Saturday, February 23, 2008
Siamese Cats - Unique Personality and Characteristics
Dog and cat show veterans are required to know their breed’s ideal characteristics. The average pet owner chooses a pet for companionship and may not realize the complexities of various breeds. One of the most interesting pets is the Siamese cat.
The precise origin of Siamese cats is unknown. The breed may have descended from sacred temple cats in Siam, now known as Thailand. Siamese cats are distinguished by a creamy coat and unique dark “points” on the ears, face, tail and legs. These marks are not present from birth, because they are the result of an enzyme in the Siamese cats’ fur. The enzyme is not activated at normal body temperature, so the dark points appear on their extremities where temperatures are cooler. The points usually develop by the time the kitten is four weeks old.
For decades, the show standard for Siamese cats allowed only very dark brown, or seal colored, points. However, cross breeding produced cats with many pattern variations, including chocolate, lilac, blue and red points. Today, seal, chocolate, lilac and blue points are permissible for showing in the United States. As the cat ages, its creamy fur may turn to a pale shade of its point color. This is especially true of Siamese cats with seal colored points.
Originally, many Siamese cats had crooked tails and crossed eyes. The crossed eyes were caused by an overproduction of the enzyme that produces color points on the extremities. These traits are considered flaws in the show ring, so breeders work to eliminate them. Siamese cats are also known for their striking, bright blue eyes.
Siamese cats have as much in common with dogs as they do with other cats. They do not have the archetypal feline independent streak and can become extremely attached to their owners. Siamese cats are exceptionally intelligent; this intelligence makes them easy to train. Some even learn typically canine tricks, such as fetching and walking on a leash.
The Siamese cat has short, smooth hair that requires little extra grooming. A good brushing with remove extra hair and reduce shedding, and the cat may enjoy the gentle massage. However, this is not necessary, because they are as meticulous in grooming themselves as most cat breeds.
Neutering will usually prevent a male cat from spraying. This procedure can be done before the male cat is six months old. Those considering adopting a Siamese cat should be advised that females may go into heat as early as five months of age but should not be spayed until they have reached six months.
Siamese cats also have a very distinctive voice, which is often compared to a human baby’s cry. It can reach decibel levels as high as those of emergency sirens.
The precise origin of Siamese cats is unknown. The breed may have descended from sacred temple cats in Siam, now known as Thailand. Siamese cats are distinguished by a creamy coat and unique dark “points” on the ears, face, tail and legs. These marks are not present from birth, because they are the result of an enzyme in the Siamese cats’ fur. The enzyme is not activated at normal body temperature, so the dark points appear on their extremities where temperatures are cooler. The points usually develop by the time the kitten is four weeks old.
For decades, the show standard for Siamese cats allowed only very dark brown, or seal colored, points. However, cross breeding produced cats with many pattern variations, including chocolate, lilac, blue and red points. Today, seal, chocolate, lilac and blue points are permissible for showing in the United States. As the cat ages, its creamy fur may turn to a pale shade of its point color. This is especially true of Siamese cats with seal colored points.
Originally, many Siamese cats had crooked tails and crossed eyes. The crossed eyes were caused by an overproduction of the enzyme that produces color points on the extremities. These traits are considered flaws in the show ring, so breeders work to eliminate them. Siamese cats are also known for their striking, bright blue eyes.
Siamese cats have as much in common with dogs as they do with other cats. They do not have the archetypal feline independent streak and can become extremely attached to their owners. Siamese cats are exceptionally intelligent; this intelligence makes them easy to train. Some even learn typically canine tricks, such as fetching and walking on a leash.
The Siamese cat has short, smooth hair that requires little extra grooming. A good brushing with remove extra hair and reduce shedding, and the cat may enjoy the gentle massage. However, this is not necessary, because they are as meticulous in grooming themselves as most cat breeds.
Neutering will usually prevent a male cat from spraying. This procedure can be done before the male cat is six months old. Those considering adopting a Siamese cat should be advised that females may go into heat as early as five months of age but should not be spayed until they have reached six months.
Siamese cats also have a very distinctive voice, which is often compared to a human baby’s cry. It can reach decibel levels as high as those of emergency sirens.
# posted by Medical Information : 4:41 AM
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