Types Of Siamese Cat

There are many different types of Siamese cat, and in this post you’ll discover the main ones. Whether you’re considering adopting a Siamese or just curious, I hope this post helps answer your questions.

Siamese are a very unique breed of cat, and a world away from the average moggy! Not only will you learn about the types of Siamese cat and different point colors, but also the breed’s history.

This is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated cat and their origin can be traced back to Thailand, formerly known as Siam. So you can see where their name came from!

Siamese cats are surrounded by a lot of legends and folklore, with many fanciful stories. While it’s highly unlikely many are true, it makes for fun and entertaining reading.

One such legend depicts the Siam royal family keeping Siamese cats to guard ancient temples. In addition, a very tall tale explains how the kink sometimes found in Siamese cat’s tails came about!

The story goes that two Siamese cats were asked to guard a vase. They wrapped their tails around it for security, and as a result their tails became kinked.

The legend also says their eyes became crossed by staring intently at the vase while guarding it. Although I’m not suggesting you should believe such a tale, it’s certainly fun.

Another legend suggests only royalty and noblemen were allowed to own Siamese cats. It was believed these cats would bring luck and great fortune to their owners.

Now you know a little bit about the Siamese we’ll take a look at some of the different types. One thing they all have in common though is their stunning blue eyes.

Applehead

Applehead Siamese cats look very different from the modern Siamese you’re familiar with. Instead of a wedge or angular shaped head you’ll find a round head.

In addition, if you like the look of a Siamese but don’t like their loud voice, you’ll love the Applehead as it’s quieter with a softer meow!

Going back thousands of years, these were the original Siamese cats owned by royalty. Because of their value they were given as gifts to state leaders and their families.

If you’re thinking of adopting an Applehead Siamese, you wouldn’t be able to enter it in shows as this classic variety aren’t considered show standard.

However, though larger and stockier than the modern variety, Appleheads can be found with all the same point colors. You should be aware though, as this classic variant are less in demand, you may find it hard to locate a breeder.

Don’t despair though as with a little research and asking in forums you may be able to find those who breed round head Siamese as a hobby. Of course, this may take a bit of time and patience, but they do exist.

Classic Siamese

One of the most popular breed of cat in the 1960s was the Classic Siamese. You’d be able to differentiate it from the traditional Applehead by its sleeker body, longer tail, and slanted eyes.

In addition, Classic Siamese have larger ears and slightly longer face than Appleheads. These features make them easily recognisable.

This classic variety is what most cat enthusiasts referred to as a Siamese. However over the past decades a newer more modern version has taken precedence.

Unlike the traditional Applehead, Classic Siamese are much louder and enjoy a chat! This is something you should be aware of before making any decisions.

If you don’t have a lot of time for grooming you’ll find the Siamese a good choice. This is because they have short hair with thin undercoats.

Modern Wedge Head Siamese

Wedge Heads have become show standard and if your intention is to enter shows this is the type you’d need to get. You’d instantly recognise them by their extreme angular shaped heads.

In addition, the ears are large and set widely apart. Also, Wedgeheads are far more vocal than other types of Siamese cat.

If you want a feline companion that will lavish love and affection, then this could be a good choice. However, you’d need to work from home as these cats hate being left on their own.

Wedge head Siamese are highly intelligent and very active cats. They like nothing better than interacting with their owners and very easy to train. In fact they’re quite dog-like in many ways.

What color are Siamese cats?

You may be surprised to learn that all Siamese cats are born white. It’s only after their first week of life that Siamese kittens start showing point colors.

This is because all Siamese cats are temperature sensitive albinos. If you’re wondering what this means keep reading.

A cat’s fur color is determined by genetics and those with white patches such as Tuxedos or color points such as Siamese have a modifier gene.

You’ll be interested to learn it’s sensitive to temperature, and anything below a certain level will cause the fur to turn white. On the other hand, any temperature above a certain level will cause the fur to darken.

This is why points are always near extremities such as paws, nose, ears, and tail. Colors vary due to breeding and genetics.

Also, the main body of the cat especially around the back will usually be a medium shade of its point color, with lightest shades on the chest. You may be surprised to learn that a Siamese points can change color as the seasons change!

Although the points remain whatever color the cat is born with, the shade can become lighter or darker. For example, if your Siamese is exposed to cold winter temperatures her points may lighten, conversely, a hot environment will darken them

How many different point colors are there?

You may be surprised to discover there are just four main point colors. However, to make it confusing there are actually thirty two colors and patterns which have been accepted!

It depends in which country you live though as to what is considered acceptable. However, if you stick to the four main colors you won’t go wrong.

The four main colors are chocolate point, seal point, lilac point, and blue point. If you’re serious about showing your Siamese those are the ones you should consider.

Siamese with chocolate points have a pure white body color with no shading. This creates a contrast making the points really stand out. In addition, the cat’s nose and paw pads are a mix of pink and chocolate.

You may be surprised to learn that Seal point Siamese are genetically black. However, a recessive allele gene is responsible for their black coloring to be masked out.

