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Siamese
Also called Meezer, Mese, Maeo Sayam, Wichianmat (Thai landrace name, 'moon diamond')
From Thailand (Siam until 1939). The breed comes from the Wichianmat, a colourpointed landrace cat of old Siam, and was developed as a show breed in Britain and later the United States from the 1880s on.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
GCCF gives 10-15 lb (4.5-6.8 kg) for males and 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg) for females; Hill's gives 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg) for males and under 8 lb (3.6 kg) for females; Purina UK gives 5-6.5 kg overall. CFA sets no weight and describes a medium, svelte cat.
Hill's 8-12, Purina UK 8-15, GCCF 10-15 years; GCCF notes some reach their twenties
Coat and looks how to spot one
very short, fine, glossy close-lying coat with colourpoint pattern
A long, slim and elegant cat with fine bones yet firm muscle, long legs, small oval feet and a whip-thin tapering tail. The head is a long wedge with large, wide-set ears carrying on its straight lines, and the almond eyes are always a deep, vivid blue. The satin-like coat has almost no undercoat and sits flat against the body. Darker colour gathers on the face mask, ears, legs and tail, the cooler parts of the body, while the body stays paler.6512
Personality what they are like
The Siamese is a people cat through and through. It is outgoing, curious and full of opinions, which it shares in a loud, distinctive voice. It tends to attach itself closely to its family, often to one favourite person, and wants to be involved in whatever is going on. Clever and quick to learn, it enjoys games and training, and despite its sleek show-cat look it is often happy to settle in a lap.5243
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A lively, athletic cat and a strong jumper that loves high places. Plan daily interactive play, hunting-style games, puzzle toys and tall cat trees or shelves to climb.435
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very low maintenance. A weekly brush with a rubber brush or a wipe with damp hands or a cloth keeps the short coat glossy, and many Siamese enjoy brushing as bonding time. Bathing is rarely needed.5342
Home where they are happiest
Happy indoors if the home has plenty of climbing space, toys and enrichment; if it goes outside, a secure garden or cat run is advised.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food suited to age and lifestyle. Portions should be watched, as extra weight shows quickly on such a slender frame.43
Company who they like around
Very high. Siamese do not like being left alone for long and suit homes where someone is around much of the day. A second cat, ideally another Siamese, helps keep them company.235
The story where it all began
Colourpointed cats very like today's Siamese are pictured and described in the Tamra Maew, a set of Thai cat poems believed to date from the Ayutthaya Kingdom (roughly 1351-1767). In Siam these Wichianmat cats were linked with royalty and temples. The first documented Siamese in the United States was a cat named Siam, sent from Bangkok to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. In 1884 the British Consul-General in Bangkok, Edward Blencowe Gould, brought a pair called Pho and Mia home to his sister Lilian, and their kittens were shown at London's Crystal Palace in 1885. Lilian Gould helped found the Siamese Cat Club in 1901, the first UK champion (Wankee) had been crowned in 1898, and CFA recognised the breed from its founding in 1906. Blue, chocolate and lilac points were added over the following decades, and after the Second World War the Siamese became one of the most registered breeds. Western breeders later refined a longer, more angular show type, while a rounder 'traditional' type is kept by some groups. The breed also helped create many others, including the Balinese, Oriental, Himalayan and Tonkinese.15243
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The points are temperature-controlled: the pigment enzyme only works in cooler skin (below about 33 °C), so the ears, face, paws and tail colour up while the warm body stays pale.1
- 2
Siamese kittens are born almost white or cream and their points appear over the first few months.2
- 3
The first known Siamese in the USA was a cat called Siam, a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.5
- 4
Colourpoint cats appear in the Tamra Maew, Thai 'cat-book poems' thought to date back to the Ayutthaya era.1
- 5
In Thailand the colourpoint cat is called 'wichien-matt', meaning moon diamond.3
- 6
Disney's Lady and the Tramp (1955) made the Siamese pair Si and Am and their song famous.1
- 7
CFA credits the Siamese as the inspiration, or direct ancestor, of a large number of other breeds.5
- 8
The very first GCCF Siamese champion, Wankee, took the title back in 1898.2
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- One of the breeds recognised when CFA was founded in 1906; four point colours: seal, blue (1934), chocolate (1952) and lilac (1955)5
- GCCF
- Section 6 (Siamese & Oriental), Group 2; 32 colour and point patterns2
- FIFe
- Fully recognised, Category 4, code SIA (shared standard with Balinese and Orientals)7
- TICA, ACF, ACFA/CAA, CCA-AFC
- Pedigree breed in all major registries1
Popularity 17th of 54 breeds in FIFe registrations (929 kittens, 1% of the total) in 2024; seal point is the most popular colour in CFA15
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Siamese. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayAbout 60 minutes of play a dayevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Siamese, and at what times?
