Siamese kittens: everything future owners need to know

Description of the Siamese cat breed

Popularity 15th place among 87 cat breeds

Lifespan:

12-20 years

Height:

23-25 ​​cm

Country of origin:

Thailand

Average price:

20-30 thousand rubles

Weight:

4-8 kg
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Lifespan of a Siamese cat

If a person has provided care for his pet, the Siamese will have enough energy for a long existence at home. With quality care, the average life expectancy of an animal is 15 to 20 years.

A neutered pet will live longer, but without good health it will not last long. There are known representatives who have crossed the 20-year mark for years to come. In order to prolong a cat's life, you need to follow a number of rules regarding nutrition and general maintenance of the pet. Your pet's health will only worsen without a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Key facts

The description of the Siamese cat breed also suggests an abbreviated name - Siamese or Siamese, depending on the gender. Previously, this was the name given to the inhabitants of the ancient state of Siam - modern Thailand, recognized as the country of origin of animals.

Males and females differ little from each other. Given their size, they weigh from 3 to 5 kg. The largest individuals can weigh up to 8 kg. The height at the withers is 23-25 ​​cm, and the length of the body reaches 60 cm.

For a long time, Siamese cats were confused with Thai cats. Both species have a characteristic color-point color and blue eyes, which confuse ordinary people. The key characteristic of the Siamese cat is their thin and graceful proportions, giving the breed a slightly alien appearance.

The talkativeness of Siamese cats is perceived in two ways. Some owners are delighted by this habit, while others are annoyed.

For a long time, these animals were available only to high-ranking persons. According to legends, cats protected the jewelry of Thai princesses and looked after the property of temples. It is believed that due to the constant wearing of tail rings and close surveillance of valuable vases, the animals developed creases and squints. Modern breeders are trying to eliminate these features.

The lifespan of a Siamese cat can reach a record 20 years, of course, with proper care.

History of the origin of the Siamese cat

The exact date of appearance of the breed is impossible to track. Ancient writings were transferred to materials obtained from nature: papyrus, tree bark, palm leaves. Due to their fragility, only a few have survived. For example, the famous “Treatise on Cats” (Tamra Maew) was protected only thanks to copies on more “tenacious” materials. The time when the treatise was written is unknown. Scientists are inclined to the period of existence of the Thai state of Ayutthaya, that is, to 1351-1767.

There are 23 cats illustrated in the pages of Tamra Maew. Six of them bring misfortune to people, and 17 attract good luck. Among the breeds responsible for the happiness and well-being of their owners is the Wichienmaat. This cat has graceful proportions, white fur, a dark mask on the face, black ears, paws and tail - the main differences of the modern Siamese cat.

The country of origin of the breed is Thailand, which was called Siam until 1939. Graceful cats that brought good luck were inaccessible to ordinary citizens. These beauties were kept only by royalty and monks. The export of Siamese cats was strictly prohibited, so they only got outside the country towards the end of the 19th century.

The first breeder of the Asian breed was the Englishwoman Dorothy Neville. She demonstrated her pet in 1872 in London. The reaction was twofold. One part of the jury was hostile to the tailed contestant, while the other insisted on further breeding.

Active work with the breed began in 1884, when the British Ambassador Owen Gold captured a pair of aboriginal cats from Thailand. The Siamese cat was named Fo, and the female cat was named Mia. A year later, their kittens won an international exhibition. In 1892, the first standard was established.

What does a Siamese cat look like?

During breeding work in different countries, deviations in standards appeared. The pointed proportions gave way to more rounded ones. Some organizations maintain a strict distinction between the Siamese and the Thai breed, while others accept them as one type of Siamese cat.

If we adhere to the original standard that determines what a Siamese cat looks like, then purebred representatives must correspond to the oriental type. This means the absence of smooth lines and roundness in favor of a predominance of elongated lines and a slender but muscular body.

Muzzle

The breed description includes a wedge-shaped head, tapering from the ears to the nose. The triangular shape is characteristic not only of the head, but also of the ears, which are pointed at the tips. For slanted, almond-shaped eyes, only blue is acceptable.

In the photo of a Siamese cat, the structural features of the skull are clearly visible, preventing it from being confused with the Thai breed.

