Cat breed · Oriental

Siamese

An intensely social, endlessly vocal cat that wants to be involved in everything its people do.

Medium15–20 yearsThailandCan suit apartments

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Breed characteristics

One of the oldest recognised breeds, kept in Siamese temples and royal households before reaching Europe in the 1880s.

Slender and angular with blue almond eyes and dark points on a pale body.

Several daily play sessions; clicker training and fetch suit the breed well.

Minimal grooming, but plan for company — Siamese cope badly with long hours alone.

Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
Check your routine can support the activity described here: Several daily play sessions; clicker training and fetch suit the breed well. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Progressive retinal atrophy, Amyloidosis, Asthma, Dental disease, Mediastinal lymphoma), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.

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