Furry Diary

Sam Sawet

Also called Saem Sawat, Saem Sawet

Historic typeShort profile

From Thailand; one of the cat types described in the Tamra Maew (Treatise on Cats) poems.12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

traditionally counted among Thailand's lucky cats
slender, elegant build
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat, black with white

The old Thai verses picture a slim, neat, graceful cat with sparse, light fur in which black and white alternate, and eyes that glow gold. Modern accounts read the description as a black cat flecked with white hairs, a roan-like look.12

Coloursblack with white speckling or alternating white hairs (roan-like)golden eyes12

The story where it all began

The Sam Sawet is known from the Tamra Maew, a set of Thai cat poems whose surviving manuscripts date from the late 1700s and which sorted cats into lucky and unlucky kinds. It is one of the rarest of the traditional Thai colour types. Breeders in Thailand have tried to revive it from speckled street kittens, but so far those kittens have grown up solid black.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name is usually translated as 'alternating white', describing white mixed into a black coat.1

  2. 2

    The Tamra Maew verses compare the cat's eyes to fireflies and liquid gold.1

  3. 3

    Thai breeders who bought speckled-looking kittens, one of them in 2005, found the kittens turned solid black as they grew.2

Recognised by the official bits

Major cat registries
Not recognised as a breed3

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sam Sawet. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Tell me when it launches

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

  1. The Introvert: The Auspicious Thai Cats of the Tamra Maew pwwka.substack.comused for name meaning, Tamra Maew description, history
  2. Messybeast: Breeds Originating from South-East Asia messybeast.comused for modern description, revival attempts, rarity
  3. Catster: Sam Sawet catster.comused for recognition status

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.