Body type

The head is located on a long and graceful neck. The flexible and muscular body resembles a pipe. The hind and forelimbs are thin and long. Small paws are oval shaped. The length of the hind limbs is greater than that of the forelimbs. The tail is as long and thin as the rest of the body, tapering at the tip.

Coat and color

Siamese are smooth-haired cats. They have no undercoat, so the entire body is covered with fine guard hair. The main color of the breed is color point. The dotted appearance of dark marks on an almost white coat is caused by acromelanism. This type of pigmentation is temperature dependent. The lower it is, the darker the developed pigment. Acromelanism is a form of albinism, which is why all Siamese kittens are born completely white. The dark pigment appears only at 6-10 months.

According to the CFA standard, four colors of the Siamese cat are allowed:

1. Chocolate point

   . Most of the body is painted ivory, and the points are milk chocolate. The paw pads and nose should be brownish-pink in color.

2. Lilac point

   . There are pink-brown spots on the white body. The color of the paw pads and nose is lavender pink.

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3. Seal Point

   . Points, paw pads and nose are colored brown. The color of most of the body varies from cream to pale yellow.

4. Blue Point

   . Gray-blue spots are located on a bluish-white body. The nose and paw pads are slate gray.

Other colors are considered unacceptable by the standards.

Breed card

Personality of the Siamese cat

Siamese are capricious and demanding. Many reviews have been written about the vindictive nature of Siamese cats, but not all breeders agree with them. A properly raised animal will never show aggression, but it will easily show offense. Siamese cats have a good memory. They easily pick up human emotions, so they distinguish between joy and anger. If you snap at your pet without a proper reason, he will definitely remember it. Revenge will not be accomplished immediately, but after some time, when the owner forgets about his mistake. Despite this feature, you should not be afraid of these animals.

Domestic Siamese quickly become attached to their owners. If you are willing to devote time to raising your pet and don’t mind daily conversations, then the advantages of the breed will outweigh the possible disadvantages. Siamese cats have intonations for all occasions in their arsenal. If you are patient, you will soon learn to understand them and recognize your pet’s desires. These cats do not tolerate loneliness, so privacy will not be possible. They love to be held, so be prepared to watch movies and work on the computer together.

Despite their friendliness and sociability, Siamese do not get along well with children. If a baby appears in the house, the cat will be jealous of him and may injure the child with its claws. Overly curious preschool children will also experience the wrath of a cat. Siamese hate rough treatment and instantly punish the offender. If you are sure that the child understands how to communicate with pets, then there will be no problems. If handled carefully, cats will happily support children's games.

If you got a Siamese and are worried that she doesn't have enough companionship, get another one. Making friends with representatives of the same breed is easier than establishing relationships with other animals. Peace between a Siamese cat and a dog is possible, but as an exception to the rule. This usually happens if the animals grew up together or the cat ended up in the house after the dog.

Despite their intolerant attitude towards loneliness, Siamese cats calmly tolerate the absence of their owner who has gone to work. The main thing is that there is a pattern in this, and after returning, games and conversations follow.

Siamese cats are wary of strangers. If you are going on vacation, leave your pet with someone you know. It is better to leave the cat at home while you are leaving, as changing the usual place will hit the psyche even more.

Owner reviews

Despite the pickiness and special food preferences that cause some difficulties when feeding Siamese, most owners are ready to follow the lead of their pets and pamper them, hand-feeding them with pieces of juicy fruit, handfuls of nuts and any other goodies. Well, is it possible to refuse these slanting blue-eyed beauties?

Siamese cats are amazing creatures that, despite their waywardness and love of freedom, attract people with their charisma and temperament. According to the owners, the Siamese allows itself to be loved and makes itself respected. The cat decides for itself when it can be petted and when it needs to be alone with itself. If the owner takes into account his needs, he becomes an ideal pet.

Raising a Siamese cat

A kitten must be raised from the first days of its appearance in the house. If you don’t want to rack your brains over how to stop him from scratching or relieving himself in the wrong place, then immediately stop all prohibited actions. Use standard prohibition commands: “fu” and “no”. The first is used for a permanent ban, the second for a temporary one. For example, “fu” can be used to discourage walking on the dinner table, and “no” can be used to prohibit scratching after sterilization.

