are probably the most instantly recognaisable breed, with their distinctive white body, and dark body,tail ears, face and feet.

Breed History

Siamese originated in Asia, probably over 500 years ago. In Siam, modern day Thailand,these cats were revered by Buddist monks and royalty.

They made their way into the West by the late 19th century, first appearing at a British show in 1871.   The first cats often had crossed eyes and kinked tails, and early breed standards insisted on these traits; as well as slightly shorter legs.
  Since then though, selective breeding has altered the cat considerably, and the very traits that made this cat so desireable, are now regarded as serious faults.

Traditional Siamese
This breed preserves the look of the first Siamese cats imported to the West from Siam, over 100 years ago. It has a less elongated body and head type than it's modern show cat, and larger, less slanted eyes.
  This type is also known as the 'Applehead' or 'Old Style'.(See photos of Nellie Kannellie) Traditionals have short, thick velvety coats, and breeders describe them as calm and affectionate cats.
  They are talkative, and can be extremely loud, and these vocal traits are apparent from kitten hood. They are also one of the most sexually precocious breeds, often showing signs of wanting to mate as young as five months old.



From the New Encyclopedia of the Cat, by Dr. Bruce Fogle.