The 2 Types of Siamese Cats: Colors, Variations, Pictures, Traits & Facts
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The Siamese cat is one of the oldest breeds in existence. Dating back hundreds of years in Thailand, there is mention of cats with black faces and points described in the 14th-century manuscript, the “Tamra Maew” (“The Cat Book Poems”). If that was not enough to give this sleek and beautiful cat an air of royalty, the fact that they are revered as some of the best show cats in the world puts them over the top.
Siamese cats became popular in the United States around 1870 after President Rutherford B. Hayes’ wife received one as a gift from an American diplomat in Bangkok. They gained a reputation for independence, gracefulness, and charm. It was in the mid-1950s that they started to be seen as snobby, mischief-making, and even cold felines due to their depiction in the Disney film The Lady and the Tramp.
In actuality, these cute furballs are sweet, even-tempered, and loving.
Over the years, as their popularity and numbers have increased, the Siamese breed has taken on two rather distinct forms: the more traditional Siamese and the modern Siamese. Let’s take a closer look at these extraordinary felines, and you can decide if one is more Siamese than the other!
1. Traditional or Old Style Siamese Cat
Originating in Thailand (or Siam, as it was known until 1939), traditional Siamese cats are often described as apple-headed, classic, old-style, and Thai. At present, these are not officially recognized as distinct types, but as variations in appearance within the breed. The form and features of the traditional Siamese cat are similar to most domestic cats, with a rounded head, muscular body, and a short coat of medium thickness. Their distinguishing features are their distinct blue eyes and colorpoint coats, both of which are the result of a genetic mutation that affects how pigment is distributed through the body.
Their brilliant blue eyes are actually due to the lack of pigment in their irises, and the distribution of their color points is dictated by body temperature. The original Siamese cats were only recognized in a single color: the Seal Point, with blue and chocolate points seen as ‘poor quality’ seal points. Eventually, it was recognized that these variations are actually due to natural genetic variation in pigment expression, and, in addition to these colors, the lilac point was also accepted. Now there are 10 recognized solid color points, including cinnamon, caramel, fawn, apricot, red, and cream. These colors also come in tabby points, tortie points, and tortie-tabby points!
2. Modern Siamese Cat
The Modern Siamese gained popularity in the 1980s. They have very narrow “wedge-like” heads with big pointy ears set lower on the sides of the head, and a body that is long and lean. The eyes of the modern Siamese cat are more angular, and the nose is longer and more prominent. This variation of the Siamese cat is what is typically seen as the ‘show type.’
The svelte silhouette of the modern Siamese has been replicated in the colorful Oriental Shorthair and colorless Foreign White (although the latter is often still classified as a Siamese).
Selective breeding for this modern version of the Siamese has intensified in recent years, with features sometimes so extreme that some appear more alien than feline! Even more concerning is that breeding for more exaggerated features is making conditions like feline asthma, amyloidosis, eye problems, heart disease, kidney disease, and feline hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS) more common in these cats.
The 4 Primary Siamese Coat Colors
Whether traditional or modern, Siamese cats are all recognizable for their colorpoint coats of short, silky fur that is easy to care for. Siamese kittens are all born completely white, and as they get older, the extremities of their body (face, feet, and tail), which maintain a lower temperature than the body, darken with pigment. Paired with their distinctive blue eyes, this makes for a striking appearance. There are now over 30 possible Siamese coat color variations, but they all originate from 4 primary colors: seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac.
1. Seal Point
The Seal Points have a cream base with darker fawn points on their face, paws, and tails.
2. Chocolate Point
The chocolate point Siamese is identified by having a very light cream-colored base with dark brown points. They typically look similar to the Seal Points but with a more marked contrast in color.
3. Blue Point
This beautiful fur has a creamy-white base with bluish-gray points on the face and ears, and lightly on the tail and paws.
4. Lilac Point
This diluted version of the blue point is a rare Siamese with a creamy white base, pale gray points, and a pink nose.
Conclusion
Whether you like the softer, traditional features or the angular, modern Siamese, these beautiful cats are affectionate, spirited, and love attention. In the end, physical characteristics are far less important than health, so whichever type of Siamese you’re after, be sure to do your research and choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes good health over good looks.
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Featured Image Credit: Esin Deniz, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
