Siamese cat breeds
Oriental cats have a colorful, affectionate, inquisitive personality and like to stay close to their caregivers. Probably the most famous among the pedigree breeds are the Siamese cats. Today, quite different from the early 1900s, these cats still retain their Himalayan ancestor’s characteristics, genes restricting the true coloring to the animal’s legs, paws, face, ears, and tail.
The Siamese cat has several key characteristics and while color is a prominent feature of this breed, structure is also important. Medium in size, long and slender in overall build, these cats have a very short, silky, glossy and close-lying coat. The long Siamese head is delineated by an absolutely straight profile and well aligned chin, with the head wedge-shaped with straight lines, beginning at the nose and slowly increasing in width on each side of the ears. The nose is long and straight without any break and the medium size eyes are almond shaped, set slightly slanting towards the nose. The large and pointed ears are wide at the base and its tail is very long, thin at the base and tapered to a fine point.
Although the original royal cats of Siam were seal-pointed with lighter brown points, with increasing knowledge of feline color genetics, breeders soon found ways to generate other color and shade varieties. Today, body colors ranges from glacial white to pale fawn, with seal, blue, chocolate and lilac accepted by purists as the only real four point colors.
Siamese cats are indoor pets and can live on average 15-20 years when healthy. They are good family pets, are very indulgent of small children and make marvelous companions for seniors. They can be rather vocal and like to be up high when left alone. They can often be found on the top of bookcases or refrigerators. Pricing on this ancient breed, which is perhaps the oldest of all cats, usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines.