Siamese
Also called Meezer.
The pointed pattern is temperature-sensitive: the pigment enzyme only works below normal body temperature, so colour develops on the extremities. Kittens are born white and darken over weeks.
- Coat
- Short
- Build
- Long and fine-boned
- Head
- Wedge
- Weight
- 2.5–5 kg
- Origin
- Thailand
What it looks like
Long, slender and fine-boned, with a long wedge-shaped head, very large ears, deep blue almond eyes, and a pale body with dark points on the face, ears, legs and tail.
The characters that confirm it
- Colourpoints — dark face mask, ears, legs and tail against a pale body.
- Deep blue eyes. Always, in every Siamese.
- A long wedge head with very large ears continuing the triangle.
- Fine-boned, tubular body with a long whippy tail.
Temperament
Extremely vocal, demanding, attached to people and poorly suited to being left alone.
Health
Progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis and asthma occur. The crossed eyes and kinked tail once typical of the breed have largely been bred out.
Confused with
Ragdolls are pointed and blue-eyed too, but they are large, semi-longhaired and heavily built. A Siamese is small and svelte.
A longhaired Siamese. Same build, same points, a plumed tail and a silky medium coat.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Siamese?
Colourpoints — dark face mask, ears, legs and tail against a pale body. Deep blue eyes. Always, in every Siamese.
What is a Siamese like to live with?
Extremely vocal, demanding, attached to people and poorly suited to being left alone.
What health problems do Siameses have?
Progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis and asthma occur. The crossed eyes and kinked tail once typical of the breed have largely been bred out.