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Seal Point Siamese: Facts, Pictures, Origin & History

Oliver Jones

By Oliver Jones

seal point siamese lying on a velvet clothe

The Seal Point Siamese is arguably one of the most widely recognized cat breeds in the world. They have simple, striking features and an affectionate nature that has deemed them the perfect family pet. Known for the fawn and cream bodies, seal-brown head, and bright blue eyes, this cat breed is one that sparks interest the moment that you see it.

It leaves many people wondering where this cat came from and how it skyrocketed in popularity in the pet world.

The Earliest Records of Seal Point Siamese in History

It is believed that all Siamese cats were at once a Seal Point Siamese. This breed originates from Thailand, which was once called Siam, and gave it its unforgettable name. They are one of the earliest known Asian cat breeds, with records of them dating all the way back to the 1350s. They were used initially as watch cats at the temples to warm priests of intruders.

It wasnโ€™t until around the 1870s that the Siamese breed made its way to England and became a common pet in royal families. It is from this history that all of todayโ€™s Siamese cats are descended. There is no record of who the first American owner of this breed was, but they likely made their first appearance in the late 1800s.

seal point siamese cat walking on grass
Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock

How Seal Point Siamese Gained Popularity

This breed first gained notice in the United States around the late 1870s when first lady Lucy Hayes was gifted one, and they soon became widespread and recognizable by most citizens. From there, a woman named Greta Hindley brought her young, female Seal Point Siamese to America with her in 1921 when she returned from a trip to Malaya.

This cat had a litter, and Hindley entered them into a show where she took home the gold and created an even more significant spike in popularity. The Seal Point Siamese was then entered into cat shows regularly and is now one of the easiest breeds to identify.

Formal Recognition of Seal Point Siamese

Despite not making their way to America until relatively recently, the Seal Point Siamese cat is one of the first original breeds of pedigreed cats. With their wide popularity in the United Kingdom and the United States, the Seal Point Siamese became officially recognized by the Cat Fanciersโ€™ Association in 1906.

This breed is far more accessible to pet lovers and families today, and there are now four different color variations to choose from.

Top 5 Unique Facts About Seal Point Siamese

1. The Seal-Point is the best-known breed variety.

Despite there being four different color varieties, the seal-point is the original and most well-known. You might have spotted them as a child when watching Disneyโ€™s โ€œLady and the Trampโ€ from their light brown bodies, dark brown heads, and patchy tails and ears.


2. Theyโ€™re very vocal.

Donโ€™t expect this cat breed to quietly sneak around the house and stay hidden during the day. This breed meows loudly and frequently. They arenโ€™t hesitant to tell you when they want something. Some cat owners find it endearing, but they arenโ€™t the right cat for you if you prefer having less noise around the house.


3. They love company.

Siamese cats have become popular family pets because they enjoy being around humans. They tend to follow you around, jump into your lap, snuggle at night, and crave family interaction. This also means that they are prone to developing some mild separation anxiety if you leave them alone for long periods of time.

Consider how much time youโ€™re willing to dedicate to them before bringing one home.


4. Cross-eyed cats are normal.

One key characteristic of purebred Siamese cats is that they sometimes look like they might be cross-eyed. Youโ€™re not imagining things when you notice something off about their gaze. These cats may have striking blue eyes thanks to their genes, but they are also likely to be cross-eyed because of those same genes. Even though it was once very common, it is less likely now that selective breeding has taken place.


5. They are partially albino.

Did you know that their light bodies are actually because of a specific albino trait? This trait isnโ€™t solely because of their genetics, though. The temperature affects the color of their fur. Their distinguishable color patches donโ€™t appear until about four weeks after theyโ€™re born. Higher temperatures keep their torsos lighter and their tail, ears, and paw, which are often colder, turn the hair darker.

Does Seal Point Siamese Make a Good Pet?

Youโ€™re better off understanding all you can about a breed before you decide that you want one as a pet. The Seal Point Siamese is a talkative cat that craves a lot of attention. They are loyal and love their families more than anything, and they act pouty and sad when they donโ€™t get the interaction that theyโ€™re desperate for. If youโ€™re absent for most of the day at work, consider getting two of them so that they can keep each other company and not get lonely. Siamese cats generally get along with children, dogs, and other pets, and they are gentle when they play. They are intelligent, athletic, and love to be stimulated.

The Seal Point Siamese is prone to several health issues. Some of theย most common health issuesย are asthma and bronchial disease. They also suffer from heart defects, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disease. However, they are masters at hiding their symptoms, so you have to pay extra close attention to any changes in their behavior.

The Seal Point Siamese breed has a short coat, so they are fairly easy to groom. Comb them once per week with a stainless-steel comb. Trim their nails once every few weeks or as often as needed. Aside from that, they do a good job of bathing themselves and keeping things clean.

Conclusion

The Seal Point Siamese is one of the oldest cat breeds that are still around today. Selective breeding has given rise to other varieties of this cat, but the original is one that we donโ€™t ever want to see diminish in popularity. This breed makes loving you their priority, and they want to spend their lives being showered with attention from you and your family.

Now that you understand more about this breedโ€™s history and where they come from, you might bring them into your own home to add a touch more of regal stature to the family.


Featured Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock

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