National Siamese Cat Day

National Siamese Cat Day reminds people there are many Siamese cats in need of good homes and encourages people to consider adopting them from shelters to prevent them from being euthanized. Often called Meezers, Siamese cats are native to Thailand, which, coincidentally, was known as Siam until 1939. There they are known as wichien-maat, which means "moon diamond." A manuscript from Siam, Tamra Maew, translated as "Cat Book Poems," is thought to have been written during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767), and is believed to include the first description of the breed.

The first Siamese cat arrived in the United States in 1878 as a gift to Lucy Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes, from a diplomat in Bangkok, Thailand. It helped to give the breed widespread notice in the country. In 1884, British biologist Lilian James Gould received a pair of Siamese cats, Mia and Pho, from her brother Edward, the British consul in Bangkok. Lillian became one of the first Siamese cat breeders in Europe and was a co-founder of the Siamese Cat Club in 1901.

Siamese cats have long, slender bodies, a long tail, and short hair. Although they are born with white fur, they form point coloration when they are a few weeks old, meaning they have a light-colored body with darker extremities, having darker paws, ears, heads, and tails. Common point colors of Siamese cats are seal, lilac, chocolate, and blue, but they can also be red cream, smoke, or tabby. These modern breeds of Siamese cats are known for their trademark triangular-shaped heads and deep-blue almond eyes.

Personality-wise, Siamese cats are intelligent, with some people considering them the most intelligent domestic cats, and talkative, making a large range of noises. They also are affectionate: they enjoy human company and following humans around, and also get along well with cats and dogs. They may even experience separation anxiety or depression when left alone for long periods, which is one reason they are often adopted in pairs, giving them the chance to keep each other company. Given their wish to connect with people and other animals, it is all the more important to consider adopting them on National Siamese Cat Day.

Siamese cats have appeared in popular films such as Lady and the Tramp, That Darn Cat!, and The Incredible Journey. Several celebrities have been known to keep them as pets, including Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, and Michael Landon. They have also been used to create other breeds, such as the Burmese, Toninese, Ocicat, and Himalayan. Today we celebrate Siamese cats, remember they need homes, and adopt them if we are able to!

How to Observe National Siamese Cat Day

• If you have Siamese cats, celebrate them. Do something special for them, like giving them special treats or their favorite meal, or spend extra time with them.
• If you are ready to commit to caring for a cat, you could adopt a Siamese cat from a Siamese cat rescue center or animal shelter.
• Donate to or volunteer at a cat rescue center or animal shelter.
• Raise awareness about Siamese cats with those you talk to today and online with the hashtag #NationalSiameseCatDay.
• Watch a movie that features Siamese cats such as Lady and the Tramp, That Darn Cat!, or The Incredible Journey.

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