The Siamese is one of the oldest recognized breeds of cats, and was among the first breeds to be accepted by show organizations. They are gregarious, extroverted cats who demonstrate a high level of intelligence and a very, very, very loud voice. Nothing is so recognizable to cat fanciers as the Siamese scream, a shrill piercing cry that can be heard across show halls and through hotel room walls. Nonetheless they have attracted a dedicated following and generations of Siamese lovers have welcomed these big personalities in little bodies into their homes and hearts. They appear frequently in the media, whether as the singing Siamese cats in Lady and the Tramp or the curious Sagwa from Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat. They have resided in the White House as well as Buckingham Palace, been pets of Prime Ministers and John Lennon, and even earned their own place in Hollywood—“Syn” was the most popular feline actor during the 1960s, starring in several movies. Although the early Siamese was known for its crossed eyes and kinked tail, both traits have been successfully eliminated by modern breeders.

There is some controversy as to what colours are the “true” Siamese. Originally, the breed was only accepted in four colours: seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Breeders of “true” Siamese insist their cats pedigrees’ trace directly back to the original cats imported from Thailand in 1878 without any outcrossing whatsoever, and they may well be correct! The remaining colours accepted globally as Siamese and in CFA as Colourpoint Shorthairs were developed in the 1950s through a cross to a red tabby American Shorthair, adding a rainbow of colours which were accepted as a separate breed in the 1960s. Globally, these colours were eventually merged with the Siamese, with only a few associations holding out.

Type & judging remarks
The ideal Siamese is a medium-sized, svelte, refined cat with long tapering lines, very lithe but muscular. Balance and refinement are of the utmost importance. The head is a long tapering wedge, while the body is a long tube set on long, thin legs with a long, whippy tail. Evenness of colour preferred, although subtle shading is allowed. Definite contrast between points and body.