats got their name, because in translation from English “ragdoll” means “rag doll”.
Neva Masquerade
There have been difficult times in the history of the Neva Masquerade breed. The fact is that these cats have a typical color-point color, which is considered a defect in most non-Asian breeds.
However, breeders really liked this coloring on Siberians (it is from them that Neva masquerade dogs originate). So it was decided to separate them with the color-point color into a separate breed. This is what ultimately happened.
From its famous ancestor, the Neva Masquerade received medium size, a strong build and luxurious coat with a pronounced “collar”.
Seychelles
The homeland of these graceful animals is Great Britain. In the 70-80s of the last century, the British set out to breed a new breed of cats. With the blessing of the British Cat Association, breeders began work on crossing Siamese and Persian cats. The result is the appearance of Seychelles cats.
He has an aristocratic appearance, good manners and great demands. They will never allow themselves to be treated with disrespect. Seychelles cats differ from Siamese cats by having large ears of a non-standard shape. Like all representatives of oriental breeds, these cats create the impression of exaggerated elegance. In fact, they are quite strong and muscular.
Note: The Seychelles cat is a domestic breed; it is very difficult for her to tolerate travel and any change of environment.
Cat breeds similar to the Siamese in body shape
Of course, when many people hear the phrase “Siamese cat,” they first associate it with its characteristic color. However, the physique of these beauties also deserves attention. After all, they are graceful, elongated and flexible.
Often the breed can be recognized by its appearance, and there are a number of them that are very reminiscent of Siamese cats in this regard.
Oriental
Orientals are notable for their long bodies and huge ears. Sometimes because of them, these cats are even called “goblins,” and their expressive green eyes complement this impression.
Orientals are quite large cats. Their weight can reach 5-8 kilograms. Their fur can be both short and long.
The character of Oriental cats deserves special mention. They are sociable, prefer company to loneliness and extremely love to “talk”.
Important! This breed is not suitable for busy people.
Seychelles
Seychelles cats are descended from Orientals and Siamese. They are quite rare, but nevertheless deserve mention. The fact is that Seychellois are typical cats in the stereotypical sense.
They walk on their own, do not particularly need a family, although they are capable of experiencing tender feelings for a specific person.
They share large ears, an elegant and muscular physique, and blue eyes with their ancestors. The hair of Seychelles cats can be either short or long.
Important! Seychelles do not like change of environment, intrusive attention and do not get along very well with other animals in the house.
Foreign White
Foreign White is a breed that is the result of the crossing of a Siamese and a solid white domestic cat. That is why these cats are also called white Siamese or white oriental shorthair.
The homeland of Foreign White is England. It was there that about 50 years ago, the famous geneticist Patricia Turner looked at an overexposed photograph of a lilac Siamese cat and came up with the idea to breed an all-white cat of the oriental type with blue eyes and without hereditary deafness.
In its temperament, this breed resembles a dog. Very active: they love to chase a ball, bring toys in their teeth, etc.
Note: Foreign White really does not like being alone, so if you are often not at home, make him a friend.
All of the above breeds are very similar to Siamese cats. And you will certainly be able to choose a suitable pet for yourself without any problems.
Cats similar to Siamese body shape
It's hard to argue with the fact that Siamese are incredibly beautiful. Buyers are attracted by their color, which shimmers in the sun with several colors at once. However, the body of animals also requires attention. It is flexible, slender and long. Often you can recognize the breed only by looking at the gait. Few people knew that some other cats are similar to Siamese cats.
Oriental cat
It is not difficult to identify this breed, because it has an unusually long body and funny ears that are large. For this feature, animals are sometimes called goblins. The eyes of representatives of this breed have only a green tint. When you decide to get an Oriental cat, you need to remember that she loves to “talk”, so you shouldn’t be surprised if the animal suddenly meows often.
Representatives of the breed can be distinguished by the following nuances:
- Weight – 5-8 kg, they are quite large.
- The coat can be short or long.
- Personality – very sociable, they love company and cannot stand loneliness.
If you treat an animal well, it will respond in kind.
Important! People who are often not at home should not get an Oriental cat, because the animal will be offended and sick.
