SIAMESE
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The
Siamese is
one of the first distinctly recognised breeds of Oriental
cat. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but it is
believed to be from Southeast Asia. They are typically
long-lived, 15 - 20 years average. Siamese have almond-shaped, bright blue eyes and short, flat-lying coats. The pointed pattern is a form of partial albinism, resulting from a mutation in Tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. The mutated enzyme is heat-sensitive; it fails to work at normal body temperatures, but becomes active in cooler areas of the skin. This results in dark colouration in the coolest parts of the cat's body, including the extremities and the face, which is cooled by the passage of air through the sinuses. All Siamese kittens, although pure cream or white at birth, develop visible points in the first few months of life in colder parts of their body. By the time a kitten is four weeks old the points should be clearly distinguishable enough to recognise which colour they are. Siamese are affectionate and intelligent cats, renowned for their social nature. They enjoy being with people and are sometimes described as "extroverts". As there are extrovert Siamese, there also are very sensitive and nervous temperaments, which are not easily adapted to the changes of environment or to strangers. They are extremely vocal, with a loud, low-pitched voice – known as "Meezer", from which they get one of their nicknames] – that has been compared to the cries of a human baby, and persistent in demanding attention. They also have a great need for human companionship. Often they bond strongly to a single person. These cats are typically active and playful, even as adults. |
siamese
Breeds
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