11 Fascinating Facts About Siamese Cats

Their Coats Can Be a Wide Range of Colors

Siamese cats have an impressive range of coat colors. While genetics play a role, another factor is at work. The color of a cat's coat depends on multiple genes, and patterns are influenced by modifier genes.

Siamese cats have a modifier gene that causes albinism by preventing pigment development at temperatures between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

When a Siamese cat's body temperature drops below about 100 degrees Fahrenheit or in colder settings, the genes for coat color activate and produce pigment. The cooler areas, like the nose, ears, paws, and tail, will show more color.

Most Siamese cats are born white and develop their markings during the weeks after birth. The warm womb prevents the color gene from affecting their fur. After birth and exposure to cooler temperatures, Siamese kittens begin showing pigment on their faces, tails, and paws.

They're One of the Oldest Cat Breeds

Another interesting fact about Siamese cats is their long history. While the exact time Siamese cats were first bred and domesticated isn't certain, they likely originated in Thailand around the 14th century, as they first appeared in a Thai manuscript then. This makes them one of the world's oldest cat breeds.

They Have Some Quirky Physical Traits

For a long time, many Siamese cats had crossed eyes and kinked tails. While genetics surely played a role, many legends provided alternate explanations for these traits.

One legend says a group of Siamese cats was assigned to guard a golden goblet. They stared at it so intensely that their eyes crossed. Wrapping their tails around it for security, their tails became permanently bent.

Though some Siamese cats today have crossed eyes and kinked tails, it's uncommon. These traits were considered undesirable by breeders and selectively bred out. We think they were just doing their security duties!

They're Treasured by Royalty

Centuries ago, Thai royal families cherished Siamese cats for their unique and beautiful appearance. They also believed a Siamese cat would inherit their soul upon death, living their long life in a temple, pampered by monks and priests.

They've Lived in the White House

Though domesticated in Asia for centuries, Siamese cats reached the U.S. in the late 1800s.

One early owner was U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes's wife, Lucy, whose Siamese cat, Siam, was a gift from a U.S. diplomat in Thailand. President Jimmy Carter's daughter, Amy, also had a Siamese, Misty Malarky Ying Yang.

They're Movie Stars

Old classics like The Incredible Journey, Lady and the Tramp, and That Darn Cat! featured Siamese cats.

The Incredible Journey featured a Siamese cat named Tao as one of the three main animal characters. Lady and the Tramp featured two Siamese cat villains. And the plot of That Darn Cat! revolves around a Siamese named DC, who helps stop a kidnapping.

They Helped Stop Espionage

One of the most fascinating facts about Siamese cats has to do with real-life espionage.

While DC from That Darn Cat! helped stop a fictional kidnapping, two real Siamese cats foiled a 1960s espionage attempt. At the Dutch embassy in Moscow, they scratched at a wall, prompting their owner to investigate. Thirty hidden microphones were found behind it.

They're Extremely Talkative

If you have or know a Siamese cat, you're aware they're extremely talkative. They vocalize their thoughts on food, window observations, and anything else they experience day and night. So, if you would prefer sharing your home with a quiet cat, this breed probably isn’t the right choice.

They're Highly Trainable

Siamese cats are smart, active, and curious, making them excellent for training. You can even clicker train them to do tricks or fetch toys, further strengthening your bond.

They've Been Used to Create Other Breeds

Many cats resemble Siamese yet are different breeds, such as the Himalayan, Burmese, and Tonkinese cats.

That’s because the Siamese was used to create other new breeds that would share their physical features and their personality traits. Those new breeds aren’t be exactly like the Siamese, though, because they have other breed influences, too. 

Long-Haired Siamese Are a Separate Breed

A long-haired Siamese cat is called a Balinese cat. This breed resulted from a genetic mutation in purebred Siamese cats, giving them long instead of short hair.

Despite their long coat, the Balinese’s grooming needs aren’t complicated. So, if you love all of the traits of the Siamese but prefer long-haired cats, the Balinese might be perfect for you.