Education should be based on affection and respect. Vengeful and aggressive animals are the result of abuse. The main tool of influence is intonation. It is well captured not only by adult animals, but also by kittens.

Siamese are clean, so they are easy to toilet train. Be persistent during training. Do not give up ahead of time, otherwise the pet will understand this and will create the appearance of misunderstanding with your commands.

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Choosing between a girl and a boy pet

... many give preference to the latter, considering it more beautiful and less troublesome. Perhaps this is more correct, cats are very independent, creating an image for themselves as the owner of the house. The owners are considered servants; their character is curious, active, and at times irritable and aggressive. Cats are much calmer and more affectionate, more loyal and clean. However, there are always exceptions to the rules.

While their owners are away from home, smart cats will happily play with puzzle toys or spend time in a playhouse or a vertical sports complex. A nail sharpener is on the shopping list for pets so they don't scratch their claws on anything. Another pet companion, not necessarily a cat, can also help relieve boredom.

Health of the Siamese cat

The breed is long-lived. The maximum lifespan of these animals is 20 years. However, the Siamese cat's health can be precarious if its diet is not monitored.

For your pet’s health, do not forget about parasite treatment and vaccinations. Deworming is carried out quarterly, and vaccination is carried out annually. There is a separate vaccination schedule for kittens. From 2-3 months to 1 year, vaccinations are given gradually with mandatory revaccination. After 1 year, animals are administered only polyvalent vaccines containing several viruses simultaneously. They provide immunity against the most common viral diseases.

Possible diseases

It is impossible to protect your pet from all diseases, so do not forget about preventive examinations with a veterinarian. The following diseases are common among representatives of the Siamese breed:

1. Bronchial asthma

   . If your cat is bothered by frequent and prolonged coughing attacks, get examined. Asthma is often caused by allergens: tobacco, household chemicals, house dust. If the situation is left to chance, the cough can develop into suffocation or respiratory failure. The pet may die. Determining the exact cause of asthma is almost impossible. If there are no pathological changes on the x-ray, the doctor prescribes antihistamine tablets. If the symptoms disappear, the diagnosis is confirmed. For frequent attacks, veterinarians recommend purchasing a cat inhaler.

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2. Amyloidosis

   . When protein metabolism is disrupted, excessive amounts of abnormal proteins accumulate in the liver, kidneys or pancreas. They trigger an autoimmune process - the rejection of their own cells with subsequent destruction of the affected organs. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be slowed down with early diagnosis.

3. Pathologies of the cardiovascular system

   . This group includes aortic stenosis, accompanied by a decrease in blood supply to the heart. Animals with this disease are culled from breeding. Treatment depends on the severity of the pathology. If the quality of life is not threatened, then it is enough to protect the pet from intense physical activity.

Obesity and joint diseases often avoid Siamese, but this does not mean that the cat can be overfed.

Reproductive health

The first heat in Siamese occurs at 5-9 months, but mating is allowed no earlier than the third heat. With earlier fertilization, the cat is not able to bear healthy kittens. Pregnancy lasts from 55 to 65 days. Vitamins prescribed by a veterinarian must be added to the diet of a pregnant pet. They contribute to the proper formation of embryos and strengthen the mother’s immune system.

Siamese cats give birth to from 4 to 8 kittens, and some record holders give birth to offspring numbering 13 babies. Primiparous females often suffer from a lack of milk. The problem can be solved by injections of medications, but they can only be done after examination by a veterinarian. Dosages calculated independently can harm the animal.

If you are not ready to give birth, sterilize your animals. Spaying and neutering are recommended for all cats not involved in breeding. The optimal age for surgery is 6-8 months. Younger age is fraught with obesity and pathologies of the genitourinary system. Older pets are more difficult to tolerate anesthesia, so surgery is performed only as a last resort.

Reproduction and lifespan

Breeding such pussies is not difficult these days. It is possible to select enough partners for your beloved pet, the most important thing is to do this competently, taking into account breed standards and their changes, as well as the individual characteristics of the animal itself. Since a creative approach is required in this matter, if you do not have sufficient experience, it is better to seek recommendations from a trustworthy club.

When mating with Siamese, it is also important how well the animals themselves can get along with each other. After all, here a meeting between a pair of partners can not only be fruitless, moreover, communication sometimes takes place with shocks for the animals and even often ends in a fight.

