When you say Siamese cat, most people think of the short-hair seal points, which have a creamy white slender body, brown-black ears, nose and tail. But, there are several variations of the breed as well as crossbreds like the Himalayans, which are a cross of Siamese and Persians. The blue point has a bluish-white body with slate blue points. The chocolate point has more mocha colored points and the flame point has apricot ears, nose and tail. The body of a pure-bred Siamese is sleek and features a triangular head, large ears, and pointed features. Siamese are one of the oldest and most well known breeds. They received their name when they were exported from Thailand in the late 1800's. At the time, Thailand was Siam.

My relationship with Siamese began when I was one. My mother had me outdoors in a playpen. She was in the house when a distant uncle stopped by. Seeing me for the first time, he ran to my playpen with outstretched arms, only to be viciously attached by Josie, our Seal Point Siamese, who had been guarding me from underneath the playpen. Today, I share my house with several cats. Lucky, is a flame point Siamese mix I rescued from a high traffic area. He pretty much ignores the other cats and follows me everywhere. If I try to restrict him from coming in a room where I'm working, he stands on his back legs and beats on the door and yowls. He will keep this up for over 30 minutes. Every night since I first found him, he sleeps next to my head or stands guard like a sentry. If someone raises their voice to me, lucky will circle in front of me, raise his back and begin "yowling" (loud angry meows) at the person. I've been bit twice by a cat. Both times, it was peeling Lucky off a dog that had come too close to me. Fearlessly, Lucky launched an attack. Since he cannot see well, he did not know I had grabbed him. Even though Lucky is a mix-breed cat, his personality is similar to a purebred.

Siamese have personalities that are quiet unique. They want to be your best friend and will walk through fire to be near their guardian. They do not tolerate being alone well. They like to be near their guardian all the time, they are smart and like to play fetch, they can open doors and closets that allude other cats, they love to lay on your lap and hang out near the bathtub when your bathing. Siamese are extremely loyal, affectionate, and smart. They can be trained to travel well, they can be fearless, and they have a long lifespan of 18-20 years. They usually do not like dogs.

If you are thinking about getting a Siamese, you may want to read about them and see if you can volunteer time at a breed rescue site. Plan on keeping your Siamese as an indoor pet since most are cross-eyed and do not see well. If you adopt or purchase a Siamese, expect a cat that demands attention, is highly vocal, and smart. If you want a cat, because you think a cat is low maintenance, you may not want a Siamese. Some people bring their Siamese to a pet shelter because they can not tolerate their demanding nature or vocal qualities. However, if you are the type of person who would love a true companion, but can't have or do not want a dog, a Siamese can be an ideal match. In addition to their crazy antics, and affectionate nature, you may be delightfully surprised at their constant loyalty and protective qualities.