Siamese

The Siamese comes from the old kingdom of Siam, now Thailand, where pale cats with dark faces, ears, paws and tails were kept for centuries. An old Thai manuscript, the Tamra Maew, describes cats of this kind. The first ones reached Britain in the 1870s and caused a sensation at the Crystal Palace show.

The pointed coat is the signature, and it is pure biology. The pigment gene is sensitive to temperature, so the cooler parts of the body, the ears, face, paws and tail, grow dark, while the warm body stays pale. Siamese kittens are born pure white and the points develop over the first weeks.

The eyes are a deep sapphire blue, set in an almond shape in a wedge-shaped face, with large ears above. The body is long and slim, with a whiplike tail. Modern show Siamese are extremely slender, while traditional or Thai-type cats keep a rounder, more moderate build.

The voice is the second signature. Siamese are famous talkers, with a loud, raspy call that they use for commentary, complaint and conversation. Many owners say it is like living with someone who has opinions on everything and an urgent need to share them.

The personality is demanding and devoted. A Siamese wants to be with you, on you or at least telling you something. It is intelligent, learns tricks and often walks on a leash. It dislikes being alone, so a second cat or a home with people around most of the day suits it best.

Care is simple. The short coat needs only a weekly comb. Responsible breeders screen for hereditary eye problems and for the liver disease amyloidosis, and dental care matters because the breed is prone to gum disease. A well-kept Siamese can live well into its teens.