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From: Laura Gilbreath <[e-mail]>
Subject: rec.pets.cats:  Traditional Siamese  Breed-FAQ
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                       Traditional Siamese Breed FAQ

Description

   The Traditional Siamese (aka Applehead Siamese) is one of the oldest
   breeds of domestic cats. It preserves the look of the breed much as it
   existed when originally imported from Siam - a muscular, athletic cat,
   with round head and brilliant blue eyes and the striking contrast
   between point and body color which characterizes the breed. They are
   very calm, affectionate cats, typically healthy and long-lived - 15-20
   years is average, and over 20 is not uncommon.
     _________________________________________________________________

Topics

     * Characteristics and Temperament
     * Frequently Asked Questions
     * History
     * Genetics
     * Recognized
     * Care and Training
     * References
     * Breeders
     * Breed Standards

     _________________________________________________________________

Characteristics and Temperament

   The Traditional Siamese is an intelligent, people-oriented cat which
   enjoys human companionship - whether it be as a lap warmer or chasing
   a toy. They are inquisitive and friendly, and like nothing better than
   to sit in the middle of something you are trying to read. They talk to
   their people in an affectionate, conversational way.

   With their calm temperaments, they are well-adapted to life in either
   a house or an apartment. They are not in perpetual motion - they have
   a fairly balanced activity level and are just as happy to chase a toy
   as to curl up in your lap for a snooze.

     _________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

   _Are Traditional Siamese friendly with other people?_
   Yes. They love people, and most will go right up to strangers and
   demand to be petted. They have the somewhat perverse nature of most
   cats, so are sometimes most attracted to people who either don't like
   cats or are allergic to them.

   _How are they with children?_
   They are good family pets, and are very indulgent of small children -
   they will tolerate liberties (not to be confused with ill-treatment)
   from them that they will not take from adults. When they've had
   enough, they simply make themselves unavailable. Most of them learn to
   sheathe their claws when playing with people, and it is rare to be
   scratched.

   _Are they good with seniors?_
   With their mellow temperament they are very good with seniors - they
   are marvelous companions and lap cats.

   _How are they with other pets?_
   When introduced at an early age, they will usually become friends with
   dogs or other animals. An adult cat who is already used to dogs is a
   wonderful "teacher" for puppies entering the home as a pet.

   _How many cats should I have?_
   Single cats in a household do fine, though they can get lonely if left
   alone during the day, and will therefore demand more of your attention
   in the evenings. Two cats, especially if they are close in age, become
   good friends and are often found sleeping or playing together and
   grooming each other. But they still crave human attention, too.

   _Are they intelligent?_
   They are very intelligent - which does not necessarily mean that they
   are easy to train. Each cat has a different personality - some, if you
   tell them "No" once, will desist from the activity forever, while
   those with the more mischievous natures, though they know it's
   forbidden, will merely wait until you're not around, and then do it
   anyway. :-) Many Traditional Siamese are quite adept at teaching
   humans the game of fetch or other tricks. Some cats will readily learn
   to walk on a harness and leash. These behaviors are far more
   successful if introduced at an early age.

   _Do they scratch furniture?_
   Not usually - it's very easy to train them to use a scratching post,
   and most breeders do this. In general, they prefer a nice carpet or
   sisal-covered scratching post to your favorite sofa.

   _Are they noisy?_
   One of the traits a Siamese cat is known for is its voice. They can be
   extremely loud, and sometimes it sounds like your cat is in absolute
   torment, when in fact he's just trying to make a point. It's not
   uncommon for people on the other end of the phone to ask if there is a
   baby crying.

   Traditionals tend to be less vocal than the modern cats - though some
   have the harsh "you're killing me" voice, others have a rather quiet
   meow. Some are non-stop talkers, while others don't talk unless they
   have something important to say. The voice and conversational style is
   apparent from kittenhood, so you'll know what you're getting into.

   _Do they have any bad habits?_
   When there are no people around, they like to be up high, and can
   often be found on the top of bookcases, refrigerators, or curio
   cabinets. If you can't find your cat, look up. It's probably best to
   keep any breakables off of high shelves.