Feed your Siamese a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and lifestyle, following the portion guidance on the food label and your vet's advice. Meal times can be set to your routine, but it's best to split the daily amount into two or more meals. Watch portions closely because extra weight shows quickly on this slender breed.43
What should a Siamese eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality, complete and balanced cat food is ideal for your Siamese. Many human foods are dangerous, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chives, alcohol, yeast dough, coffee, caffeine, avocado, citrus, milk and dairy, macadamia nuts, xylitol, raw meat, raw eggs, and bones. Always keep these away from your cat and consult your vet if you have any concerns.438
Does a Siamese need baths?
Bathing is rarely needed for a Siamese. Their short, fine coat stays clean with regular brushing, and most Siamese enjoy that bonding time. Only bathe if they get very dirty or sticky, and use a cat-safe shampoo.5342
How often does a Siamese need brushing?
A weekly brush with a rubber brush or a wipe with damp hands keeps the short, glossy coat looking its best. Many Siamese see brushing as a lovely bonding moment. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.5342 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Siamese's claws, and how often?
Trim your Siamese's claws every two to three weeks, using proper cat nail clippers and only the sharp tip. Start with one or two claws per session to help your cat get used to it. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days, and general guidance recommends every ten days to two weeks, so adjust to your cat's growth rate.9 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Siamese need?
Your Siamese is a lively, athletic cat that needs daily interactive play, hunting-style games, and puzzle toys. Aim for about 60 minutes of play each day, and provide tall cat trees or shelves for climbing. This clever breed loves training and games, so keep sessions fun and varied.435 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Siamese's teeth and ears?
Brush your Siamese's teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as Furry Diary suggests, using a cat-safe toothpaste. For ears, check them weekly and gently wipe the outer ear with a soft cloth if needed; if you see redness or discharge, ask your vet. Never use cotton swabs inside the ear. Furry Diary plan
How long does a Siamese live?
A Siamese typically lives between 8 and 15 years, with many enjoying a long, healthy life. With good care, regular vet check-ups and a loving home, your Siamese can be a wonderful companion for many years.432
Is a Siamese good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Siamese is a people-oriented, outgoing cat that often forms close bonds with its family, including children who are gentle and respectful. It can get along well with other pets, especially if introduced slowly, and having another cat, ideally another Siamese, can keep it company. This breed enjoys being involved in everything and will thrive in a busy, loving home.5243
Can a Siamese be left alone?
Siamese cats do not like being left alone for long periods and prefer homes where someone is around most of the day. They are very social and can become lonely or anxious if left by themselves. If you are away often, consider getting a second cat for company, ideally another Siamese.235
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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.
- Wikipedia - Siamese cat en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, genetics, other names, popularity, recognition
- GCCF - Siamese gccfcats.orgused for recognition, colours, weight, lifespan, temperament, social needs, history
- Purina UK - Siamese purina.co.ukused for weight, lifespan, activity, habitat, social needs, fun facts
- Hill's Pet - Siamese hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, activity, diet, grooming
- CFA - Siamese breed profile cfa.orgused for history, recognition, colours, temperament, grooming
- FIFe breed standard BAL/SIA/OLH/OSH fifeweb.orgused for body, head, eyes, coat, colours
- FIFe - Breeds list fifeweb.orgused for recognition status and category
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.