Cat breed · Shorthair
Siamese
Vocal, social, intelligent
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb)
- Height
- 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
- Life span
- 12–20 years
- Origin
- Thailand
The coat
Short · Colour points
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Siameses right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
- Next to no grooming
Be ready for
- Very talkative
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Siameses weigh 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Siamese
Siamese cats are among the most talkative of breeds and will tell you exactly what they think. They are affectionate, clever and demanding of attention.
The modern show Siamese is slim with a wedge-shaped head, while the “traditional” or Thai type is rounder. Both have the colour-point coat: a pale body with darker ears, face, paws and tail, caused by a temperature-sensitive enzyme.
Health to know about
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Amyloidosis (liver)
- Asthma
- Dental disease
Care in short
- Lots of company — they dislike being alone
- Puzzle toys and clicker training
- Weekly brushing
- A companion cat helps if you work long hours
Kit for a Siamese
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Best for indoor cats
Multi-level cat tree
4.4Climbing, perching and hiding in one piece of furniture.
- Several perches
- Replaceable posts
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Siamese get?
Adults usually weigh 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) and stand 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall.
How long do Siameses live?
Typically 12–20 years.
Are Siameses good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Siameses shed?
Not much.
What health problems are Siameses prone to?
Progressive retinal atrophy; Amyloidosis (liver); Asthma; Dental disease.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts