April 6th is Siamese Cat Day, which honors some very unique kittens. These stunning felines, sometimes known as Meezers, are very cute and charming. While all of our feline companions are loving and full of purrsonality, many people find that Siamese cats are, well, a little extra. Read on, if you please: a local Vinton, VA veterinarian discusses Siamese cats in this article.

Where Are Siamese Cats From?

Fluffy originated in Thailand, which was previously known as Siam. These adorable kittens have been around for thousands of years. They were once the favorite pets of royalty. Meezers were so revered that they were given as gifts to foreign diplomats and officials. That is clear from their name. They are known in Thai as wichien-maat, which translates to “moon diamond.” The kitties appear in records dating back to the 14th century! Fluffy was also mentioned in Tamra Maew (The Cat Book Poems), which was published sometime between the 14th and 18th centuries.

Why Are Siamese Cats Unique?

Siamese cats have stunning and unique coat patterns. They are usually pale tan or white, with dark tips and blue eyes. They are also noted for their high intelligence and devotion. They often create very strong ties with their people. They’re also very talkative, have a distinct, loud meow, and are fairly outgoing. These lovely kitties are full of mischief, lovable, and frequently humorous, and they have a dedicated following. In fact, they are among the most popular breeds in the United States!

Another fascinating aspect of these guys? They are capable of learning tricks. Many of them enjoy playing ‘fetch’ with their people. Fluffy may even like going for a leashed walk.

What Legends Are There About Siamese Cats?

Fluffy has accumulated quite a few legends. Buddhist monks may have kept Meezers, believing that they kept evil spirits at bay. Another interesting tidbit? The ancient Siamese thought that when a member of the royal family died, their souls were reborn as Siamese cats. This, of course, meant that the cats were completely treated and pampered, with monks looking after them hand and foot, or paw and tail. (Obviously, they’ve always remembered this.)

Another old ‘tale’ about these adorable kittens concerns their eyes. As you may have noticed, many Siamese cats have crossed eyes. Legend has it that this happened when a Siamese king assigned Fluffy the responsibility of guarding his treasured vase. The kitty dutifully coiled her tail around the vase and peered at it. She was so focused on her responsibilities that her eyes crossed and her tail kinked!

What Is Something Interesting About Siamese Cats?

Here’s a fun one: Fluffy once caught two spies! Two of the cats were resident kitties at the Dutch Embassy in Moscow during the Cold War’s peak in the 1960s. The cats kept meowing and scratching at a certain location on the walls, alerting their owners that there was something unusual in that spot. Officials conducted an inspection and discovered two dozen hidden microphones in the wall.

How Do You Care For A Siamese Cat?

Siamese cats, like all other cats, require nutritious food, a clean litterbox, proper medical care, and, of course, plenty of affection. Actually, Fluffy may need a little more attention than other cats. While some of our feline companions are aloof and independent, Siamese cats are incredibly social. They’ve even earned the moniker ‘Velcro kitties.’ They can get depressed and lonely if left alone for too long. If you’re thinking about adopting one of these adorable kittens, and your pet will be home alone a lot, you might want to think about getting two.

It is also worth noting that Fluffy is a bit of an escape artist. Many Siamese cats actually like going for walks on leashes. If you enjoy being outside, you may want to give this a try. Ask your Vinton, VA vet for training tips.

How Can You Make A Siamese Cat Happy?

Like any other kitty, Fluffy will require a balanced diet, a clean litterbox, and adequate veterinary care to stay healthy and purring. Of course, it will take a little more than that to truly please your feline overlord.

Meezers are recognized for their playful and cuddly personalities. They frequently accompany their people from room to room, chatting about anything and everything from the moth at the window to the squirrel in the yard to the dust bunny under the sofa.

These active kitties need a lot of entertainment and excitement. You will need to supply plenty of cat toys and make time to play with your feline friend on a regular basis. Fluffy will also like a cat tower, if you please, as many Siamese cats love high vantage points. Ask your Vinton, VA veterinarian for specific advice. 

Siamese cats are very emotional, and they can also be rather sensitive. Never yell at or scare Fluffy; she will remember it!

Do Siamese Cats Meow A Lot?

Fluffy’s tendency to tell her humans about everything is one of her most distinguishing features. Siamese cats have distinct meows that often sound similar to human newborns’ screams. They also just like to speak their minds.

However, keep in mind that our feline pals all have distinct purrsonalities. While many are fairly outspoken, there are a few that are silent.

Are There Different Variations Of Siamese Cats?

While all Siamese cats have lighter bodies and black points, Fluffy can wear a variety of colors. The CFA allows for four possibilities. There’s the original seal point, which has tan fur and dark brown or black points. The chocolate wardrobe is lighter in body and points. A blue Siamese has bluish-gray points on a grey body, whereas the lilac has a white body. The International Cat Association also permits flame and cream, tabby points, and tortie points. Regardless of what outfit they choose, Meezers always have blue eyes. Fluffy can have long fur, though longhaired Siamese cats are rare. (Note: Balinese cats resemble longhaired Siamese, so people sometimes confuse the two.) 

Are Meezers Popular?

Siamese kitties are still very popular today. Fluffy’s popularity may have peaked after World War II: for a while, they were the most registered cat breed. However, they did not always do well in the West. After Fluffy made her debut at the first cat show, a journalist called her an “unnatural nightmare.” Ouch! Disney didn’t help the breed by portraying them as the feline baddies in Lady and the Tramp!

What Is The Lifespan Of A Siamese Cat?

Fluffy has a slightly longer average lifespan than most cats. Most of our feline friends will live between 12 and 19 years. Siamese kitties can live for up to 20 years. One particularly elderly feline made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest kitty. Scooter, that furball, reached the age of 30. That’s incredible for a feline!

Visit Your Vinton, VA Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions about looking after a Siamese cat? Has it been a while since your Meezer saw the vet? Please do not hesitate to call us if your cat needs any type of veterinarian care. As your Vinton, VA pet clinic, we are here for you!