Unsurprisingly, the name Seal point refers to a seals coloring. These large marine mammals have dark gray to brown fur.

A Seal point Siamese has similar point colors ranging from dark gray, to dark brownish black. If you decide to get one of these kitties you’ll be pleased to hear they’re quite a common type of Siamese.

Blue point and Lilac point Siamese

Blue point Siamese are less common compared to others. This doesn’t mean they’re impossible to find though. You’d just need a bit more time and patience locating one.

Blue point Siamese have a bluish white coat with navy blue points. In addition, their paw pads and nose are slate colored.

This type of Siamese is closely related to the Seal point, but instead of dark points, gene relatives have lighter toned gray/blue points.

You’ll be interested to hear that Blue point Siamese were officially recognised in 1934. Prior to that time only Seal points were accepted.

In fact Chocolate point Siamese are even more recent, with the variation not recognised until the 1950s. So you see it can take some time before a variation in breed is accepted.

Lilac point Siamese are striking in appearance, and even rarer than Blue points. You’ll notice how much paler the points are compared to the dark tones of the Seal or Chocolate.

Pale pinkish tones with a mix of gray give this variation a softer look. You’ll also notice the main body color is pale cream or magnolia, and paw pads are lavender pink.

Unlike many other point colors, Lilac doesn’t darken with age. In fact, it stays light throughout the cat’s life.

Other variations in point color

As previously mentioned, there are many other variations in point color and pattern. If you’re keen to find out more keep reading as I reveal all.

Red point Siamese have beautiful reddish and gold colored points with a warm white body color. Also, paw pads and nose have a pinkish hue.

Their striking coloring is the result of cross breeding with tortoiseshell and red tabby. If you want one these kitties you’ll find them hard to locate due to their rarity.

Cinnamon point Siamese are also rare and only achieved championship status in 2009. You’ll notice the point colors are a delicate warm cinnamon brown, and main body color is cream.

Some people confuse this variation with Chocolate points. However, the points are noticeably paler, like cinnamon spice!

Caramel point Siamese are so new they’ve only been accepted in the last decade. There are several distinct types including blue caramel and fawn caramel.

Body color is off white, but often shading appears that match the point colors. You’d notice that Siamese with blue caramel points lack contrast between points and body color seen in other variations.

Lynx point Siamese are another new variation with striped points. This was achieved by breeding a domestic tabby with Seal point. The result is a Siamese with markings similar to a Lynx.

In the UK they’re known as Tabby Points and easily distinguished by the familiar M tabby marking on its forehead. Lynx point Siamese have noticeable stripes on the legs, cheeks, and around the eyes. You’d also notice ringed stripes on the tail.

If you’d prefer a quieter, more laid back Siamese, than the Lynx point could be just right for you. The reason for their quieter nature is down to tabby genes.

Types of Siamese cat mix breed

You can find Siamese mixed with other breeds to produce cats such as the Snowshoe and Tonkinese. These mix breeds have points as well as a similar personality to the Siamese.

Snowshoe Siamese

I nearly adopted one of these beautiful cats a few years ago before I’d even heard of the breed! These white pawed cats look as if they’re wearing snow shoes, hence the name!

You may be lucky enough to come across a Snowshoe as they’re quite rare. However, they do exist and a bit of research may reveal breeders.

The Snowshoe is a mix of domestic shorthair with white pawed Siamese. They were first bred in late Victorian times, but it wasn’t until the mid 20th century that this breed developed into a more modern version.

A breeder named Daugherty bred 3 white pawed Siamese with a tuxedo domestic shorthair. The result is a cat with up to one third of its body color white.

You’ll find quite a variety of colors, body markings and point colors. As with all Siamese, Snowshoes have vivid blue eyes that intensify with maturity.

Tonkinese

Tonkinese are a cross between Burmese and Siamese. If you want a cat that has the intelligence of a Siamese but with a softer voice this could be a good choice.

This breed has been around for the past one hundred years, but not recognised by the GCCF until 1991. You’ll be interested to learn the Tonkinese was frequently mistaken for a Chocolate Siamese.

Tonkinese are a breed in their own right despite being close descendants of the Siamese. You’ll find this cat to be heavy and muscular with a medium size body.

Do different types of Siamese cat have the same personality?

As you’ve found out, there are quite a few different types of Siamese. While most share similar traits, a few appear to vary a little. For example, both Tonkinese and Lynx point Siamese have quieter voices.

You may already be familiar with the Siamese reputation of being a chatty, noisy breed. In fact, many owners enjoy engaging in daily conversations with their feline friends!

One thing’s for certain, you’ll NEVER feel alone with a Siamese cat. In fact, it’s part of their job description to stick close at all times!!

In conclusion

I hope I’ve inspired you by sharing the various type of point colors found in the Siamese breed. In addition, you now understand about the 3 different type of Siamese cat from the traditional to the modern.

Learn more about Siamese cats including personality, care, and health in another post. You’ll also find out if this breed are hypoallergenic as well as tips on grooming.

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Wishing you a purrfect day:)

Kathy