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Siamese Cat
Siamese have fascinated
folks around the world since they were first officially exported
from Thailand, or as it was known then Siam, in the late
eighteen hundreds. Their sleek lines, striking color contrast,
finely chiseled aristocratic heads, deep blue almond eyes, and
short silky coats make them living art. Combine this beauty with
acute intelligence, inquisitive personality and a loving nature
and you have the essence of the Siamese cat.
The first Siamese to appear in England were a gift from Siam to
an ambassador who brought them home. They began appearing in
English cat shows almost immediately, and in American shows by
the early twentieth century.
Seal points, still the best known variety, were the first to
arrive. With their seal brown, almost black extremities and
their pale fawn bodies, they were sensational. While chocolate
points, with creamy white bodies and milk chocolate legs, tail,
mask and ears did appear from time to time, it was the blue
point that gained official recognition in 1934. The blue point
has a bluish-white body with slate blue points. The chocolate
point was recognized next. In 1955 the lilac point followed and
completed the breed. The lilac point has pinkish gray points
with a white body which makes it most ethereal and delicate in
color.
While color is a prominent feature of this breed, structure is
also important. The Siamese is a study in length. From the start
the breed standard has called for a long, wedge shaped head and
elongated body lines. The muscular, tubular body is supported by
long legs and graced by a long neck and tail. Paradoxically the
short, close lying coat accentuates the long lines perfectly.
The long Siamese head is delineated by an absolutely straight
profile and well aligned chin. From the front, the outline of
the face presents a smooth wedge with large ears that complete
the wedge. The outstanding feature of the head is the pair of
deep blue almond eyes (an eye’s width apart) which are set at a
slant. If you have been able to resist all the other attributes
of this breed, the eyes will captivate you. They radiate
intelligence and emotion.
This ancient breed, perhaps the oldest of all our cats, is able
to communicate like no other. The Siamese voice is legendary.
They speak both with their voice and with their body. They are
the quintessential “people” cat, for they love to be in your
lap, on your bed, at your table--and in your heart!
Pricing on Siamese usually depends on type, applicable markings
and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National or
Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit
parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother)
having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM
offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand
champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens
available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve
weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed
the physical and social stability needed for a new environment,
showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare
treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable
surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of
scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy
surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long
and joyful life. |
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