5 Fascinating Facts About Siamese Cats

April 1st, 2021

April 6 is National Siamese Cat Day, the purr-fect opportunity to celebrate these gorgeous creatures. Lovingly known as “Meezers,” Siamese cats are among the most popular breeds in the world.

The following are five fascinating facts about Siamese cats:

#1 Siamese Cats Have Stunning Looks

Siamese cats are known for their sleek and distinctive appearance. Most are silver-grey and have striking blue eyes. However, these beautiful felines can also be seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, or even red! Interestingly, Siamese cats are born completely white and develop their unique markings in the weeks following birth.

#2 Siamese Cats Are an Old Breed

Siamese cats originate more than 700 years ago from Thailand, once known as Siam. A Thai manuscript created between the 14th and 18th centuries called “Tamra Maew” or the Cat Book Poems depicts Siamese cats. That would make them one of the oldest known cat breeds.

#3 Siamese Cats Are Royal Pets

Hundreds of years ago, Siamese cats were treasured by royal families in Thailand because of their distinctive, unusual, and attractive appearance. In fact, members of those royal families believed that Siamese cats would receive their souls when they died. The cats would then spend the remainder of their lives living in luxury in temples, cared for by doting monks.

#4 Siamese Cats Are Famous

Siamese cats gained widespread notice in America in the late 1870s. That’s because an American diplomat stationed in Bangkok gifted one to Lucy Hayes, President Rutherford B. Hayes’s wife. Moreover, Siamese cats are movie stars. They have starred in many classics, including The Incredible Journey, The Lady and the Tramp, and That Darn Cat!

#5 Siamese Cats Make Paw-Some Pets

If you’re looking for a snuggle buddy, a Siamese cat will surely not disappoint. These loving, loyal cats bond closely with their humans and take an interest in whatever their owners are doing. Siamese cats love being around other cats and are excellent around children. They are incredibly talkative creatures. They’ll chat all day long and will voice their needs with a loud, low-pitched cry known as a “Meezer.”

Celebrating National Siamese Cat Day

Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, a cat lover, created National Siamese Cat Day to encourage people to adopt these unique cats from animal shelters. When you step into a shelter, you’ll find a vast selection of cats of all ages, sizes, colors, and temperaments. Unfortunately, not all these precious creatures end up finding loving homes. Hundreds of thousands of shelter animals face euthanasia each year.

You Can Make a Difference!

Even if you can’t adopt a Siamese cat or another breed, there are ways you can help. Social media is a powerful tool you can use to raise awareness and encourage your friends and acquaintances to provide a loving home to a shelter animal. You can also donate or volunteer to help out at your local shelter, or you may decide to foster a cat until it’s time for a fur-ever home. Even the smallest effort you make will make a significant difference to a precious animal in need!