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| SIAMESE CATS Siamese cats are considered one of the oldest breeds of all our cats and the most popular of all pedigree cat breeds. They are intelligent with an inquisitive personality and a loving nature. Siamese cats have sleek lines, striking colour contrast, finely chiselled aristocratic heads, deep blue almond eyes, and short silky coats. Combine this beauty with intelligence, an inquisitive personality and a loving nature and you have the essence of the Siamese cat. History Siamese cats originated hundreds of years ago in Siam (now Thailand). They appeared in the West in the mid-to-late 1800s.These early cats were delicate and subject to health problems. They had crossed eyes and kinked tails, thick, round heads and solid, muscular bodies that distinguish the traditional Siamese from today's show Siamese - characteristics now considered faults. Traditional Siamese are purebred cats, descended from the original cats imported from Siam. Today, there are two distinct varieties, one of which is the Traditional. Traditional Siamese cats are rare, though they seem to be making a comeback. Description There are two known body types for the Siamese - most cat fancy associations recognize only the first. Modern Siamese is the cat type most frequently observed in cat shows. It is easy to distinguish by its svelte elongated silhouette and its wedged head shape. Traditional (Apple-Head) Siamese are larger than the Modern (Show) Siamese, with a rounder head shape and a less extreme look. The Traditional is much closer to the Siamese cat as it originally was. All Siamese cats share the colourpoint pattern, where the cooler body parts (feet, tail, and face) are of a darker colour than the rest of the body. Kittens are born without the dark markings and develop them throughout the first weeks of their lives. The different colours accepted by all cat fancy associations are seal (dark brown), chocolate, blue, and lilac (light grey with a pink tinge). Some associations also recognize red and cream point as Siamese, as well as the various combinations of tabby (lynx) or tortoiseshell point patterns. Other associations class these varieties as Shorthair Colourpoints and refer to them as a different breed. Characteristics and Temperament Modern (Show) Siamese have affectionate inquisitive personalities, although the Modern is likely to be more independent than the Traditional. Modern Siamese cats are House cats. Traditional Siamese cats make extremely good pets being affectionate, intelligent, and full of personality. The variety is very robust, and generally has very few health problems. Traditional Siamese cats are House cats. Overall, Siamese cats are calm, affectionate cats, typically healthy and long-lived - 15-20 years is average, and over 20 is not uncommon. Special Needs Siamese cats need relatively little grooming. Their close-lying coat can be gently brushed just once a week to remove dead hair. This breed has several distinctive genetic faults, all of which are cosmetic and require no medical treatment. These include crossed eyes and a kinked tail. These faults are becoming more rare with time as breeders try to breed them out. |
| ORIENTAL CATS The Oriental breed in short is a non-pointed Siamese. These elegant and elongated cats of many colours and patterns share the Siamese build and personality. This has become a popular breed in both the shorthair and longhair versions. History During the 1950's, breeders began to explore the new possibilities of multi-coloured cats with the Siamese build and personality. Description The Orientals share the svelte body shape of modern Siamese. The body is slender and elongated, with talls legs and a long tail. The wedged head shape is complemeted by long large ears and large almond-shaped eyes. Orientals come in virtually every coat colour and pattern. Solid Orientals are quite impressive cats, with dazzling black, blue or white coats, or any other solid variation. Tabbies are also available in the various tabby patterns and colours. In recent years, bi-color Orientals have entered the show ring and become quite popular. Eye colour can vary and should be consistent with coat pattern and colour. Only white Orientals can have blue eyes. Orientals can be either shorthaired or longhaired. Shorthairs have smooth close-lying coat that needs very little grooming. Longhairs have silky semi-long coat that does not mat easily and is relatively easy to groom. The term "Oriental" encompasses all the cats with a Siamese body shape that are not "pointed". Orientals have much to offer as pets. Sassy and sleek, the Oriental is certainly a cat with mystique. Characteristics and Temperament Orientals are inquisitive cats that need plenty of attention. Their character is identical to their Siamese relatives in that they are quite demanding cats, very active and highly vocal. These elegant, svelte cats remain playful, spirited and loyal well beyond their youth. Special Requirements Oriental cats do not require special grooming, other than a weekly brushing to remove dead hair. These are active cats that need to remain so throughout their lives, in order to maintain the slender body shape. Individuals that do not get enough exercise, may gain weight and lose the unique body shape. This can be changed with daily play sessions and a balanced diet. |
