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If you're a neatnik you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed, or relax your standards. Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn't mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. If you're looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in. Some cats are perpetual kittens — full of energy and mischief — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often.
If constant "conversation" drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat. Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.
See Least Kit Friendly Cats. Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat that needs daily brushing. Some cat breeds are reputed smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work.
Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep him out of mischief. Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home. See Least Pet Friendly Cats. The sophisticated Siamese looks dressed for an elegant masquerade ball in pale evening wear with chic black accessories and tanzanite-blue eyes. Cats with light-colored coats set off with black mask, ears , paws and tail have been known in Thailand formerly Siam for centuries.
Ancient manuscripts depict the cats, but they were not seen in the West until the late nineteenth century, when they were exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in London. Not everyone appreciated their unusual appearance, but they quickly became fashionable pets.
By the turn of the century, if not earlier, they were popular in the United States as well. Hayes and his wife Lucy were the recipients of a Siamese cat shipped to them in by David B.
A letter from Sickels detailing the gift is on file at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio. At first, only the cats with seal points—a dark brownish-black—were shown, but blue, chocolate and lilac-point Siamese were soon developed and accepted in the show ring. Today Siamese come in many different point colors and patterns, including tabby points and smoke points. The Siamese itself is a natural breed, meaning its original pointed pattern was the result of a genetic mutation. The breed has contributed to the creation of many other breeds, including the Balinese, Oriental, the Himalayan division of the Persian, the Tonkinese and the Havana Brown.
The Siamese is recognized by all cat associations. The International Cat Association also recognizes the Thai, described as the original form of the native pointed cat of Thailand. In Thailand the cats are called Wichienmaat. Some people refer to it as an old-style Siamese. It shares the pointed coat and domineering personality of the Siamese but has a more moderate body type. Perhaps the most important thing to know about these cats is they are talkative and opinionated.
They will tell you exactly what they think, in a loud, raspy voice, and they expect you to pay attention and act on their advice. Siamese cats are extremely fond of their people. When you are sitting down, a Siamese will be in your lap, and at night he will be in bed with you, probably under the covers with his head on the pillow. Do not get a Siamese if living with a chatty busybody would drive you insane. On the other hand, if you enjoy having someone to talk to throughout the day, the Siamese can be your best friend. Keep in mind that Siamese from shelters may not be pedigreed, even if they look like Siamese cats.
The only way to know for sure if a cat is Siamese is to read the cat's registration papers, which most shelter cats don't have. However, a cat from a shelter can make a wonderful companion. Buy a Siamese from a responsible breeder. If you want to be sure that you are getting a Siamese cat, do not get a Siamese cat from a backyard breeder or a pet store. Do your research first. Responsible breeders will be glad to give you references and tell you which cat associations they belong to.
They will also provide registration papers and a health guarantee. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations. If you do not know any breeders in your area and you cannot find a Siamese in a shelter, consider asking your local veterinarian for recommendations on how to find a Siamese cat. Your veterinarian may be able to refer you to a reputable breeder or Siamese rescue group in your area. Yes, although, as with any breed, introducing a new cat to an established cat needs to be done slowly and carefully.
Siamese are outgoing and playful, and they generally enjoy having another cat of any breed to play with. Make sure each cat has her own food and water bowls, toys, bed, and litter tray.
You will need to board your Siamese cat or hire a live-in pet sitter when you'll be away for more than one day, as your Siamese won't be able to. If you've had the honor of loving a Siamese cat, you know how unique they are. 3 a.m. means nothing when there is a ferocious feather wand in the living.
Keep the new cat in a separate room, and introduce them by scent first, stroking first one cat and then the other. Not Helpful 5 Helpful The Siamese cat will be fine, but the same can't be said for the house! Siamese are intelligent, outgoing, and playful. They will regard visiting another house as an opportunity to play, explore, and quite possibly get into trouble. It's best to make sure the home owner is a cat lover and comfortable with the havoc that an active Siamese may cause.
Not Helpful 7 Helpful Probably because Siamese cats are needy. You can give a lot of love but they can be really demanding, especially if you spend any time apart. This can be hard to handle after a while but with two cats, they have each other to tend to and care for, taking the pressure off you and giving them real two-way cat love.
No, declawing is a last resort operation that certain people use because they prioritize their household goods over the well-being of a living creature. Since cats are not objects, there is little to no justification for this unnatural operation. That aside, the Siamese cat is intelligent and will respond to positive reinforcement if you put in the effort to dissuade unwanted behavior.
It is recommended that you clip the cat's nails every two weeks. If you start at a young age, the cat will not at all be bothered by nail clippings. Not Helpful 16 Helpful Go to a shelter and ask them for the nicest Siamese cat they have and show her. That should do the trick.
They're not mean, they're needy. Maybe your mom is confusing the issues. Not Helpful 4 Helpful Any good quality wet or dry kitten food is good for them. Look for the label "Kitten" to ensure that it has the right level of nutrients.
Siamese cats can live for about 12 to 14 years, sometimes longer, depending on how well you take care of it. If the cat gets sick ie: Not Helpful 10 Helpful It is not recommended that you leave your Siamese alone for more than 8 to 9 hours. They will definitely let you know when you get home. If you cannot have a person near the cat for most of the time, consider not having a Siamese cat. Alternatively, consider having at least two cats, to keep each other company. Not Helpful 15 Helpful Any normal cat food. If the cat starts throwing up, switch the food.
Keep doing this until you find a good fit. Not Helpful 11 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Already answered Not a question Bad question Other.
Warnings Having a pet costs money. Do not get a pet unless you can afford its food, veterinary care, and other basic needs. Getting a pet is a long-term commitment. Do not get any kind of pet unless you are willing and able to care for it for its entire life. For cats, this can mean years! Made Recently View more 63 total.
Add a photo Upload error. Tell us more about it? Click here to share your story. Siamese Cats In other languages: Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. GR Ginger Rogers Jul 6. Today is his bday!! He is the love of my life. He is totally trained. He tries to get me up every morning by touching my face and giving me little love bites but I tell him to go lay back down and he does!! SS Susan Santiago May They aren't pure bred, but are still very beautiful cats.
Since I had no intention on breeding them, their purity is irrelevant to me. The male, Benny, is extremely vocal and he loves to play fetch just as described in this article. The female, Isabeau, is long haired and she's a bit of a snob, but we love her anyway. As working professionals, however, we employ a cat nanny as well as a cat sitter to provide these wonderful companions with their basic needs. Do not buy Siamese if you are not able or willing to meet their associated interpersonal needs or expenses.
They are companions to be cherished, and not "worn" as accessories!
TR Tanya Ramirez Aug 4, My kids' very best decision. She completes our family. SC Sheryl Clark Jul 6,