   Some Siamese cats engage in a practice that denizens of rec.pets.cats
   have dubbed "smurgling", wherein the cat holds a piece of material,
   usually a blanket or sweater (but sometimes human skin), in its paws
   and kneads it, while happily sucking and/or drooling on it. The eyes
   are often glazed over, and the cat is usually purring loudly. This is
   not a serious disorder. ( :-) for the humor-impaired.)

   _What are points?_
   Points refer to the face, ears, tail, and paws - the term is generally
   used in combination with color. "Seal Point" means the cat has seal
   colored (dark brown) points, while a "Blue Point" has blue (gray)
   coloring.

   _Will a male or a female make a better pet?_
   Sex of the cat makes no difference as long as they are neutered/
   spayed.

   _Are they outdoor cats?_
   No, no, no, no. Almost all breeders will sell kittens with a contract
   stating that they be indoor-only cats, permitted outdoors only on a
   leash. Too many outdoor cats end up as traffic fatalities, or are
   severely injured by other animals. Breeders are very concerned with
   the welfare of the kittens they produce, and usually take great pains
   to insure that the kittens are going to good homes where they will be
   well cared for. Since most of these kittens have never been outside,
   they never miss it.

   _What health problems are they prone to?_
   Crossed eyes still crop up occasionally within the breed. Though
   undesirable, this is not a problem for the cat, and does not affect
   its behavior or longevity.

   Kinked tails also show up occasionally, but this is merely a cosmetic
   fault.

   Other than that, there are no known defects that are specific to the
   Traditional Siamese. As in most purebred animals, there are some
   genetic problems that creep in from time to time, but responsible
   breeders work very hard at keeping their lines as healthy as possible.
   Things to watch for in any cat, purebred or not, include umbilical
   hernias, heart murmurs, and kidney disease.

   _How big do they get?_
   In size, they are about what you think of when you think of an
   average-sized generic cat. Males weigh from 11-15 pounds, and females
   8-12.

   _Where can I find Traditional Siamese breeders in my area?_
   Check the ads in the Siamese section of any cat magazine for breeders'
   names. Look for those advertising "Traditionals" or "Appleheads".

   The Traditional Cat Association (TCA) offers a kitten referral service
   and Breeder's List. This list includes many breeders who are ethical
   and offer healthy, purebred kittens. Contact:

     Diana Fineran
     18509 NE 279th St.
     Battle Ground WA 98604

   _How much do they cost?_
   They range in price from $200-$500 - registered cats from reputable
   breeders are more expensive.

   _What's the difference between Traditional Siamese and modern Siamese?_
   To be honest, the main difference is largely individual preference.
   Some people adore the new look, while others hate it.

   As far as personalities go, in general, Traditional Siamese tend to be
   a bit more laid-back than their modern counterparts. But individuals
   will vary, and you will find very lively Traditionals and mellow
   moderns. Either type can be a delightful pet.

   _Why do Traditional and modern Siamese look so different?_
   See _History_.

   _Why don't you see Traditionals at cat shows?_
   The Traditional Siamese does not conform to the breed standards for
   Siamese cats in most of the cat associations (with the exception of
   the Traditional Cat Association (TCA) which wrote its standards
   specifically for the Traditional Siamese). As such, they are unable to
   compete with modern Siamese cats. Though theoretically there is
   nothing in the show rules that prohibits a registered cat from
   competing in its breed class, in practice, very few people attempt to
   show them as Siamese. They are sometimes shown in the "Household Pet"
   class, where breed is not a factor.

     _________________________________________________________________

History

   The Siamese is considered by many to be a "natural" breed - one that
   developed without the intervention of man. Pictures of seal-point
   Siamese cats appear in the manuscript "Cat-Book Poems", written in
   Siam (now Thailand) sometime between 1350 and 1700.

   There are a great many legends regarding the origin of the breed -
   especially the crossed eyes and kinked tails. According to some of the
   legends, the Siamese cat guarded Buddhist temples and was considered
   sacred - and was only kept by priests and royalty.

