Siamese cats have been popular in our country for several decades. In Soviet times, they were considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. They were acquired by high-level officials, sometimes without realizing that not a Siamese cat appeared in their house, but her closest relative - a Thai beauty.
Do you know which breed your pet belongs to? Siamese and Thai cats, the differences of which are obvious to specialists, are sometimes invisible to ordinary animal lovers. As a matter of fact, it does not matter which breed your favorite animal belongs to, but as information we want to introduce you to the differences in appearance and character that exist between these animals.
Origin
In the distant past, Thai and Siamese cats were considered representatives of the same breed. The differences in animals, not only external, but also in character, were so obvious that after a while they were divided into two different breeds, despite the fact that they had a common ancestor - the traditional Siamese.
The confusion arose over the kingdom of Siam, which today we know as Thailand. It was from here that the first Siamese cat was taken out. Then, during the selection, another breed appeared, which also began to be called Siamese. For a long time, the Siamese and Thai cats that had differences (photos you can see in this article), belonged to a single breed. Despite the fact that today these animals are separated, most cat lovers consider all individuals with a characteristic dark mask on their faces to be Siamese.
Experts argue that the density of the coat and its shade most often depends on the climatic characteristics of the country in which the variety appeared. Today in the world there are almost forty different types of such cats.
Similarities
We will talk about the differences between the Siamese and Thai cats a little later, but for now, let's figure out what are the common characteristics of these animals. Representatives of both breeds are smart, curious and very playful. They become obligatory participants in all family affairs, animals are extremely sociable and "talkative."
They have almost the same, at least very similar color, which on the paws, tail and muzzle can be brown, gray, black or purple. The body coat is light. In cats, the eye color characteristic of these breeds is blue or blue. That's all the similarities. If you look at the photos of representatives of one and the other breed, then you will never confuse them again.
External differences between Thai and Siamese cats
All varieties and subspecies of Siamese cats have external differences. Although a specific standard has been developed for them. These are graceful animals, endowed by nature with some thinness, a long, thin tail and the same limbs. The head of these cats is wedge-shaped. If you look at the profile of the Siamese, you can easily notice the absence of a “nose bridge”, the nose and forehead are almost in line.
The eyes, in addition to the characteristic blue color, have an almond-shaped, slightly slanting shape. A dark mask on the face with a light body color is a distinctive appearance of the breed. Interestingly, Siamese kittens are born completely white, and only by the age of six months they acquire the coat color characteristic of the breed. Siamese cats have huge ears, compared with the size of the animal’s head.
In Thais, they are more proportional and rounded at the tips. The nose of the Thais is slightly concave at eye level, almost a "Greek" profile among the Siamese. The color of Thai cats is interesting : a mask on the face, dark extremities (brown, gray, purple and black). The color of the eyes is blue, but the shape is different - it is almond-shaped from above, and the lower eyelid has a rounded shape.
The head, unlike the Siamese, is round. Ears look proportionate to the head, their tips are rounded. Thais have a muscular torso, but not very long. By their appearance, these cats demonstrate flexibility and strength. A feature of Thais' wool is the lack of undercoat.
Siamese and Thai cat: differences in character
There is an opinion that Siamese cats are endowed with a harmful, unsociable and vengeful disposition. However, the owners of these animals and breeders strongly disagree with this statement. They note that the Siamese are very smart, easily, effortlessly master the training and extremely, like dogs, become attached to their masters.
However, these animals are wayward and jealous, although they are the first to try not to show aggression. If they feel some kind of threat in relation to their master, then they will immediately defend him.
Experts believe that a completely different Siamese and Thai cat. What differences in character are immediately apparent? Thais are peaceful, more affectionate, active and loyal animals. They value care very much, they are always friendly not only towards the person, but also to other pets. Thais are playful, and if the owner does not pay attention to them, then they themselves will find an occupation that family members may not like.
Thai breed open. This means that any person who suspects a Thais of their pet can bring their pet to the club for examination. Two experts will determine whether a cat belongs to a breed. This cannot be done with the Siamese, since the breed is closed.
How to distinguish a Siamese kitten from Thai?
We have already explained the difference between Thai and Siamese cats. The differences are obvious, but they apply only to adult animals. Identification of kittens is somewhat more complicated, because the characteristics typical for the breed by two or three months, when usually the babies acquire their new owners, are not yet fully manifested.
First of all, pay attention to the shape of the skull: in Siamese breed kittens, the head is wedge-shaped with large ears and a straight long nose. Little Thais have a round head. The tail of the Siamese is even in thickness along the entire length, while in the representative of the Thai breed it narrows from the base to the tip.
Siamese cats even at a young age have an elongated and thin body, long limbs. Little Thais have a more solid physique.
Animal care
The external differences between Thai and Siamese cats are not related to animal care. Representatives of these breeds are not too picky in care: they are happy to eat cooked and prepared food. Their short hair does not require complicated care: it is enough to iron the hair once a week with a wet hand to collect the hair, saving time on cleaning the house. These pets should only be bathed if they are contaminated; in other cases, the animals themselves do an excellent job of hygiene.