Thai
Also called Wichien Maat, Old-Style Siamese, Traditional Siamese, Classic Siamese, Applehead
From Pointed cats native to Thailand (Wichien Maat); redeveloped as a distinct breed in Europe and North America from the 1980s.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
TICA: males 9-12 lb, females 7-9 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, single, close-lying coat
A moderate, athletic pointed cat: medium-boned and fairly long but never extreme, with a flat forehead, rounded skull sides and a wedge muzzle. The short coat is soft and silky and lies flat. Every Thai has blue eyes, a pale body and darker points on the face, ears, legs and tail.21
Personality what they are like
An outgoing, talkative companion that loves its family, meets people at the door and likes to be involved in everything. It is curious and playful, and it communicates with both voice and touch.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A strong jumper and explorer that can learn to open doors and cupboards; daily wand play is recommended and an exercise wheel can help.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal coat care as the cat keeps itself clean. Trim nails about every two weeks, check and clean ears and brush teeth regularly.2
Home where they are happiest
An indoor home with climbing space, puzzle toys and secure cupboards suits this agile, inquisitive cat.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.2
Company who they like around
Needs plenty of daily attention and does not like being left alone for long stretches.2
The story where it all began
Pointed cats called Wichien Maat were described in Thai cat-book poems centuries ago, and imports to Britain from the late 1800s became the Siamese. As show breeding moved toward a longer, more angular look, some breeders kept the moderate original type, and in 1990 the WCF recognised it under the name Thai. Native cats from Thailand have been imported since 2001 to broaden the lines.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Wichien Maat, the Thai name, is usually translated as 'diamond gold' (or 'moon diamond').1
- 2
The pointed cat of Thailand has been written about in Thai literature for at least 700 years.2
- 3
Fans nicknamed the rounder old-type Siamese 'Applehead'.1
- 4
The old-type Siamese helped create the Himalayan, Ocicat and Havana Brown.1
Recognised by the official bits
- WCF
- Championship status 1990, when the name Thai was adopted2
- TICA
- Preliminary New Breed 2007, Advanced New Breed 2009, Championship 20102
- TICA
- Championship status 20101
- FIFe
- Accepted as a Preliminary Recognised Breed in 20151
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Thai. 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
- PlayDaily playevery 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 Thai, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, activity and the food you choose. Furry Diary suggests following the portion guide on the food label and checking with your vet for a schedule that keeps your Thai trim.
What should a Thai eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A Thai needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, check the full ASPCA list for safety.23
Does a Thai need baths?
Thai cats keep themselves clean, so baths are rarely needed. Only bathe if your cat gets very dirty or sticky, as recommended by general grooming guidance.24
How often does a Thai need brushing?
A weekly brushing is enough for this short, silky coat. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every seven days, and general guidance agrees once or twice a week.24 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Thai's claws, and how often?
Trim your Thai's claws about every two weeks, taking only the sharp tip. Furry Diary suggests every 21 days, and general advice recommends trimming no more than two claws per session at first.24 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Thai need?
This curious, high-energy cat needs daily play, a wand toy session and an exercise wheel are great. Furry Diary recommends daily play to keep your Thai happy and active.2 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Thai's teeth and ears?
Brush your Thai's teeth regularly, daily is ideal, and Furry Diary suggests every two days. Check and clean ears as needed, following your vet's advice for proper care.2 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Thai live?
A Thai cat typically lives a long, healthy life of 17 to 22 years.2
Is a Thai good with children and other pets?
Thai cats are outgoing and love being involved with their family, which often includes children and other pets. For specific introductions, ask a good breeder or your vet.
Can a Thai be left alone?
Thai cats need plenty of daily attention and do not like being left alone for long stretches. They thrive with company and interactive play throughout the day.2
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.
- Thai cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, recognition, facts
- Thai - TICA tica.orgused for history, recognition, size, lifespan, care, temperament
- 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.