Traditional Siamese Cats: The Pros and the Cons

You might wonder why I have an entire section on Traditional Siamese Cats and Traditional Applehead Siamese cats. A Siamese cat is a Siamese cat, isn't it?

Well no, actually, at least not nowadays. But back before the 1970s you would have been correct.

So what happened?

Before I get into that let me tell you that this is a highly controversial area in the cat fancy. The cat fancy, by the way, is the term used to describe cat breeders whose hobby is breeding and showing their cats.

Like I said it is hugely controversial, with some very heated discussions and name calling to boot. Just the mention of the words Traditional Siamese Cats in some circles can really cause the fur to fly! There's no way I can explain the controversy without delving into a bit of history, so please bear with me.

Every new cat breed usually starts out with a few dedicated enthusiasts working to develop and establish it. Some experiments fall by the wayside but others really take off, like the Bengal (a wild cat crossed with a domestic breed). When these dedicated breeders have what they consider a new stable breed, they have to introduce it to a club so that in time it can be recognized and eventually become eligible for the top prizes. Of course you don't have to join a cat club but realistically you are seriously disadvantaged if you want to popularize your cat breeding efforts. A cat club confers legitimacy, rules, publicity and standing among your peers - other cat breeders.

The Siamese Cat: Applehead? Classic? Old Style?

So what does this have to do with the Traditional Siamese cats (also known as Applehead Siamese cats, Classic Siamese cats, Old Style Siamese cats, Wichienmaat in Thailand and Thai style)?

A lot.

You'll know that more prizes these days go to the Modern Style or Extreme Wedge Siamese although the Traditional Siamese cats supporters are fast catching up. Cat clubs are extremely powerful for many reasons. They dictate what a breed should look like to win the big prizes. Naturally the cat breeders love to win the prizes and ribbons, they are a vote of confidence from their peers that their cats are the best. These are kudos rather than money prizes. If the breed club says large ears set lower on the head constitute the perfect Siamese cat, then you'd better select kittens with this tendency and breed them if you want your cat to win beauty contests.

Over the years this is exactly what has happened in the Siamese cat world, although some people say that the change in rules has gone much further than the rule makers expected! Over a very short time the Siamese cat became longer, narrow of tail, much less chunky, its head slimmer and longer, longer neck and its ears much larger and lower set. If you belong to an older generation you might be very surprised if you shop for a Siamese today. It may not look anything like you thought it would.

Oh, and the name Applehead Siamese cat (sometimes written Apple Head Siamese cat) apparently once was a 'put down' by the modern Siamese breeders to describe what they considered to be an inferior Siamese with the round face. In the best traditions of minorities everywhere, the term was taken up by the Traditional Siamese breeders and made their own. Now it sounds cute! and if you've ever been lucky enough to see Applehead Siamese kittens up close, you'll know what I mean.

When I interviewed Marie Clements of www.siameseroyalty.com a professional 'Traditional' Siamese and Balinese cat breeder, she said the original look Siamese is very popular in part because it is the Siamese that the buyers grew up with. So although the modern shaped Siamese at present seem to have the upper hand the Traditionals are fighting back and now have their own awards and shows (They are shown exclusively at CFF and TICA events) It seems that many people actually want a more cuddly Siamese, how about you?

As a result, you might find it harder to buy a Traditional Siamese cat or have to travel further or wait longer. I travelled right across France to buy my little Cumin. Siamese cat Traditional breeders who have a great reputation, high standards, quality kittens and show success are obviously going to have long waiting lists. Having a waiting list is usually a good sign. They are not cheaper than the Modern style, so don't expect to save money. In fact any cheap pedigree cat would have to be approached with great suspicion. I have much more help for you at How to Choose a Siamese about the possible pitfalls you might come across in your search for that special Siamese kitten.

The question is, which do you prefer?

First check out the Siamese Cat Health section where you will learn about possible health issues and the all important temperament of the Traditional Siamese cat.

Don't miss out on checking out the wonderful Balinese, the fancy name for the long haired Siamese. You might even decide that a Traditional Balinese would be even more suitable than a Traditional Siamese. You will never know if you don't look!

Now how about the future of the breed? From my interviews, discussions and reading here are a few thought provoking ideas about the Future of Siamese Cats Worth a read, but the future is inherently unreliable when it comes to prediction so no guarantees!

You don't have to decide now. Let me show you some beautiful photographs and together we will discover plenty more about the fabulous Traditional Siamese and the once spurned, Traditional Balinese (all Siamese just a long-haired version).

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