Traditional Siamese, also known as Appleheads or Classic Siamese, have a rounder, more moderate body and head type than today’s competitive show Siamese. It is a talkative, affectionate cat that comes in the traditional seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac point colors, as well as colors associated with the Colorpoint Shorthair by other registries, such as red, cream, tortie, bluecream, and lynx points.
They, like the modern Siamese, are vocal, intelligent, and occasionally demanding companions. Their origins are similar to those of the Siamese breed, but the type was the result of efforts by a group of breeders to preserve what they considered to be a more traditional style.
Indeed, old photographs of Siamese cats bear resemblances to both styles, lending credence to the theory that both body types had ancestors.
The traditional Siamese type fell out of favor from the 1960s to the 1980s, but by the late 1980s, groups of breeders interested in promoting this type had formed and were promoting this style of Siamese.
While very popular as a pet, most breed registries do not recognize the Traditional Siamese as a distinct breed. Normally, these cats are only registered as Siamese. The traditional/applehead style, despite being registered as Siamese, is not competitive in the show ring. Potential owners looking for a cat to show should look at the Siamese breeders page instead. The Tonkinese, which has a body type similar to the Traditional Siamese, is another possible show alternative.
The Siamese is one of the most well-known and well-established cat breeds. The breed originated in Thailand (originally known as Siam) and was first introduced to the United Kingdom in the mid-1880s. The first known Siamese cat was imported from Bangkok as a gift from Siam’s consul to President Rutherford B. Hayes’s wife and lived in the White House. They were an instant hit, and they appeared in the first cat shows in both countries.
The Siamese is distinguished by its bright blue eyes and colored “points” (ears, face, tail, and feet), which contrast sharply with its light-colored body. Show-quality Siamese have a long, slender body and a long, wedge-shaped head with massive ears.
Some breeders work with a more moderate, rounded Siamese known as a Traditional or Applehead Siamese. Those looking for this rounded Siamese type should look through the list of Traditional Siamese breeders.
It is animated, vocal, and affectionate. The breed is very demanding and should not be left alone for extended periods of time. Daily play and interaction are essential for the emotional and mental well-being of a Siamese. A lonely Siamese will benefit from active feline companionship, but there is no substitute for human interaction. This breed is not for those looking for a quiet companion; Siamese are intelligent and will find something to do if you don’t give them something to do!
Siamese were first identified in the point colors of solid seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Additional colors and patterns are accepted as part of the Siamese breed in some associations, particularly outside the United States and Canada, while other associations refer to these as Colorpoint Shorthair. Those looking for point colors other than the traditional four are encouraged to look through the Colorpoint Shorthair breeders list.