   The first Siamese cats appeared in the West in the mid-to-late 1800s.
   Though initially described as "an unnatural, nightmare kind of cat",
   they quickly became popular with fanciers, even though these early
   cats were delicate and subject to health problems. These first cats
   had crossed eyes and kinked tails, characteristics which are now
   considered faults, and have almost completely disappeared as a result
   of careful breeding. Photographs from the late 1880s of some of the
   first cats to be imported from Siam show the thick, round heads and
   solid, muscular bodies that distinguish the Traditional Siamese from
   today's show Siamese.

   As the Siamese breed has developed over the years, some breeders have
   preferred the rounder look, while others have preferred a slender look
   with a wedge-shaped head. During the 1950s and 1960s, the differences
   became even more pronounced: show breeders developed an extremely
   slender cat with a very long, triangular head, almond-shaped eyes, and
   flaring ears. This look caught on with show-oriented Siamese breeders
   and with judges. Other breeders, who did not like the new look,
   continued to breed the larger, round-headed cats. These "Traditional"
   breeders found that their cats were no longer competitive in the show
   ring and stopped showing. A great many also stopped registering their
   cats, though they continued their breeding programs with their
   existing purebred Siamese stock.

   Today, Traditional Siamese cats are somewhat rare, though they seem to
   be making a comeback, as the breed is popular with pet buyers.

   It should be pointed out that Traditional Siamese _are_ purebred cats,
   descended from the original cats imported from Siam. A pointed cat
   that you find in the shelter, though it may look Siamese, is probably
   not a Traditional Siamese cat. Enough purebred Siamese cats have
   interbred with domestic cats over the years that the gene which
   creates the pointing pattern is found in a large number of cats, and
   some may look Siamese when in fact they have very little Siamese blood
   in them.

     _________________________________________________________________

Genetics

   The "pointing" gene creates the distinct color pattern that
   distinguishes the Siamese breed. This gene is recessive: two pointed
   parents will always produce pointed kittens.

   The Siamese kitten is pure white at birth - the gene that produces the
   "points" on the face, paws, and tail is heat sensitive, and the point
   color gradually develops on the cooler parts of the body. In some
   breeding lines, and in warmer climates, the point color may not fully
   develop until the cat is over a year old.

   Older cats have a darker body color than young cats and kittens,
   though there is still a marked contrast between the body color and the
   point color.

   The Seal Point Siamese is genetically a black cat, but the pointing
   gene causes the color to manifest almost exclusively on the points. As
   the cat matures, the creamy body color will usually give way to a
   light shade of the point color, particularly with seal and blue
   points. (For this reason, seal and blue point Siamese have relatively
   short careers as show cats - it's rare to see one at a cat show over
   the age of 2. Chocolate and lilac points don't darken as quickly and
   can be shown longer.)

   The recognized colors are: Seal Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point,
   and Lilac Point. The Red Point is not an accepted Traditional Siamese
   color, though it is an accepted Siamese color in some cat
   organizations.

     _________________________________________________________________

Recognized

   The Traditional Cat Association (TCA)

   The United Feline Organization (UFO)

   Cat Fancier's Federation (CFF) - provisional status as a new breed.

   Some breeders chose not to follow the modern standard, so small
   numbers of them are still bred and registered as Siamese in the
   following organizations:

     American Cat Association (ACA)
     American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)
     Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
     Cat Fanciers' Federation (CFF)

     _________________________________________________________________

Care and Training

   Traditional Siamese are not delicate cats, and typically are very
   healthy with very good appetites. Most breeders recommend a
   high-quality dry food, and most cats can eat when they like without
   becoming overweight. Middle-aged cats (5-10) are the most likely to
   have weight problems, which can usually be controlled by switching to
   a low-calorie food.

   Traditional Siamese require very little grooming on the owner's part -
   the cat is able to keep itself clean and well-groomed. Still, most
   cats enjoy the sensation of being brushed or combed, and this is a
   good way to remove excess fur and keep it from ending up on your
   clothes or your furniture. Traditional Siamese do not shed
   excessively.

   Most Siamese cats reach sexual maturity at an early age - it is not
   uncommon for a female to experience her first heat at the age of 5
   months. Spaying is recommended by the age of 6 months, and neutering
   at the age of 6 months or even earlier. If neutered at an early age,
   males generally do not spray.

     _________________________________________________________________

References

   _Books:_
          Your Purebred Kitten: A Buyer's Guide, Michele Lowell, 1995.
          The Complete Siamese, Sally Franklin, 1996.

