Siamese cats are among the most famous cats in the world. They gained popularity mainly because of their adorable looks and loving personalities – they are quite into having conversations with their favorite people and following them around too. Though the breed has existed for centuries, it made its inroads in the western world in the second half of the 19th century.
To the pleasure of Siamese fans, these cats come in several varieties. Know your favorite types of Siamese cats before deciding to buy one!
Types of Siamese Cats Based on Body and Face Shapes
Based on the differences in facial structure and body makeup, Siamese cats can be divided into traditional and modern types. Where the former exists in the original form, the latter has emerged due to controlled breeding.
Traditional
Applehead Siamese
Applehead Siamese cats are the chubbier version of Siamese cats. Their most prominent feature is the round, apple-shaped head. Other notable features include a downward-pointing nose, small ears, and shorter-than-normal tails.
Appleheads are considered the original version of the Siamese cats; however, some other sources also state that they are the result of cross-breeding and that the term ‘applehead’ was used to mock the consecutive disfiguring of the breed.
Old-Style
These Siamese cats also have apple-shaped heads, but their bodies differ. The bodies look comparatively weaker due to less muscle mass but are well-defined to appear athletic. Moreover, though the face shape is similar, old styles have bigger noses and ears than their applehead counterparts.
The old-style Siamese cats reached the pinnacle of popularity during the ‘50s and ‘60s, thanks to their extraordinary attachment to their owners and having less vocal nature.
Classic
This is the most athletic type of traditional Siamese cats. The most distinctive features include long bodies and tails. Furthermore, their ears are larger, but there is no dip in the nose. The type is also more prone to getting ear infections than other kinds of Siamese cats.
The classic variant was recognized by the CFA in 2007. Afterward, the type quickly jumped from the slot of ‘Preliminary New Breed’ to ‘Advanced New Breed.’
Modern/Wedgie
Unlike the traditional Siamese cats, the modern ones have wedge-shaped heads and slanted eyes. Moreover, their noses also point straight out. This type of breed is easy to recognize owing to its wide legs and thin tail.
Wedgie Siamese cats were the result of years of selective breeding. However, the type was not extremely popular until the end of the last century.
Types of Siamese Cats Based on Colors
More than 30 different colors exist in the Siamese breed, but only a few of these are recognized by different cat organizations. For instance, the CFA has given recognition only to four types of Siamese cats. However, some of these hues are so striking that ignoring them could not be fair!
Light Colored
Chocolate Point
Having a unique genetic variation, Chocolate Point Siamese cats have chocolate-toned markings over an ivory-white coat. The color is often confusing when it comes to Chocolate Point vs. Seal Point. An easy escape from this doubt lies in the fact that the former is lighter.
Chocolate Points are rare types of Siamese cats; however, they are among the most sought-after ones.
Cream Point
These Siamese cats are almost deprived of any dark patches. The only color these kitties might have is either cream or light orange. The paws, nose, and ears are pale.
Cream Points are the combo of the Seal Point Siamese, the Domestic Shorthairs, and the Abyssinians. Because of this diverse gene pool, their personalities can deviate from those of the traditional ones.
Apricot Point
These cats look quite similar to Cream Point Siamese but with apricot extremities. The color appears due to a diluting modifier gene. The type has traditional Siamese blue eyes, but these are slightly paler than average.
Lilac/Frost Point
These kitties possess lilac-gray-colored extremities. Overall, the coat seems light blue and is often credited as the lightest type of purebred Siamese. Moreover, the eyes are darker than most Siamese types.
The color is recognized by the CFA. It is also rare but very well-known due to its glacial appearance.
Dark Colored
Seal Point
These cats have a cream-colored base, but their paws, face, and tail are fawn. Genes have made extremities colors so close to black that Seal Point Siamese is often referred to as the darkest type of the breed.
The type also holds a distinction because the Seal Point Siamese was mixed with other cats to introduce seal point colorings in the rest of the breeds. The CFA recognizes this color.
Red/Flame Point
These Siamese cats have reddish-gold marking on their extremities, with the rest of the fur being white. The accurate description of the color could be a mixture of amber, orange, and red hues. They also have the agouti gene – similar to that in tabby cats.
The color is rare and not acceptable by several cat associations.
Blue Point
With a blue-whitish body and slate blue paws, face, and tail, Blue Point Siamese cats look uniquely amazing. Also, note that some of them might have silver-blue extremities instead of slate blue. The type is also famous for deep, slanted, almond-shaped eyes.
Though the color has been around for centuries, the CFA recognized it only in 1934.
Types of Siamese Cats Based on Patterns
Tabby and tortoiseshell patterns are known to prevail over Siamese coats. Though it does not necessarily impact their personalities, it makes them look even more appealing – definitely!
Tabby
Such kitties have tabby patterns all over their extremities. Lynx Point Siamese (also known as Tabby Point Siamese) is a good example. These felines have rings around their legs, cheeks, and on tails. Moreover, the variation is also recognized by the CFA.
Tortoiseshell
Tortie Siamese cats do not have solid points. Instead, their extremities are marked with flecked or distorted shades, looking like a tortoise shell. The type originated after a unique and complicated breeding task. Even today, it remains rare.
Types of Siamese Cats Based on Genes
Two famous descendants of Siamese cats are Balinese and Tonkinese breeds. However, the former lies closer. So – technically – both can be classified as the types of the Siamese breed.
Balinese
Balinese cats originated from the litter of long-haired Siamese cats. However, no one is exactly sure what had gone wrong. But the breeders strove hard to nurture more cats from this variety – making an entirely new breed.
The breed has about 22 different colors. Its body is quite slender. Balinese cats have wedge-shaped heads, while their necks are hairy.
Tonkinese
Tonkinese is a cross between the Siamese and the Burmese breeds, thus sharing the Siamese genes and exhibiting closer looks. The breed is named after the Tonkin region in Burma. These cats look quite similar to the Siamese breed and possess 12 known colors.