They're No Strangers to The White House, and Other Fun Facts About Siamese Cats
Michelle Milliken
Let’s face it. Most cat lovers – and probably a lot of cats – believe every day should celebrate felines. While we can certainly celebrate this way privately, there is one day in April dedicated to a specific popular breed: The Siamese! April 6 is National Siamese Cat Day. These cats, which originated in Thailand, were highly regarded by royalty in their native land. That may not be surprising, given their attractive looks, which come in four different varieties: seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and lilac point.
To honor these felines on their special day, read on to learn more about them!
They Have a Lot to Say
We all know a really chatty person, one who seems to have something to say on just about any occasion, possibly oblivious to the fact that people just wish they’d shush. If you’re a Siamese cat owner, this "person" might actually be your pet. This breed is known to be very vocal with a wide array of noises to share with their humans. They could deploy these noises to get attention or just because they’re bored. Either way, get ready for a chatty 10-pound roommate if you bring one home.
They Can Be a Little Needy
Maybe one of the reasons Siamese cats are always talking to their people is because they just want to make sure their humans know how much they love them. A lot. Like, a really large amount. Siamese cats are known to get a little clingy with their favorite people. They’ll likely follow this person around an awful lot and want nothing more than their human’s undivided attention. Due to this strong desire to be around others, separation anxiety can be a risk, so it’s recommended to adopt two Siamese cats, not just one. (You have to love recommendations to get more than one cat!)
They’re No Strangers to the White House
Happy #NationalHugYourCatDay! Amy is clearly celebrating with her cat Misty Malarky Ying Yang! Image: NAID 175914 pic.twitter.com/JPbv4ImXdm
— Jimmy Carter Presidential Library (@CarterLibrary) June 4, 2022
Siamese cats are at home in the Oval Office... Maybe not making executive decisions about the operation of the United States, but encouraging the person tasked with such decisions. A few U.S. presidents have had Siamese cats. The first was President Rutherford B. Hayes, whose wife Lucy was gifted a Siamese cat by a U.S. diplomat working in Thailand. This was one of the first known cats from the breed in the United States.
About 100 years later, President Jimmy Carter’s family had a Siamese cat, as well. Misty Malarky Ying Yang, as he was named, was once spotted wandering down the Grand Staircase at the White House during a State Dinner. He was ushered back upstairs as President Carter and Mexican President Jose Portillo made their entrance.
James Bond Had Better Watch Out for Them
Who needs 007 when you’ve got 00-Siamese? In the 1960s, a pair of Siamese cats helped uncover an espionage plot. The two clever felines lived at the Dutch Embassy in Russia. One day, they began arching their backs and scratching at a wall in the ambassador’s study. When the area behind the wall was searched, 30 small microphones were discovered. Sounds like they might be good in her Meowjesty’s Secret Service.
They’re Pretty Sharp
Considering their aptitude for uncovering plots, it may not be all that surprising that Siamese cats are pretty smart. If you’ve ever wondered if you could teach your cat tricks – which does work for some cats, with some tips here – you may have a decent shot at it if you have a Siamese cat. They can master simple things, like playing fetch or walking on a leash, and they’re also apt to enjoy stimulating games.
One Lived for Decades
The average cat won’t live past about 15 or 16, but one Siamese cat doubled that. Scooter, from Mansfield, Texas, was briefly the world’s oldest living cat in 2016 when he was 30-years-old. His human Gail was there when he was born and stuck by his side for all his decades after that. He was fond of riding on her shoulder as a kitten, and he visited 45 states with her. He also regularly visited the nursing home where Gail’s mother lived.
They’re Not Afraid to Heat Up Their Own Snacks
We’ve all felt like reheating some junk food in the microwave at some point or other, and Bentley the Siamese cat can relate. In a viral video, you can see Bentley pulling with all his might to open the microwave door. The child lock stops him from accomplishing it, but his obsession with the microwave stems from a time in which there was no lock. His human had left pizza in there one day, and he got into it, ultimately leaving the evidence on the floor. He apparently never forgot this tasty snack, as his battle against the now locked door rages on. Maybe at some point, he'll just settle for cat treats.
A Siamese Cat Holds the Record for Largest Litter
Age is not the only big number Siamese cats have attained. In 1970, a Burmese/Siamese cat in the United Kingdom gave birth to 19 kittens, four of which were stillborn. More than 50 years later, that is still the record for largest litter delivered by a domestic cat. That’s a whole lot of chatty, needy kittens!
They’re All White When They’re Born
Though their coats ultimately develop a multi-color pattern, Siamese kittens are all white when they’re first born. This is because their genes keep their fur white at temperatures over 100 degrees, and after a few weeks outside of the warm womb, pigment begins to deposit on the common darker spots on their bodies: around the face, paws, and tail.
They’re Pint-Sized Buddies
In addition to their impressive smarts, beautiful vocals, and microwaved pizza obsession, there’s another great thing about Siamese cats: They’re exceptionally friendly. If you’re looking for a little buddy that could be the life of your small get togethers, you may want to consider adopting a Siamese cat.
