Siamese Cats - Are You Suited to Them?

Are you considering a Siamese cat as your next pet?

Making the decision to bring a Siamese into your household shouldn't be taken lightly.




Although beautiful and striking, they demand more attention than many other breeds of cat, and trouble can arise if a household doesn't meet a Siamese's requirements.
The behaviour and personality characteristics of the Siamese are similar throughout the breed, regardless of whether they're 'wedge heads' (otherwise known as 'show style') or 'apple-heads' (also known as 'traditional'). Their meow, intelligence, and ability to be trained make them one of the most unique types of cats. Rather than meow, they 'yowl'; a wail often likened to a human baby's cry. A Siamese can yowl for hours on end if they are lonely or not given what they want (and they often want a lot!). Therefore, they are not suited to people who live in close proximity to their neighbours, unless they are very understanding and forgiving!

• In many ways, Siamese bridge the divide between dogs and cats. They are loyal, playful, affectionate, attention-seeking and want to be a part of the family. They can be trained to play fetch, ideally with soft golf-ball sized balls that can be squashed, which they can pick up in their mouth and carry to their owner to throw. Such a game can continue for hours, again in much the same way as with a dog. They can also be trained to walk on a leash with a harness, however a Siamese will only participate in these activities if it feels like it!
• Being intelligent animals, it is important that a Siamese isn't just left alone by itself all day, every day because it will easily become bored. A bored and lonely Siamese will become destructive and unhappy.
• If members of your household are away from home for most of the day but you have your heart set on a Siamese, getting a second kitten is recommended as they will keep each other company. Siamese generally get along very well with other cats (particularly other Siamese), but as with all breeds, it is easier to introduce cats when both are kittens. If one is older, it is important to introduce them slowly.
• The Siamese as a breed have developed a lessened ability to live independently of humans compared with other types of cats. Although many owners of purebred cats choose for them to spend their life living indoors, this is even more important with the Siamese. They have no road sense or understanding of danger. If they are allowed outside, it is recommended that they are supervised at all times or provided with an outdoor cat run that prevents their escape.
• Despite their emotional demands and need for interaction, the Siamese's short coat means they require less maintenance than other breeds, particularly long-haired breeds such as the Persian.

Should you and your lifestyle suit the Siamese's need for attention and mental stimulation, their personality makes them a wonderful pet and delightful companion. Having a Siamese is rewarding and uniquely different to life with any other breed of cat.