Featured Breed

These gorgeous kitties used to grace the legendary temple of the King of Siam (present-day Thailand).

Not only were they beloved for their elegance, but they also guarded the king, perched on columns around the temple. Their size and stretch were enough to knock an intruder to the ground; if the threat were serious, the cats would claw at the face of the intruder. No matter what time of day, the Siamese cat was always on alert.

The Siamese cats made their way to Europe through the King of Siam. They were given to an English consulate general in the late 1800s. Their journey to the United States was a similar style; the King of Siam gifted them to a friend in the U.S. during the 1890s. Other than the gifted cat from the king, Siamese cats were imported into North America from Britain, France, Japan, and Siam. They never fully became popularized until after World War II.

A fluffy kitten

It’s no secret the Siamese cat is one of the most recognizable cat breeds in the world.

Originating in Siam (present-day Thailand), the Siamese has become one of the most popular cats in Europe and North America. They’re mainly characterized by their almond-shaped eyes, triangular head, large ears, and slender, muscular body.

The Siamese is an affectionate, social, intelligent, and playful breed for a cat. They often seek human attention and enjoy interacting with fellow cats. Since the Siamese have many desirable qualities, they’ve been the foundational breed for crossbreeding other cats. Breeds like the Sphynx and Himalayan were developed from crossbreeds that included the Siamese.

Unfortunately, Siamese cats have a much higher mortality rate compared to other cat breeds, only 42% live until they’re 13 years old.

They mainly suffer from neoplasms and mammary tumors, which can lead to their ultimate death. On the positive side, they have a low risk for urinary tract disease, an issue that plagues many popular cat breeds.

At a glance

Covering your Siamese Cat

These elegant kitties live approximately 10 to 12.5 years.

Pet insurance for Siamese cats is generally comparable in price to pet insurance for other cat breeds, such as Maine Coon and mixed cats. The Siamese is prone to many serious health conditions, such as heart, liver, and kidney disease. All can be fatal, which is why pet insurance is necessary for all Siamese cats.

Since this breed could develop serious health issues over time, such as liver or heart problems, it’s important to get pet insurance for Siamese cats as soon as possible.

Prudent Pet Fact: Siamese cats were first used to protect the King of Siam during the 1300s. They sat atop pillars and guarded the entrance of the King. If any intruders attempted to sneak into the kingdom, the Siamese would jump down from the pillars and scratch and claw the intruders.

Rescue a kitty

Looking to rescue a Siamese cat? Here are some of the top Siamese rescues in the country: