Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Sam Sawet Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

black sam sawet with yellow eyes

When cat lovers think of Thailand, they probably jump straight to the Siamese. But few know about the Sam Sawet, a non-colorpoint cousin with some traits with the Siamese. Sam Sawet cats have beautiful appearances, with solid-colored coats that can be common colors like white black, or rarer colors like brown and fawn. They have slender frames, angular heads, and bright, clear eyes. Depending on your perspective, these cats are either very new or very ancient. Sam Sawet-type cats have been roaming Thailand for centuries, but the breed has very little recognition in the rest of the world, and it’s only in the past few years have some breeders begun working to standardize the breed.

Breed Overview

Height

8–10 inches

Weight

9–14 pounds

Lifespan

12–20 years

Colors

White, black, blue (gray), brown, fawn (tan)

Suitable for

Active families, owners with mild to moderate allergies

Temperament

Active, intelligent, and friendly

Sam Sawet Characteristics

Energy
+
A high-energy cat needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep healthy and happy, while a low-energy cat needs minimal physical activity, but still needs mental stimulation. When choosing a cat, It’s important to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
Trainability
+
Cats that are easy-to-train are more willing and skilled at quickly learning prompts and actions with minimal training. Harder-to-train cats are usually more stubborn or aloof and require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Certain cat breeds are more prone to various genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every cat in those breeds will have these issues, but they do have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Lifespan
+
Due to their size or potential genetic health issues of a specific breed, some cats have shorter lifespans than others. Proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and hygiene also play an important role in your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Sociability
+
Some cat breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other cats and animals. Cats that are more social have a tendency to rub up on strangers for scratches or jump on laps for cuddles, while cats that are less social shy away, hide, are more cautious, and even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed or gender, it’s important to socialize your cat and expose them to many different situations.

divider 1 paws

Temperament & Intelligence of the Sam Sawet

The Sam Sawet is an incredibly intelligent and friendly cat. These cats have survived hundreds of years through their intelligence, so they are great hunters and good at building relationships with humans. Many Sam Sawet cats are vocal and talkative. They love to meow to their owners as they go throughout the day.

Sam Sawet cats are also highly active. They love all kinds of toys and love heights. They can often jump six feet or more into the air!

Are These Cats Good for Families?👪

Sam Sawet cats are good cats for active families. They often understand and are patient with small children, but every cat has different tolerances, so it’s important to supervise children around them. If you have small children, you should watch them until they are old enough to play with and gently pet your cat without grabbing on fur or ears. You should also teach children to give your Sam Sawet space to retreat if necessary. Because these cats are so active and friendly, they often do well in noisy, busy households.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽

Sam Sawet cats can get along with other pets. Like all cats, they have a strong prey instinct, so they shouldn’t be given access to small pets like fish, parakeets, or fancy mice. Many Sam Sawet cats get on well with other cats and dogs. If you want to introduce a Sam Sawet to a multi-pet house, make sure to start introductions gradually so that every pet will be comfortable and happy. With proper precautions, most cats can have happy relationships with other dogs and cats.

divider 3 paws

Things to Know When Owning a Sam Sawet:

Food & Diet Requirements🐟

Sam Sawets are a medium-sized breed that are generally active. They need about one-third to half of a cup of food per day. You can split this food up into multiple meals if necessary. You should feed your Sam Sawet high-quality wet or dry food with meat as its first ingredient. Kittens and nursing or expectant mothers should be fed a growth formula cat food. Older cats will need less food as their metabolism and activity levels are older.

Exercise🐈

Sam Sawet cats are very active and need space to run and play. A good scratching post or cat tree is a must. You also want to give your cat a mix of self-guided toys (like catnip toys and balls) and interactive toys (like feather wands) to keep your cat engaged and interested. Sam Sawet cats love to play and love interacting with their owners, so put aside some time to spend together every day.

Training🧶

Sam Sawet cats are highly trainable for cats. Litter box training and grooming should come naturally to a Sam Sawet, with some help from mother cats. Most Sam Sawet cats can be trained to walk on a leash with patience. Some can even be taught to do tricks or follow commands. When training a Sam Sawet, give lots of praise and rewards for good behavior and don’t expect perfection.

Grooming✂️

Sam Sawet cats generally have low-maintenance coats that need little grooming. If you live in an area with distinct seasons, you may need to brush your Sam Sawet occasionally in the spring to remove loose hair. Your Sam Sawet shouldn’t need regular brushing, although he’ll enjoy pets and cuddles. If your cat becomes very dirty or stinky, an occasional warm bath can help keep your cat clean, but most Sam Sawet cats dislike water and should be bathed in water as little as possible.

Health Conditions🏥

These cats are generally very healthy, with no health conditions linked to the breed yet. Because the Sam Sawet is a naturally occurring breed, they have more genetic diversity than many cat breeds, but they still need proper veterinary care to make sure they don’t have any health conditions. Like all cats, overfeeding is a major cause of health problems in the Sam Sawet. Monitoring your cat’s food intake to avoid obesity will make your cat healthier and happier.

Your cat will be happier and healthier if spayed or neutered. Female cats who are spayed will be more emotionally stable and won’t have to experience heat cycles, pregnancy, or giving birth. Male cats who are neutered will be less aggressive. Neutering should also curb scent-spraying behavior in male cats.

Minor Conditions
  • None known
Serious Conditions
  • None known

Male vs. Female

Sam Sawet cats have a range of personalities, and gender only plays a small part in your cat’s temperament, but there are some differences between male and female cats. First off, male cats tend to be bigger and more active. This means that they need slightly more food to be healthy. Male cats are also often more relaxed and laid back, as well as being more comfortable around strangers. Female cats are generally slightly more anxious. They can grow more attached to their owners and are more likely to develop separation anxiety. Female cats also live about two years longer than males on average.

divider 1 paws

3 Little-Known Facts About the Sam Sawet

1. These Cats Have an Ancient History

Today, most Sam Sawet cats are wild-type cats living in Thailand, with roots going back centuries. It’s likely that just as wealthy pet owners favored Siamese cats in the past, the ancestors of today’s Sam Sawets were beloved pets to people of all classes.


2. Sam Sawet Cats Do Not Produce Much

One unusual trait that many Sam Sawet cats share is that they don’t trigger allergies in some people compared to other cars. Sam Sawet cats have plush coats resistant to shedding and don’t produce much dander, similar to Russian Blue cats. This makes them a better choice for ownerswithe mild to moderate allergies.


3. There’s No Such Thing as a Purebred Sam Sawet

Purebred cats have a pedigree—an ancestry—of other purebred cats recognized by a cat registry.No major cat registries have recognized it becausee the Sam Sawet has been ignored for so lont. Once breeders have a stable population in the US that meets a written breed standard, they can apply for recognition. But for now, most Thai cats have an equal claim on the breed’s name.

a black sam sawet cat in the dark
Image Credit: Bangtalay, Shutterstock

divider 1 paws

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the Sam Sawet is a cat with a rich history and a beautiful appearance. From their origins in medieval Thailand down to the present, these cats have been a constant part of Thai history. These cats are recognizable for their angular heads and bodies, their intelligent eyes, and their plush coats. Even though cat registries don’t recognize the Sam Sawet, that doesn’t make the breed any less valuable.


Featured Image Credit: KerngKerStock, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Aegean Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Aegean cat is a sociable, loving, and energetic breed that can get along well in any type of household, apartments, and houses,...

Aegean cat looking and relaxing

Bengal Maine Coon Mix Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

As the result of breeding a Bengal and a Maine Coon together, this mixed breed is beautiful, fun-loving, and a joy to spend...

Serengeti Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Serengeti Cat is a newer breed created in 1994 by Karen Sausman of California, who mixed the Oriental Shorthair with the Bengal...

serengeti cat sitting on white background

Ragamuffin Cat Breed: Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits

Ragamuffin cats are named for their lovable muffin-like appearance. They are large, muscular, and broad but boast a sweet and agreeable personality. They...

Ragamuffin Cat sitting outside

More related

ragdoll cat sitting on a climbing frame

Blue Point Ragdoll Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Blue Point Ragdoll cat, while a relatively new breed of pedigree cat, is gaining massive popularity because of her eye-catching looks and...

Ocicat standing on a white background

Ocicat Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Ocicat is a medium-sized purebred recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association. The exotic-looking cats are not...

white maine coon cat in gray background

White Maine Coon Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

The Maine Coon may have arrived by Viking ships to Maine, United States, sometime in the 1900s, where they quickly became popular pets....

York chocolate cat on green grass in the backyard.

York Chocolate Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

The York Chocolate is a relatively new breed, having been established in the 1980s when a black and white farm cat mated with...

Keep reading

How to Get My Cat to Stop Begging for Food at Night: 8 Vet-Approved Tips

Is your cat constantly begging for food at night? Maybe it’s the early evening when you’re still awake, or perhaps you’re dead asleep and their meowing and pawing is waking you up. Either way, it’s beyond annoying. Making it even...

Calico cat standing up begging for treat asking for food scratching leg looking up

Can Cats Eat Roast Beef? Vet Reviewed Benefits & Concerns

It is difficult to ignore the urge to spoil our pets. After all, we do it all the time for ourselves, so we want to give our lovely cat a tasty treat from our plate. But before you give human...

Can Cats Eat Roast Beef

Do Cats Get Annoyed? 10 Vet-Reviewed Signs & What to Avoid

Cats can get annoyed just like humans, although they usually express it differently than us. Even the most loving and content feline can experience annoyance. It is one of the many emotions cats can feel. A cat will show clear...

An annoyed cat or angry cat with a ball toy.

10 Best Grain-Free Cat Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats can be picky eaters, making deciding what to buy challenging. Sometimes, it takes trial and error to find a cat food your cat will actually eat, and it may take a while to find something your cat will scarf...

Orange and calico cats with brown and white kittens eating from their food bowls

How Many Litter Boxes Per Cat Should I Have In My Home? Vet-Approved Info & Tips

Cats that live in the same home often adjust to sharing things, from toys and water bowls to beds and the favorite spot on the couch. The one thing that cats are sometimes unwilling to share, however, is litter boxes,...

tabby cat standing behind two cat litter boxes with clay and organic cat litter

Why Do Cats Show You Their Butt? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Although cats have lived with humans for millennia, they still do many things that leave us feeling puzzled or confused. One behavior that can surprise or shock new cat owners is a cat’s tendency to show their butt when they...

black cat enjoying when owner scratch at the base of his tail showing the butt

Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Toxic to Cats? Precautions & Risks

The Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, also referred to as the mini monstera, is a beautifully lush plant with small, split leaves that can range in color from bright green to dark yellow. These plants have climbing vines that will grow several feet...

Nutrition For Kittens: Complete Vet-Approved Guide, Science, Health Tips & FAQ

Kittens are some of the most adorable creatures on earth, and if you’ve recently adopted one, congratulations, and get ready for the time of your life! Now that your new buddy has arrived, you may be looking for tips to...

kitten eating