How to Select a Siamese

In ancient Siam the elegant Siamese cat, with its blue eyes and either triangular or apple-shaped face, was considered royalty. According to legend, Siamese cats received the souls of mortals when they died.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat Beds
• Cat Carriers
• Cat Collars
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Dishes
• Cat Foods
• Cat Litters
• Cat Scratchers
• Cat Shampoos
• Cat Toys
• Cat Treats
• Catnip

1. Find a responsible breeder who will guarantee that your Siamese is in good health and doesn't have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

2. Expect to pay $200 to $500 for your Siamese.

3. Pick up and hold the cat or kitten to check for good muscle tone.

4. Make sure that the cat isn't sneezing or sniffling, that the eyes have no discharge and that the ears are clean and pink inside.

5. Examine the cat's fur, which should be short and smooth and have no bald patches or signs of dry or flaky skin.

6. Check for fleas behind the ears and at the base of the tail - flea dirt, which looks like black sand, is a sure sign.

7. Get a written sales agreement from the breeder that provides the breeder's health guarantee.

8. Take your Siamese to your veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm that the cat is healthy.

9. Take home a kitten no younger than 12 weeks of age.

10. Plan to keep your Siamese inside and to have the cat neutered or spayed. Vets say it's the best way to keep cats happy and disease-free and to prolong their lives.

Tips & Warnings

• Contrary to popular belief, Siamese are affectionate and social cats and are good with children as well as seniors.
• The Siamese demands to be entertained but will gladly return the favor.
• A Siamese will like climbing to high places in your home.
• Siamese can have loud, harsh voices, and they like to talk.
• Siamese cats are sometimes cross-eyed or have kinked tails, although these traits are increasingly rare.
• It's a good idea to spay or neuter at around 5 months since Siamese cats can go into heat when quite young.

on 9/20/2006 I've had a good amount of Siamese cats, and I've found that the best way to choose one is to first, examine what type of of person you are. Are you an energetic person that will play with your Siamese? Are you a couch potato that prefers a lap cat? Are you a person who wants companionship but that's all?

When I go to a breeder, I look at the kittens and watch which cat is jumping and running around and then watch the kitten that is quietly sitting and observing. My next test is to pick up a kitten and hold it. If the kitten wants no part in being held, it probably won't be very affectionate. If the kitten lets you hold it, even for a brief amount of time, it trusts humans and is likely to be affectionate. If you are an energetic person, the jumping bean is a good choice. If you're the couch potato, the quiet kitten is for you. If you want an affectionate cat, make sure that you can hold it. Above all, give your cat your time and affection and you'll have a great relationship.

on 9/20/2006 I've had cats all my life and Siamese cats are the best breed, IMO. They are very intelligent, affectionate, beautiful, clean and become family members. I've had 5 Siamese and 9 other breeds throughout my life. I've found that if you pay attention to your cat and give them your love and time, they don't cry. If you're out a lot, busy and don't have the time to spend with them, some cats become depressed and lethargic. Siamese especially need your attention. They need play and interaction. They may meow because their food bowl is empty or it's time to play and you're busy, but, if you ignore them, they'll howl at you. If you don't have at least 1-2 hrs. a day to spend with your Siamese, you'll hear it. If you do have the time, you'll bless the day you brought your little Siamese home with you.

on 9/12/2006 They are very noisy, and will stare at you while you prepare dinner, as if they are learning to cook. They can learn to open door knobs, turn on faucets, and talk back to you when initiate a conversation (this amuses many a house guest).

Siamese cats are needy, they need your attention. When my mother leaves the house, and I'm in another room, the cat will think he's alone, and he'll start to cry. Then I'll yell out, hey, I'm over here, and he'll run into the room and sit with me.

Basically, Siamese cats are a breed for people who want a friendly, people-person cat. My boyfriend, a devoted dog lover and anti-cat person has grown to love my cats because of how un-cat like they are.

Get them in pairs (from the breeder) because it's the most hilarious thing to watch them go room to room with each other.

on 8/8/2006 I have had female Siamese cats for some time, and I find that they do well in pairs. They are very attention seeking and because they are so similar, they can get a ton of attention from each other.

That being said, they will still look from attention from you.

Also, Siamese cats are loud and noisy!
If you are looking for a quiet pet, do not get a Siamese cat. So many Siamese cats are abandoned because of their "talking" and because they are so different from other breeds.

on 2/15/2006 I have owned and loved Siamese cats since I was a toddler. In fact, Siamese cats are so unique I refuse to own any other breed for the following reasons:
1. Siamese cats will be your true shadow. It is true that they may have a favorite owner, and when there is more than one Siamese in a household they can be a little jealous. If they desire attention they will follow you until you give them a 5 minute petting.
2. Siamese cats are very intelligent. For example, my male Siamese can play fetch and will gladly bring me the ball to begin play. My cats will be watching for me from my apartment window around the time I normally come home. Even though I have a water bowl for them they rarely will drink from it, instead they will sit by the sink and wait for me to turn it on. Now they have even figured out how to turn the water on themselves!
3. Siamese cats love to give and receive affection. All of my Siamese cats have loved to curl up beside me every night. If I don't lift the covers up for them, they will nudge me until I do or wangle themselves in. Also whatever you are doing, and I mean whatever it may be, be prepared for your Siamese cat to be there! Every time I sit down I have one of them waiting to sit on my lap. Also, my cats have always been able to sense my emotions, especially if I am sad; they come and cuddle up to me.
I personally love the traditional apple head Seal Point Siamese. Which because of the popularity of the skinny ones(they look like rats, sorry) have become harder to come by. Lastly there is always the rumor of the Siamese cats being high maintenance. They are only high maintenance by the terms of wanting to be a part of your every day life and family. If you prefer an animal to leave you be, get a fish.