Similarities and differences between Siamese and Thai cats

The Siamese cat breed is very popular all over the world. The appearance of animals is recognizable and familiar to many. However, the Siamese is often confused with the Thai breed. If you put two representatives of different breeds side by side, then you can easily notice the differences. Moreover, animals have different personalities.

For many years, Thais and Siamese were considered representatives of the same breed. The confusion is related to the fact that cats appeared in the state of Siam, known to us as Thailand. The first to appear were cats that looked like modern Thai cats, but they called them Siamese. Under this name, they began to be exported to other countries. Later, breeding gave the world another breed, which received an identical name.

Representatives of Siamese cats of those times had external differences, so it was decided to divide the breeds. The second officially became Thai, since the first Siamese were already widespread throughout the world. Despite the same homeland, the history of cats is different.

The Siamese began to travel only at the end of the 19th century. Europeans gladly accepted the breed, made its representatives participants in exhibitions. Already in 1892, the standard for Siamese cats was prescribed. Over time, the appearance of the animals changed, there were large ears, a special shape of the head and more refined paws.

The modern Thai breed is also called Old Siamese or Traditional Siamese. Today's cats are very similar to the 18th century Siamese. In the "Book of Poems about Cats" (XIV century) you can find descriptions and images of representatives of the breed. Thais were residents of royal houses and Buddhist shrines. Officially, the breed was recognized under a well-known name only in 1990, and the standard was approved even later.

Cats are confused because of the similar color of the muzzle, ears, legs and tail. These parts are different from the main body color. However, the differences are quite noticeable if you know what to look for. So, the characteristic differences.

• The Thai cat has a small and well-built body. The Siamese breed, in turn, is thin and flexible. The body of the representatives looks elongated, as if elongated. If you compare the representatives of both breeds, then the Thais are larger, muscular and dense. The weight of an adult can reach 8 kg.
• Thais are distinguished by their paws of medium length. The limbs of the Siamese are longer and slender.
• There is a noticeable difference in the tails. The Siamese breed is long and thin like a whip, while the Thai breed is medium and thicker.
• Thais have a rounded muzzle, while Siamese have a wedge-shaped face. In the latter, the tips of the ears and nose fold into an equilateral triangle.
• The profile varies enormously. The Thais have it with a small depression at eye level. Siamese cats have an almost straight profile.
• Siamese have slanted, almond-shaped eyes. The eyes of the other breed are large and round.
• The ears of the Thais have rounded tips, they are small in size and look quite proportional. The Siamese breed has large, wide ears with sharp tips.
• Both breeds do not have a subset. The coat is short and silky.
• The eye color is the same - light blue.

You can distinguish between breeds not only in appearance. There are characteristic differences in the temperament and behavior of animals. Be careful, the character may differ from the personal characteristics of cats, from the place of residence and upbringing.

Representatives of the Thai breed have a rather individual character. They are usually level-headed and calm. Characterized by a manifestation of curiosity and attention to detail. Thais are pretty smart cats. They lend themselves well to training and are able to learn even non-standard commands.

Thais love their owners, get used to them. At the same time, they rarely show jealousy and easily get along with both children and other animals. Leaving them alone for a long time is not worth it. With prolonged being alone with himself, the cat may develop mental problems. Playing with Thais is fun and safe, they practically do not release their claws.

Representatives of the Siamese breed love their owners. This feeling is always accompanied by heightened jealousy. If you treat a cat badly, often scold it, beat it and punish it, then its character will deteriorate. The animals are very loud. They yell more often than they usually meow.

These cats will scream until they receive increased attention to their person. You need to pay a lot of attention to them, they are very playful and need it. If the owner is away for a long time, then the cat becomes apathetic, ceases to be interested in what is happening around. At the same time, representatives of the breed are very freedom-loving and are distinguished by independence, independence. You should not expect complete obedience from them.

Outward signs and differences in temperament are understandable and easily verifiable.There are other signs by which you can distinguish the representatives of the breeds with a more detailed observation. Cats have different accommodations. Thais avoid conflicts with other animals, never bully smaller and weaker ones. If you offend a cat, then he will simply ignore such an act.

When contacting children, Thais show not just love, but a certain maternal instinct, special care. When communicating with a child, a representative of the breed does not use teeth and claws. With them, there are no cases when games develop into attacks.

Siamese cats are indifferent to all strangers and animals. If you try to pet the animal at the wrong time, you may encounter a rather aggressive reaction. The cat treats its relatives well and friendly. It is difficult to predict the behavior when a new tenant appears due to jealousy.

The health of cats is also different. Thais live on average 12-18 years, and sometimes they can live up to 28 years. Representatives of the breed are susceptible to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, there are arthritis and dysplasia of the joints. Among the diseases of the genitourinary system, there are cystitis, urocystitis and urolithiasis. Thais are not susceptible to diseases that are caused by blood clotting disorders and inflammation of the inner eyelid.

Siamese cats live on average 10–20 years and can live longer with proper care. It is known about the record holder who has delighted his owners for 38 years. Cats can suffer from protein metabolism disorders, which can lead to liver or kidney amyloidosis. The owners must be responsible for the state of the cardiovascular system. Cardiomyopathy occurs, which can lead to heart failure and death.

The difference between Siamese and Thais is already obvious. True, it can be seen on adults. It is much more difficult to understand the belonging of a kitten to a certain breed. Characteristic features begin to appear 2–3 months after birth. Usually, when a kitten is in a new family, it is still quite difficult to see the visual features.

First, examine the shape of the baby's skull. Little Thais have a compact, round head. Siamese already in childhood are distinguished by a wedge-shaped head with large ears and a straight elongated nose.... The tail of the small Siamese breed is equally thick both at the base and at the tip. Thais, in turn, have a sharp tip.

Thais are already in childhood more dense in physique than Siamese. The latter are rather elongated and thin. Take a closer look at the length of the legs in relation to the body - in Siamese kittens they are long.

Cats will be healthy and show their best character traits only if they feel the love and care of their owners. The principles of grooming unite the representatives of the breeds.

• Cats have no undercoat, so they must live in a warm place. Place their houses so that they are not exposed to drafts.
• Representatives of the breeds are clean by nature, so they do not need to be bathed. To remove loose hair, it is enough to iron them with wet hands once a week. Alternatively, use a fine-toothed comb.
• The scratching post should be wide and high. Siamese and Thais need to sharpen the claws on both the front and hind legs.
• Perform important hygiene routines once a week. Be sure to brush your cats' teeth with a special paste. Wipe ears and eyes with damp cotton pads.
• Perform regular parasite treatments.
• See your veterinarian every 6 months. Both breeds are susceptible to diseases that need to be treated early.
• Wash the water and dry food bowls every day. If giving wet food, wash it out after each meal.
• Wash the toilet every 10-14 days. Use detergents without strong odors, otherwise the animal may refuse to walk in it.

The specialist tells about the similarities and differences between Thai and Siamese cats in the video below.