Although there have been many theories about the origin of the Royal Sacred Siamese, it is now quite certian that it was a well loved variety in the ancient Siamese city of Ayuda. Ayuda was founded in 1350 and was Siam's capital until fire destroyed the city during the Burmese invasion in 1767. In the National Library, the present day capital of Bangkok, there are manuscripts from Ayuda that provide a record of native cats, dogs and birds of the time. These manuscripts, the best known is The Cat Book Poems, depict beautiful pale coated seal point Siamese, descibing them as having black tails, feet and ears with white hair and blue eyes which reflect a reddish glow at night because it is part albino. The Siamese Cat's eyes are a brilliant sapphire blue.These poems are between 100 and 200 years old, but reflect a literary culture much older, and contain many illustrations from very old manuscripts.
It was largely the discovery of this one breed by the English well over a hundred years ago that provided the impetus for the world of cats we know today. A striking, contrasting colour pattern on an elegant frame, all made dramatic by dark blue eyes, captured the imagination of cat lovers the world over. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the Siamese has the undisputed claim to the title of most beloved feline breed. It has been the inspiration, if not the primary genetic source, for many other breeds (Balinese, Colourpoint Shorthair, Javanese and Oriental), has figured in the creation of the Himalayan Persian and Tonkineses, and has served in the development and/or maintenance of the Burmese, Havana Brown and Ocicat. The Siamese is a mainstay of the pedigreed cat world not only for its own distinct, intinsic beauty, but also as an unsurpassed genetic wellspring to which many breeds owe their existence and, in some cases, continued well-being. The Siamese cat is, in short, a feline treasure.
When Siamese kittens of any colour are born they are blind and almost pure white. Their points deepen in colour as the kitten matures, and the blue eyes open on about the 7th day remaining blue. There are four points colours :
The Siamese Cat first appeared on the British show bench in 1871, at the First National Cat Show held at the Crystal Palace, and was recognised only in seal point. Today it is one of the most popular & easily recognisable breeds on the show bench worldwide.
Without question the Siamese has evolved in type from its earliest beginnings, but the evolution has been consistent with the vision of generations of breeders all over the world whose cats echo the graceful elegance suggested in the earliest breed standards. Simply put, a Siamese is a living, breathing work of art that shuns a display shelf in favour of a lap! Long head, long body, long tail, long neck, long legs - everything about a Siamese is long with the exception of its short copat; a state of affairs which accentuates the body lines and underscores the porcelain-like quality of its visual image. A tubular body, large ears, and fine bones contribute to this exquisite refinement of type. The long wedge-shaped head graced by large ears that complete that triangle, straight profile, and lovely almond-shaped eyes contibute to a unique expression of feline beauty. When colour contrast is excellent and correct, body colour even and clear, and the eyes a gorgeous deep blue, the resulting Siamese belongs in that "takes your breath away" category of all rivetting great art.
An indication of successful, lengthy domestication of any animal can be found in a high level of communication with and affection for human beings. This is especially true of felines, a naturally independent species. No breed surpasses the Siamese in its ability to communicate and its love for human beings. Whether it is vocalising or by body language, the Siamese is determined to communicate. The degree to which they are talkative depends a great deal on the amount of conversation that is directed their way. In addition, they tend to be vocal in direct proportion to the desired end, always demanding the last word!
Siamese do not tolerate isolation (or being ignored) well; they want to be a part of their owner's lives, as they hold firmly to the belief that they are man's best friend.They play fetch exceedingly well, and have the distinct virtue of returning the thrown object to your lap instead of your feet! They are in one's lap, on one's newspaper, in one's bed, and completely in one's heart. There is no better companion cat than "The Royal Cat of Siam".
A famous author once said, "A rose is a rose is a rose." It is no stretch of the truth to paraphrase Gertrude Stein by affirming: " A Siamese is a Siamese is a Siamese." |