And therefore, when mating, the help of instructors is highly desirable and their advice is necessary. For an inexperienced cat, it is better to choose a cat who has already had sexual experience. And even in this case, in order for his courtship to become fruitful, sometimes it is necessary to leave the couple in quiet solitude, providing all the conditions for the partners, for a period of up to three days.

If the meeting is successful, within 24 hours the cat becomes pregnant, lasting about 65 days. And its signs are lack of appetite and lethargy. The most suitable period for gestation for a female occurs at the age of a year or one and a half.

Although estrus can come much earlier, and signs of it can become an unpleasant surprise already at four months of age. But little cats are not yet capable of becoming full-fledged mothers; they need to grow up. When a mature, healthy pregnancy occurs, owners should protect their pet from stress and overfeeding.

Siamese cat kittens are often born in a large group, since representatives of this breed are usually fertile. Therefore, the number of cubs, especially if the brood is not the first, can reach up to 13 pieces.

Such pussies are in good health and live a relatively long time, in most cases - at least ten years. There are also known precedents for longevity, when Siamese reached the age of 20 years or more. It is believed that if you castrate a cat, it will prolong its life in this world.

Features of feeding and diet

Veterinarians recommend including dry food in the diet of Siamese cats. Unlike natural food, granules help eliminate plaque and prevent the development of tartar. The breed often suffers from gingivitis and periodontal disease, so additional care for the oral cavity will not be superfluous.

Among industrial foods there are lines designed specifically for Siamese. On the package you can find a table with guidelines for feeding a kitten or adult animal. All norms are calculated based on the weight and age of the cat. Additionally, a feeding cheat sheet is indicated, where dry food is combined with wet food (canned food or pouches).

Dry food is divided by age and breed. Medicinal feeds are produced separately and are recommended as dietary food for sick animals. When choosing food, check its class. Economy class products are made from low-quality raw materials. It is filled with “empty” calories and is fraught with health problems. Good food starts from premium.

When purchasing, people are often put off by the price tag and mistakenly believe that the best food is holistic. It is attractive due to its high protein content, but its excess is fraught with complications. If a cat has problems with the urinary system, then it needs a low-protein diet. Check with your veterinarian to see if holistic food can be given to your pet.

If you have enough free time to cook, you can try natural feeding. It includes:

• lean meat (turkey, rabbit, beef);
• offal (liver, tripe, heart);

• low-fat fermented milk products (cottage cheese, yogurt);
• a small amount of vegetables (carrots, cucumbers) and sprouted greens;
• cereals (rice, egg).

Meat and offal should make up 2/3 of the total diet. Twice a week they can be replaced with sea fish, but only after the approval of a veterinarian.

It's easiest with newborn kittens. The mother feeds them with breast milk for up to 2 months. As animals age, they develop lactose intolerance, so milk is removed from the diet. If there is a shortage of mother's milk or a large number of newborn kittens, they are transferred to artificial formula. Up to 1 month, babies are fed every 2 hours.

From 2-3 months, kittens are given their first complementary foods. It can include minced boiled beef and homemade cottage cheese, which is necessary for bone development. At this age, little Siamese are fed 6 times a day. From 4 months, the number of feedings is reduced to 4-5, and from 6 months – to 3. Until 1 year, meals are reduced to 2 times a day, and portion sizes are increased.

Nutrition

Without a doubt, the quality of feeding greatly affects the health of the pussy and its lifespan. And it seems that the diet of the Siamese is no different from the menu of other representatives of the cat tribe. However, these unique creatures often show their whims in food, are picky and evaluate the quality of the dishes served, like real gourmets. Therefore, owners have to find an individual approach to them, taking into account the tastes of such pets and showing patience.

The main products required include:

• lean meat, boiled and cut into small pieces;
• among by-products, pets may like the udder, lungs, heart, liver;
• fish is a very favorite product among the Siamese, but it should only be served, without abuse, no more than twice a week;
• boiled yolk, full of vitamins, can be very useful;
• porridges from various cereals are not always well received, but are still introduced into the diet to diversify the menu;
• greens and vegetables are important, but in small quantities due to the food habits of the Siamese;
• Dairy products are healthy, but fresh milk is best given only to kittens.

If a picky purr stubbornly refuses all this, then ready-made, high-quality super-premium food can save you. However, experts do not recommend mixed nutrition, because the stomach of these creatures is very delicate, and therefore it is better for it to adapt to a specific type of feeding.

Siamese cat kittens are born completely white

Care and maintenance

The cost of caring for and maintaining a Siamese cat is lower than that of long-haired breeds. The breed is characterized by scanty shedding, so 1-2 brushings per week are sufficient throughout the year. Dead hairs can be removed with a special wool cleaning mitt. Frequent washing breaks the fat barrier and provokes the development of dermatological diseases. The pet can be washed only after dusty repairs or a walk in rainy weather.

Due to the lack of undercoat, it is not recommended to walk the animal in cold weather. If your cat asks to go outside, try to distract it with toys. To keep her comfortably, she will need a multi-level scratching post house. A large number of obstacles keeps the animal active and distracts from loneliness during hours of absence of the owners. Thanks to their developed intelligence, Siamese cats love interactive toys. You can buy them in a store or make them yourself.

In addition to the coat, do not forget to monitor the condition of the ears, eyes and teeth. Discharge from the eyes should be cleaned daily, earwax should be cleaned weekly, and for oral care it is enough to use toothpaste once a month. If you notice sticky eyelids, dark spots inside the ear, plaque or an unpleasant odor from the mouth, contact your veterinarian.

Tips for choosing a kitten

If you are looking for a future pet on the Internet, then pay attention to the photo. Newborn color-point kittens are a reason to think. Either the author is a master of Photoshop and wants to show the future color in the pictures, or he is trying to pass off a mestizo as a purebred kitten. The fur of Siamese cats begins to darken no earlier than 2 weeks after birth. The final color appears by six months.

The safest option is large nurseries. Their activities are licensed, so when selling they are required to provide all the necessary documents. The price in such institutions is higher than that of private sellers, but the likelihood of fraud is minimal. Before meeting Siamese kittens, evaluate the cleanliness of the room and the condition of the mother.

When choosing a kitten, consider its behavior. He must be active and curious. If the animal is given into your arms and looks completely healthy, then feel free to draw up a contract.

How much does a Siamese cat cost?

The final price of a Siamese cat includes the prestige of the pedigree, the availability of vaccinations, the fame of the nursery and the class awarded to the kitten. The average cost of pet-class animals is 20 thousand rubles, breed class - 30 thousand rubles, and show class - 50 thousand rubles.

If you don’t have that amount of money, but really want a Siamese cat, then try contacting a shelter. In addition to yard animals, there are also “lost animals” and purebred pets with disabilities. They can be purchased completely free of charge. Despite their difficult fate, they quickly become attached to a person and become full members of the family.

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How to choose a kitten

When choosing a Siamese kitten, the most important things are its health and pedigree. Therefore, it is imperative to see the kittens’ parents and find out about their general health. Any mention of heart or liver problems in either parent should be noted as these can be passed on to the kittens.

You should also look at the place where the kittens are kept to make sure that they are free of dirt, fleas and ticks. Siamese kittens are social and quite dependent on their parents.

Therefore, kittens should not be weaned from their mother before 12 weeks of age, otherwise they may develop severe anxiety disorders.

You may notice that the kittens are either creamy white or lighter in color than expected. This is fine. The face, paws and tail darken at about 4 weeks of age and continue to darken until the kittens are 1-2 years old. The size of the points directly depends on the temperature of the habitat. The lower the temperature, the more the coat darkens.

That's why newborn kittens, warm from their mother's womb, are white everywhere. Then, as they grow at normal temperatures, the hottest area of ​​their body, around the belly and back area, remains pale while the limbs gradually become darker. And in an adult cat, the general body temperature begins to drop somewhat, and over time the fur darkens more and more.

As for the cost of a kitten , this indicator depends on the following factors: age, pedigree, health status, availability of vaccinations, travel box, toys, etc. Also of great importance is the owner's guarantee that her parents do not suffer from any serious diseases that could be inherited by the kitten.

• The price of a pet-class kitten (pet) is 3000-8000 rubles.
• Breeding class (breeding) – 10,000-15,000 rubles.
• Show class (show kittens) – the price depends on the nursery, from 30,000 rubles and above.