Siamese - Breed record

Geographical origin

Siam → Thailand

History

• 1884: Imported to the UK by British diplomates

• 1901: 1st Siam Cat Society (London)

• Nowadays popular worldwide

Calibre / Size

• ~ 3-5 kg

• Light w/ seal/blue/chocolate/lilac points

Performance

Show & companion animal

Temperament

• Communicative, vocal, playful

• Very social, dog-like

Anatomical & pathological particularities

• Oriental type:

  • v slim, muscular, elongated

  • almond-shaped blue eyes

• Lighter-coloured in warm climates

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) → blindness

• Lack of a tapetum lucidum

• Prone to cancer, esp. mammary tumors

• Partial albinism: Tyrosinase mutation (melanin prod.)

  • heat-sensitive enzyme: active <33°C

  • dark on coolest body parts (points)

  • kittens are born white, points become visible after 6-9 m

Economic & ethical aspects

Tends to get depressed if left alone → generally kept in pairs