8+ Types of Siamese Cats: The Ultimate Guide
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There’s no disputing that Siamese cats are one of the most well-known and unique cat breeds. However, unless you’re a cat fanatic or have a soft spot for Siamese, you probably don’t realize that there are so many different types of Siamese cats. After all, most people are familiar with the Siamese stereotype – a highly vocal cat with a dark face and tail and dark ears and feet.
When you picture a Siamese cat, you might focus on other characteristic features like oversized ears, an angular face, or a crooked tail. But there’s a lot of variation in appearance among the Siamese cat breed. They are categorized into different types, subtypes, and color patterns. So, what are the different types of Siamese cats?
Traditional vs. Modern
When considering types of Siamese cats, there are two broad groups.
The first is called Traditional. As the name suggests, cats within this category retain historical features of the breed and are more consistent with their original appearance.
The second category is Modern. Cats from this group have been bred to promote new physical traits and visually appealing colors. Each of these two types of Siamese cats can be split further into subtypes and colors.
#1 Traditional Siamese
Originally, Siamese cats were from Thailand, which at the time was known as Siam. Traditional Siamese cats retain more of their native physical traits and often appear cross-eyed and have crooked tails.
In general, Traditional Siamese have a more rounded head shape and a stockier build than the elegantly angular Modern types. The three subtypes of Traditional Siamese are Applehead, Old Style, and Classic.
Each has endearing features that might make them your purr-fect pet.
#2 Applehead Siamese
If you hadn’t guessed, Applehead Siamese get their name from their rounded, apple-shaped head! They’re much quieter than other types of Siamese, so if you don’t fancy a puss who constantly alerts you to their presence, this might be the cat for you!
Appleheads tend to be relatively calm and less active than the others, making them a great companion for chilling around the house. As for appearance, they might not be slinky and elegant, like their Modern counterparts, but their fluffy coat and strong, muscular build means there’s more to love!
Their dark brown points and fawn-colored fur contrast perfectly with their big blue eyes, even if they are a bit cross-eyed. Rather than the large, prominent ears of some Modern Siamese, the Applehead has smaller ears, so they are much more in proportion. And it’s not just their ears that are smaller; they also have shorter tails when compared to the other Traditional breeds.
#3 Old Style
If vocal and interactive are what you’re looking for in a cat, the Old Style Siamese might be a great choice. They’re much louder than the Applehead and make distinctive noises that only the mother (or father) of a Siamese could love! They are a happy medium between the rounded Traditional Applehead and the extremely angular Modern Wedgie Siamese in terms of appearance.
Their large nose elongates their face, giving a more graceful silhouette than the rounder-headed types. Their bodies are also slightly longer and leaner. Old Style Siamese have large, prominent ears and striking almond-shaped eyes that are more obviously crossed than the other Traditional types.
#4 Classic
This type of Siamese is vocal, curious, and domineering – traits that are common in the Siamese breed. Classic Siamese have a long body with an athletic build. Their round head, large ears, and long tail help them stand out from the other types of Siamese.
Unlike the other Traditional types, they don’t have a dip in their nose, making them easily identifiable. Their eyes are less crossed than the old style but still almond-shaped.
#5 Colors Of Traditional Siamese
While Siamese cats, in general, can have a variety of colorings, Traditional Siamese cats always have light fur with dark-colored points. These dark-colored points include their face, ears, tail, and paws.
In other Siamese cats with dark extremities (points), the points can be of various colors, including blue, seal, and red. However, Traditional Siamese always have seal points.
#6 Modern Siamese
In terms of physical appearance and personality, the Modern Siamese breed is a more extreme version of the Traditional Siamese, fueled by becoming a “fashionable” pet. Demand for Siamese cats with the right “look” increased dramatically during the 1960s and continued to surge until the 1980s.
Their personalities are still true to the Siamese breed, but they are even more chatty, so you’ll never forget they’re there! Their ears and noses are more prominent, and their faces more angular and elongated.
Similarly, their bodies are longer and leaner, and they have long tails too. There are also more color varieties, including lilac, blue, chocolate, and red. Sadly, selective breeding doesn’t just create the perfect combination of positive traits; it can also lead to increased health issues.
Therefore, Modern Siamese cats can be more prone to kidney issues, including Polycystic Kidney Disease. The three subtypes of Modern Siamese are Wedgies, Dark-Colored Point, and Light-Colored Point.
#7 Wedgies
The most extreme example of a Modern Siamese is the Wedgie. They are so named because of their wedge-shaped head, giving them pointy features.
The combination of huge ears and a large, long nose turns their face into a perfect triangle or arrow shape. Their eyes are a flattened almond shape and are slightly slanted inwards but are still a piercing shade of blue. Their bodies are slender, with long, thin legs, giving them a sleek and graceful look.
#8 Dark-Colored Point
The dark color varieties of Dark-Colored Point Siamese are seal, blue, and red. Seal points are light coated with very dark brown points, which are almost black. Blue points are light furred with dark gray extremities, which look blue in certain lighting and complement their eyes beautifully. Red points are rarely seen, and they are light coated with orange ears, faces, legs, and tails.
#9 Light-Colored Point
The light color varieties of Light-Colored Point Siamese are lilac, chocolate, and cream. Lilac points tend to have tones of gray, pink, and purple on their extremities, whereas cream points have very subtle beige, spotted tones that can darken over time. Chocolate points are not to be confused with seal points, as the seal is a much darker brown.
Frequently Asked Question
How many kinds of Siamese cats are there?
There are two broad categories of Siamese cats: Traditional and Modern. Traditional Siamese can be subdivided into Applehead, Old Style, and Classic, and Modern Siamese breeds are made up of Wedgies, Light-Colored, and Dark-Colored points. So, there are eight types of Siamese cats, but that’s not accounting for the color variations!
How can I tell what kind of Siamese cat I have?
By looking at the overall build of your Siamese cat, you should be able to work out whether they are Traditional or Modern Siamese. Traditional cats are heavier built, with more rounded faces and crossed eyes. In contrast, Modern Siamese tend to be lighter and slender, with a more extreme physical appearance. Depending on your cat’s physical appearance, including their facial features, face shape, and color, you should be able to identify their type.
What is the rarest Siamese cat?
One of the rarest types of Siamese cats is the Red Point, a Dark-Colored Point, Modern Siamese.
So, out of all the types of Siamese cats, which one is the best?
The best Siamese cat for you will depend on your lifestyle and what you want from your feline friend. If you love the Siamese “look,” then you might want to consider a Traditional Old Style or a Wedgie Siamese.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more rounded, softer appearance, the Traditional Applehead or Classic Siamese could be a good fit. Remember, though, Siamese cats are very vocal as a breed, so if you enjoy peace and quiet, you might want to try the Applehead… or look for a different breed!