   _Magazines:_
          "The Siamese Cat", CATS Magazine, June 1995.

   _Breed Clubs:_
          The Traditional Cat Association
          Diana Fineran, Treasurer
          18509 NE 279th St.
          Battle Ground WA 98604

          The Traditional Siamese Cat Association
          Sheelagh Le Cocq
          2 Sydenham Villas
          Janvrin Road
          St. Helier, Jersey C.I.
          Great Britain

     _________________________________________________________________

Breeders

   There aren't many Traditional Siamese breeders in the world. Each
   breeder tends to specialize in a different look - some have the very
   round, very stocky, Traditional cats, while others have a cat that TCA
   calls a "Classic Siamese" which is a bit more refined, though still
   retaining the round head, and still others have cats that are more of
   a modified wedge. Prospective buyers need to decide what sort of look
   they prefer, and talk to breeders about their cats, their health, and
   their personalities.

   Don't be surprised if the breeder thoroughly questions you about the
   sort of environment you will provide for the cat - most breeders are
   very careful in selecting homes for their kittens. You will probably
   be asked to sign an agreement stating that the cat will be spayed/
   neutered, that it will _NOT_ be declawed, and that it will be an
   indoor-only cat.

   Many Traditional Siamese cats are _not_ registered, even though the
   majority are from purebred lines whose breeders have kept meticulous
   records over the years. We must admit that some cats advertised as
   "Traditional Siamese", though they exhibit all the desirable purebred
   qualities, are of questionable lineage, and may have some alley cat
   not too far back in the pedigree. If this matters to you, you can try
   to find cats that are registered - though difficult, it is not
   impossible.

   Disclaimer: These breeders have been recommended in good faith by the
   author. However, you are still responsible for verifying that a
   particular breeder meets your needs to your satisfaction.

     Diane Dunaway
     Old-Fashioned Siamese
     [phone]
     email:[e-mail]

     Laura Gilbreath
     Farpoint Siamese
     [phone]
     email:[e-mail]

     Judith Heberlig
     Applecat Acres
     [phone]

     _________________________________________________________________

Breed Standards

   (Condensed from TCA's Traditional Siamese Breed Standard)

   _General:_ The ideal Traditional Siamese is a medium to large-sized,
   staunch cat of robust type, with substantial, round bone structure,
   good muscular development, possessing a solid look along with balance
   and proportion. They are not extreme in any way.

   The head is rounded, with a clearly defined muzzle that maintains the
   rounded contours of the head. The nose has a slight, gentle dip at eye
   level. Medium ears, with a broad base and rounded tips, set as much on
   the sides of the head as the top. The eyes are almond shaped,
   uncrossed, and deep vivid blue.

   The body is medium to large in size, solidly built, muscular in
   development, and presenting a well-proportioned, solid appearance.
   Legs well muscled, proportionate in length and bone to the body. Paws
   more round than oval. Tail medium in length but in proportion to the
   body: tapering and straight (no kinks).

   The coat is short, thick enough to have body, satiny and somewhat
   close-lying, but not tight or flat. Plush and soft in texture.
   Resilient and firm to the touch.

   Body color is even with subtle shading when allowed. Allowance is made
   for lighter body color in young cats and darker color in older cats.

   _Point color:_ Chin, mask, ears, legs, feet, and tail dense and
   clearly defined. All of the same shade. Except in kittens, mask covers
   entire face including whisker pads and is connected to ears by
   tracings.

   _Penalize:_ Improper (i.e. off-color or spotted) nose leather or paw
   pads. Ticking or white hairs except in aging cats. Bars in points.
   Crossed eyes. Kinked tail, either visible or invisible.

   _Disqualify:_ Any evidence of illness or poor health. Mouth breathing
   due to nasal obstruction or poor occlusion. Eyes other than blue.
   White toes and/or feet. Malocclusion. Wedge-shaped head with straight
   profile. Long, thin, tubular body. Long, thin legs, neck, or tail. Any
   evidence of artificial grooming aids. Any extreme.

     _________________________________________________________________

   Copyright (c)1996, 1997, Laura Gilbreath, [e-mail]_

    Last updated 5/15/97