Siamese are an ancient breed. The Siamese breed is considered a “natural breed” which means the breed was not man made. Over the years, they have been bred to certain standards, but the original coloring evolved naturally.
The stunning contrast of the fur colors, rich blue eyes and distinctive personality have made them a hit with cat fanciers. The CFA standard Siamese has a lovely wedge shaped head, almond shaped eyes and a sleek tubular body. Other Siamese cat lovers have bred a heavier set cat, called an Applehead. Many believe the Applehead is the ‘original’ Siamese, but no one really knows for sure.
No one is certain when the breed first appeared. It is believed to be from Southeast Asia, probably Thailand. One of the earliest recordings of the Siamese cat appeared in the Cat Book of Poems which was written in Siam between 1350 and 1700.
The first Siamese cats were introduced in Britain in 1884 by a Mr. Gould as a gift for his sister. He imported the two cats from Bangkok and they are the first two Siamese registered in Britain. Many other Siamese were imported into this country during the final years of the century. All cats imported at this time came from Bangkok and so the modern cat as it is known today, is from ancient Siam.
It is likely that the first Siamese cats came to the United States under the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes.
Siamese cats have continued to be wildly popular. Lady and the Tramp Siamese notwithstanding, Siamese are actually very loving, caring creatures who worm their way into the hearts and minds of their people. Once you’ve had a Siamese, there’s no going back.