| The Siamese cat is a natural breed, which means that | | | | they are called the "traditional" Siamese. |
| the traits commonly associated with the Siamese | | | | Although the cats look different enough to potentially |
| were not artificially introduced into the cat. Their | | | | be a completely different breed, both types of |
| history goes back hundreds of years to Thailand, or | | | | Siamese are outgoing and friendly cats. Both have |
| as it was then known, Siam. In modern history, | | | | wonderful temperaments and in many ways act as |
| Siamese were first brought to Britain and then later | | | | much like a dog as a cat. Both are very active and |
| to the United States. | | | | well muscled. The slender cat is lighter boned but |
| Currently there are two main Siamese cat looks. | | | | remains surprisingly strong. |
| There is the "wedge-headed" cat, which is the breed | | | | Potentially the slender Siamese has a greater risk of |
| standard and the "appleheaded" Siamese. The | | | | certain health problems, however the teeth problems |
| appleheaded cat is often called a "traditional" Siamese. | | | | that can be so common in these cats, can also show |
| At this point in time, it is difficult to know which cat | | | | up in their traditional counterparts. It is possible that |
| was the true breed. It is possible that the long lithe | | | | because of the in breeding that went on to create |
| wedge shaped cat was as common as the heavier | | | | the wedge headed cats, that the traditional breeders |
| boned applehead. | | | | have been unable to breed out the more negative |
| What we do know is that in the early part of the | | | | characteristics. It is also possible that this is just a |
| century, breeders began breeding Siamese for their | | | | long ongoing genetic problem with these types of |
| slender muscular bodies and long legs. Their faces | | | | cats and is related to the genetics of their coloring. |
| became more triangular, or wedge shaped and their | | | | Whichever type of Siamese you get, rest assured |
| ears were prominent. Over the last thirty years, as | | | | that this is a breed that has many fans of all ages. |
| the wedge-headed type of Siamese became more | | | | Their bright blue eyes continue to attract fans all |
| popular, people came to miss the Siamese cats they | | | | over the world. If this isn't enough, their mischievious |
| had as children. Other breeders set out to revive the | | | | personalities and athletic prowess make them a |
| heavier boned, rounded faced Siamese cat. Thus, | | | | favorite amongst cat fanciers. |