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Identify a Siamese
Cat breeds
Known for their grace, elegant colors and oriental eyes, Siamese cats have been around for a while. Prior to the '80s, though, there was basically only one breed to choose from, the traditional "Applehead." A group of breeders came together wanting to develop a more extreme oriental look with a wedge-shaped face. Here's how to identify Siamese cats.
Identify a Siamese
Measure the head. The traditional Siamese has a softer, rounder face and runs about 3 inches at the widest point, which is just below the ears. The later breeds have triangle-shaped heads and measure less than 2.8 inches at the widest point.
Look at the cat's eyes. All Siamese have almond-shaped eyes, though the "Applehead" type will have the bottom half of the eye rounded. Blue eyes among these cats are common. You won't find many cross-eyed cats these days so don't use that as an identifying mark.
Examine the shape of the ears. There's nothing extraordinary about the traditional Siamese ears, but newer breeds made to look more "oriental" will have long ears in comparison to the length of their heads. They also are set more on the sides than on the top of the head.
Study the body shape of the cat. "Applehead" Siamese cats have more bulk and won't seem different from other cat's bodies you've seen before. "Wedge" heads, however, were bred to have elongated, thin limbs and long necks.
Check the length of the fur. The "wedge" types are short hairs while the "Appleheads" have a heavier coat.
Expect a cream-based coat on any Siamese. You'll find color points on their noses, ears, paws, lower legs and tails. You can identify an older cat by his darker coat, though adult Siamese can be lighter in warmer climates.
Run your hand down the cat's tail. The more Oriental breeds have long, thin tails. Traditional Siamese have the kind of tail you're used to seeing on domestic cats.
Tips & Warnings
- Siamese kittens are generally all cream or white but will develop color points after a few months.
- Get an "Applehead" if the new Siamese breeds are too extreme for your taste.
- Don't expect to identify a Siamese by its kinked tail as it's been bred out of them.
- Here are some pictures to help you identify Siamese cats.
- Ask questions on the Siamese discussion forum.
- Select an Abyssinian
- Select a Burmese
- Select an American Shorthair
- Select a Korat
- Select an American Curl
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