History of Siamese cats

1. Introduction to Siamese Cats
2. Breed history
3. Behaviour of Siamese Cats
4. What to look for
5. Show Standards
6. Summary
7. Pictures of Siamese Cats

It is said that the very earliest record of the Traditional breed of Siamese cats comes from an antique engraving discovered in Southern Russia during the late 1790's. Others say that it is clearly documented that a British Consul-General in Siam who was returning to home to the UK was presented with a Siamese cat (the country presently known as Thailand was formerly Siam) by the King of Siam as a departing gift. The diplomat considered it a great honour, as at this time, Siamese cats were only bred in the Royal Palace by the Royal Family.

It was not until 1902 when England established its very first Siamese Cat Fanciers club. Around the 1950's Siamese cat were only bred by a couple of wealthy ladies in Siam and so their numbers and popularity dwindled.

Fast-forward to the 1960's and we see at this time that the tradition Siamese cat (now known as the 'Applehead') began to fall from favour in the eyes of cat show judges. They made clear their preference for the long skinny body, paving the way for the anorexic finely boned creatures that prevail in the show rings of today.

Thus it became that the standard for this breed were altered to reflect the change in taste. There has been a major shift from the robust sturdy characteristics of the Applehead to smaller, thinner cats with longer bodies, despite the fact that these emaciated creatures usually live shorter and much less healthy lives than their traditional ancestors.

« Siamese catsBehaviour of Siamese Cats »