Siamese Cat: The Talkative Blue-Eyed Breed

Deep blue eyes, a sleek body and a lot to say: the Siamese is one of the oldest and most recognisable cat breeds [1]. It is affectionate, active and loves company. Here is what to know before one starts talking to you.

Siamese cat quick facts

Are Siamese cats talkative?

Yes, famously so. The CFA describes the breed as vocal, affectionate and even "insistent" [1]. Siamese cats communicate a lot and have a strong need to stay close to their people [1].

So expect a cat that follows you around and joins the conversation. If you want a quiet, independent pet, this may not be the right match.

What colours do Siamese cats come in?

The CFA recognises four traditional point colours [1]:

• Seal: deep brown.
• Chocolate: milk-chocolate.
• Blue: deep blue-grey.
• Lilac: frosty grey with a pinkish tone.

The face, ears, paws and tail (the "points") are darker. The body is always a lighter shade, with a clear contrast between the two [1].

How often should I groom a Siamese cat?

About once a week is enough for the short, fine coat [2]. A simple routine [2]:

• Use a fine-toothed comb to check for parasites.
• Follow with a bristle brush.
• Finish with a rubber grooming mitt or a damp cloth for shine.

A healthy cat does not need baths [2].

What should a Siamese cat eat?

Ask a licensed vet which food suits your cat. Vet guidance on how to feed [3]:

• Adults: two measured meals a day, not a bowl left full all day.
• Kittens: 3 to 4 smaller meals a day of kitten food, continuing kitten food until about 9 to 12 months.
• Water: always fresh, changed daily, with several bowls around the home. A water fountain or wet food can help cats drink more.

How do I keep a Siamese cool in the Saudi summer?

There is no Siamese-specific heat study, but general cat guidance applies to any short-haired indoor cat [4]:

• Give it shaded, well-ventilated places to rest.
• Offer several bowls of fresh water, refreshed often.
• A cooling mat, or a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel, can help.
• Always check cars, storerooms and sunny glass rooms before you close them.

See a vet right away if you notice heavy panting, drooling, unusual tiredness, vomiting or collapse [4].

What health problems do Siamese cats get?

A few conditions are worth knowing about:

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): an inherited eye condition. The gene behind it is especially common in Siamese cats [5]. Affected cats can slowly lose vision over several years [5].
• Dental (gum) disease: in a large UK study, Siamese cats had the highest rate of any breed, 18.7% compared with 15.2% for cats overall. Older age was the biggest risk factor [7].
• Asthma: some research suggests Siamese cats may be at higher risk, but this remains unproven [6].

Regular check-ups with eye and teeth checks help catch problems early. Any concern about vision, teeth or breathing? See a licensed vet.

Did you know? The first Siamese to reach the United States arrived in 1878, as a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes [1].

Before you buy or adopt a Siamese

• Ask whether the parents were tested for the PRA gene [5].
• Listen to the kitten at rest. Coughing, wheezing or hard breathing? Talk to a vet first [6].
• Ask for the health record, vaccination card and microchip [9].
• Book an independent vet check, not just the seller's word.
• Be honest about time: this breed wants company and conversation [1].
• Plan for costs: food, simple grooming tools, check-ups and vaccinations, eye and dental checks, and an emergency fund [3][5][7].

Can I bring a Siamese cat into Saudi Arabia?

Yes, as general guidance. Rules change, so confirm with MEWA through the Anaam platform, and with your airline, before you travel [9][10].

• Coming in: register on Anaam and get an import permit, valid for 30 days, from a permitted country only. The cat needs a microchip, a passport or vaccination record showing the chip number, a rabies vaccination with at least six months of validity left, and a health certificate [9].
• Limits: one unofficial translation of the Ministry’s rules lists up to two cats every six months per person, each at least 4 months old. Confirm the current limit directly with MEWA/Anaam before you travel [11].
• Leaving: apply for an export permit on Anaam, with a health certificate from a Ministry-accredited clinic. The permit is valid for 30 days, and the destination country's rules apply too [10].
• Short trips: a temporary exit-and-return permit cannot exceed 60 days [9].

No breed-specific restriction for Siamese cats was found in these rules [9][11].

Siamese cat FAQ

How long do Siamese cats live?

There is no confirmed Siamese-specific figure in our sources. Across all cats in a large English vet study, the median lifespan was 14.0 years [8].

Do Siamese cats need a lot of attention?

Yes. They bond closely and like to stay near their people [1]. Plan for daily play and interaction.

Do Siamese cats need much grooming?

Not much. A weekly comb and brush is enough, and healthy cats do not need baths [2].

Where does the Siamese cat come from?

From Siam, today's Thailand. It appears in old Thai cat-poem manuscripts linked to the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1350 to 1767) [1].