Siamese
Talkative, intelligent, and intensely bonded to their people.
Siamese cats are sleek, vocal, and demand attention. They are highly intelligent, playful into old age, and form deep bonds with one or two favorite people. Their distinctive cry has been compared to a human baby.
Key facts
| Origin | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 6–14 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–20 years |
| Energy | High |
| Vocality | High |
| Grooming | Brush once a week |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●○ |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Long-lived
- Low grooming needs
- Loyal and engaging
✗ Things to know
- Very vocal — not for quiet households
- Needs daily companionship
- Can be jealous of other pets
Ideal owner
A Siamese may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Enjoy interactive play and can dedicate daily activity time
- Have mild cat allergies and need a more allergy-friendly option
A Siamese may not suit you if you:
- Have a busy schedule with little time for interactive play
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Siameses can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Dental disease
- Asthma
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Is a Siamese right for you?
The best way to find out if a Siamese suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Siamese a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Siameses are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: vocal, social, and unmistakably opinionated.
Are Siameses good for apartments?
Yes — Siameses adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Siameses good with children?
Siameses are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Siameses hypoallergenic?
Siameses are considered more allergy-friendly than most breeds. Often tolerated better by allergy sufferers due to short coat and lower shedding.
Does a Siamese suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Siamese on Wikipedia