Siamese cat breed is very popular around the world. Appearance of animals is recognizable and familiar to many. However, the Siamok 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 a different character.
The history of the origin of rocks
For years, the Thais and Siamese were considered representatives of the same breed. Confusion due to the fact that cats appeared in the state of Siam, known to us as Thailand. The first cats appeared, outwardly similar to modern Thai, but called them Siamese. Under this name they began to export to other countries. Later, the breeding gave the world one more breed, which received an identical name.
Representatives of the Siamese cats of those times had external differences, so it was decided to still divide the breed. 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 modern Siamese breed has been known for over 600 years. At home, cats were equated with saints. The law protected these animals, they were highly respected and were honorary participants in various rituals. Cats for a long time did not leave Thailand, their export was banned at the legislative level.
Siamese began to travel only at the end of the XIX century. Europeans gladly accepted the breed, made its representatives exhibitors. Already in 1892, a standard of Siamese cats was registered. Over time, the appearance of animals changed, large ears, a special shape of the head and more refined legs appeared.
Modern Thai breed is also called Old Siam or traditional Siamese. Today's appearance of cats is very similar to the Siamese XVIII century. In the "Book of poems about cats" (XIV century) you can find a description and images of representatives of the breed. Thais were residents of royal houses and Buddhist shrines. Officially, the breed was recognized under a known name only in 1990, and the standard was approved even later.
Differences in appearance
Confused cats because of the similar color of the muzzle, ears, legs and tail. These pieces are different from the main body color. However, the differences are quite noticeable if you know what to look for. So, the characteristic differences.
- Thai cat has a small and well-built body. Siamese breed, in turn, is thin, flexible. The body of the representatives looks elongated, as if elongated. If we compare the representatives of both breeds, the Thais are larger, muscular and dense. The weight of an adult individual can reach 8 kg.
- Thais differ legs of medium length. The limbs of the Siamese are longer and thinner.
- Noticeable tail difference. Siamese breed is long and thin, like a whip, and Thai - medium and thicker.
- Thais have a rounded muzzle, and Siamese have a wedge shape. In the latter, the tips of the ears and nose are folded into an equilateral triangle.
- The profile varies enormously. In Thais, it is with a small hollow at eye level. Siamese cats have an almost straight profile.
- Siamese have slanted, almond-shaped eyes. The eyes of representatives of another breed are large and round.
- The ears of Thais have rounded tips, they are small in size and look quite proportionate. The Siamese breed has large ears, wide, with sharp tips.
- Both breeds do not have a sub-kid. The coat is short and silky.
- The color of the eyes is the same - light blue.
Character Difference
You can distinguish the breed 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 education.
Representatives of the Thai breed are quite individual. Usually they are balanced and calm. Characterized by curiosity and attention to detail. Thais are pretty smart cats. They are perfectly trainable and are able to learn even non-standard commands.
Thais love their owners, get used to them. At the same time, they rarely manifest jealousy and easily get along with both children and other animals. Leaving them alone for a long time is not worth it. With a long stay alone with the cat itself, mental problems can begin. Play with the Thais fun and safe, they practically do not let the claws.
The breed is very talkative. They are capable of making various sounds when communicating with their hosts. This greatly distinguishes Thais from Siamese. Breed characteristic active facial expressions. One look at the muzzle allows you to determine the mood of the animal.
Representatives of the Siamese breed love their owners. This feeling is always accompanied by increased jealousy. If you treat a cat badly, often scold her, beat her and punish her, then her character will deteriorate. Animals are very loud. They shout more often than usual meow.
These cats will scream until they receive increased attention to their person. You need to pay them a lot of attention, they are very playful and need it. If the owner permanently excommunicates, the cat becomes apathetic, no longer interested in what is happening around. At the same time, representatives of the breed are very freedom-loving and are distinguished by independence and independence. You should not expect complete obedience from them.
Training is possible only with a careful and individual approach. Communicate with the Siamese need affectionately and calmly. Any manifestation of cruelty is unacceptable when raising.
Other distinctive features
External signs and differences in temperament are clear and easily verifiable. There are also other signs by which it is possible to distinguish representatives of breeds at more detailed observation. Cats have different livability. Thais avoid conflicts with other animals, never bully smaller and weaker ones. If you hurt a cat, he will simply ignore such an act.
When contacting children, Thais show not just love, but a certain maternal instinct, special care. When dealing with a child, a representative of the breed does not use teeth and claws. With them there are no cases when the games develop into attacks.
Siamese cats are indifferent to all strangers and animals. If you try to stroke the animal at the wrong time, you can face a rather aggressive reaction. The cat treats the relatives well and affably. It is difficult to predict the behavior of a new tenant due to jealousy.
Cats love to play with children. Leaving them at the same time without supervision is not worth it. Siamese people often have simple entertainments in aggression. They can release claws, bite.
The health of cats is also different. Thais live an average of 12-18 years, and sometimes can live to 28 years. Representatives of the breed are susceptible to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, there are arthritis and joint dysplasia. Among the diseases of the genitourinary system are cystitis, urocystitis and urolithiasis. Thais are not susceptible to diseases caused by bleeding disorders and inflammation of the inner eyelid.
Siamese cats live on average 10–20 years, they can live longer with proper care. It is known about the record holder, who has pleased his hosts for 38 years.Cats can suffer from protein metabolism, which leads to liver or kidney amyloidosis. Hosts must be responsive to the state of the cardiovascular system. Cardiomyopathy occurs, which can lead to heart failure and death.
Siamese may have congenital strabismus. Disruption of the thyroid gland leads to hyperthyroidism. Eyes are generally considered a weak point in cats of this breed, so sometimes they suffer from increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma.
How to distinguish a kitten by yourself?
The difference between Siamese and Thais is already obvious. True, you can notice it on adults. To understand the belonging of a kitten to a certain breed is much more difficult. Characteristics begin to appear after 2-3 months after birth. Usually, when the kitten is in a new family, it is still quite difficult to consider the visual features.
To get started, look at the shape of your baby's skull. Little Thais have a compact round head. Siamese already in childhood differ wedge-shaped head with large ears and a straight elongated nose. The tail of a small representative of the Siamese breed is equally thick both at the base and at the tip. Thais, in turn, have a sharp tip.
Thais are already denser in constitution in childhood than Siamese. The latter are quite elongated and thin. Look at the length of the paws in relation to the body - they are long in Siamese kittens.
Caring for the representatives of the breeds
Cats will be healthy and show their best character traits only if they feel the love and care of their owners. Principles of care bring together representatives of the breeds.
- Cats without undercoat, so should live in warmth. Put their houses so that they are not exposed to drafts.
- Representatives of rocks are clean by nature, so they do not need to bathe. To remove fallen out hair, it is enough to iron them once a week with wet hands. Alternatively, comb the comb with frequent teeth.
- The claw should be wide and high. Siamese and Thais need to bend the claws on both their fore and hind legs.
- Perform important hygiene procedures once a week. Be sure to brush your cats' teeth with a special paste. Wipe ears and eyes with wet cotton pads.
- Perform regular treatments from parasites.
- Visit the vet once every 6 months. Animals of both breeds are prone to diseases that need to begin to heal in the early stages.
- Wash bowls for water and dry food every day. If you give wet food, then wash out after each meal.
- Wash the toilet every 10–14 days. Use detergent without sharp odors, otherwise the animal may refuse to go into it.
On the similarities and differences between Thai and Siamese cats tells a specialist in the video below.
