Siamese

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

A slim, talkative cat with a pale body, dark points and striking blue eyes.

A Siamese cat sitting, full body
Size
Medium
Weight
6 to 12 lb (2.7 to 5.4 kg)
Lifespan
12 to 20 years
Coat
Short, fine and glossy
Colors
Pointed: seal, chocolate, blue and lilac
Origin
Thailand (formerly Siam)
99% of the time, our scanner puts a Siamese in its top three. It names it first 90% of the time. How we tested

What does a Siamese look like?

Siamese cats are pointed: the face, ears, legs and tail are darker than the pale body, because a temperature-sensitive gene darkens the cooler parts of the body. The eyes are always blue and almond-shaped. Modern show Siamese are very slim with long wedge heads and huge ears. Traditional or 'old-style' Siamese have rounder heads and sturdier bodies.

Siamese personality

Siamese are famously vocal, social and smart. They bond strongly with their people and dislike being alone.

How to care for a Siamese

The coat needs very little grooming. Give them company, puzzle toys and plenty of conversation.

How do I know if my cat is a Siamese?

Points plus blue eyes on a slim, short-haired body means Siamese. With white boots, it is a Snowshoe. With the same body but no points, it is an Oriental Shorthair. Many pointed house cats have Siamese ancestry.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

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Breeds that look like the Siamese

Snowshoe SnowshoeA Siamese-type cat with blue eyes, a white face marking and four white 'boots'. Oriental Shorthair Oriental ShorthairA Siamese in every color but points: very slim, huge ears and a loud voice. Birman BirmanA gentle colorpoint cat with deep blue eyes and four pure white 'gloves'.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Why are Siamese cats darker on the face and paws?
A temperature-sensitive gene makes pigment only in cooler areas, such as the ears, face, paws and tail. Kittens are born almost white and darken as they grow.
Are Siamese cats loud?
Yes. They are one of the most talkative breeds and will often answer when you speak.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat