| To those of you who are familiar with Traditional | | | | Traditional Balinese, for example, is a long-haired |
| Siamese cats from the 60s and 70s, this may come | | | | Siamese. Unlike many long-haired cats their coats |
| as a shock: many Siamese have changed their | | | | don't require excessive care and are all Siamese but |
| appearance in the past 40 years! | | | | with a generally more laid back attitude to life. |
| The Siamese always was an elegant cat but now | | | | Why do all these different names matter? |
| some of its sleek lines have become very extreme | | | | They give you more search terms when finding local |
| indeed. Known as the Modern style Siamese, it has | | | | breeders, who might describe their cats as Thai Style |
| very large ears (sometimes called bat ears by | | | | rather than Traditional so knowing the different |
| detractors) placed lower on the head, a narrow | | | | names might help you not only find a breeder but |
| elongated body and thin whip -like tail. As a result, the | | | | improve your research into Siamese murky history. |
| typical Siamese of years past has been reinvented. | | | | Finding a good Traditional Siamese breeder does |
| Why tell you this? | | | | require homework. Don't assume that all breeders are |
| First, to make you aware that this different-shaped | | | | professionals and have the highest standards. |
| Siamese even exists. | | | | Personal recommendations are a great start but |
| Second, to help you decide whether you're leaning | | | | failing that, try to visit breeders and make up your |
| towards traditional Siamese cats or their modern | | | | own mind about their cats and their breeding ethics |
| counterparts before you buy. | | | | during your visit. |
| Third, to share some of the debate with you. In fact, | | | | Here's a tip: visit them when they have nothing to |
| a number of people insist that the old-style Siamese | | | | sell, for example before the main birthing season in |
| is more robust, has fewer health issues and lives | | | | spring. This way you won't be tempted into a rush |
| longer than the Modern but this is hotly contested | | | | decision, because all kittens are cute, whether they |
| within the breed clubs. From personal experience, and | | | | come from a good breeder or a backstreet charlatan. |
| generally speaking, I have found the Traditionals | | | | Buying a kitten for whom you feel sorry perpetuates |
| more easygoing and easier to live with. A few | | | | bad breeding practices. |
| personal experiences do not replace solid research so | | | | To get the Traditional Siamese cat of your dreams, |
| rather than take anyone's word about which is the | | | | you might have to travel some distance to find a |
| better feline, take your time and research this | | | | breeder you trust. And, don't be too upset if you |
| properly. | | | | have to join a waiting list for your kitten. Where |
| How to find Traditional Siamese Cats | | | | would you rather eat, in a bustling restaurant or in an |
| If after researching you're still leaning towards | | | | empty one? The same with breeders. A popular one |
| traditional Siamese cats, then read on. | | | | with fewer quality kittens available at any one time is |
| These cats are known by many names - Classic, | | | | a good sign. Please don't be put out if the breeder |
| Thai, Applehead or Apple Head, Old Style or | | | | asks you lots of questions! The breeder cares about |
| Wichienmaat in their original home of Thailand. There | | | | where the kittens are going to live. |
| are differences in body shape among them but they | | | | Good luck in your search, you know the wait will be |
| clearly still look traditional as opposed to Modern. | | | | worth it! |
| There are also other traditional Siamese cats. The | | | | |