The applehead Siamese cat breed is considered the traditional Siamese cat breed, or old-style breed, that was originally imported from Siam, which is now called Thailand. The breed was common in the 1950s up to the 1970s. Meanwhile, the wedgehead Siamese is the newest of the Siamese breeds and is favored for cat shows. These two breeds are closely related, but also have some distinctive differences.
Applehead vs Wedgehead Siamese: What are the differences?
They differ in the shape of their heads.
The applehead Siamese cats have large and round heads, while the wedgehead or modern Siamese cats have extreme, wedge-shaped heads.
They differ in their physical appearance and attributes.
Applehead Siamese cats have large, muscular bodies, and they have rounder eyes and shorter tails than their wedgehead cousins. The wedgehead Siamese have lean, light bodies, wide-set ears, and long, thin tails. They have more slanted eyes than the applehead Siamese.
Wedgehead Siamese cats also have long, slim legs and long, narrow, whip-like tails. They have smooth, glossy coats that lie flat against their bodies.
They differ when it comes to health concerns.
Applehead Siamese cats are healthier and suffer fewer medical concerns than wedgehead Siamese cats. The latter are prone to dental problems because of the shape of their heads. Owners of this breed should ensure that their teeth are brushed regularly. They are also more prone to kidney, heart and respiratory problems, and some may only live for around eight years.
Applehead and wedgehead Siamese cat breed: Similarities
Both these breeds are very similar in their personality and temperament. They both are easily trained, gentle and friendly with kids, and make good family companions. They are both highly intelligent and energetic. They crave attention and they tend to be very vocal, especially the modern Siamese breed.
These cat breeds love to snuggle or sit on their owner’s lap and they like to play with puzzle toys. They adore human company and become easily depressed if left alone at home for a long period.
Applehead Siamese: Fun facts
Applehead Siamese cats can grow 15 to 20 inches long and weigh around six to 18 pounds. They have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Their four natural colors, or points, include the following:
- Seal point – seal brown point with a cream coat
- Blue point – grey and blue point with a white coat
- Chocolate point – chocolate point with an ivory coat
- Lilac point – pink points with lilac paw pads and nose, with an off-white coat
Wedgehead Siamese: Fun facts
Wedgehead Siamese cats can grow from 14 to 18 inches long and weigh from six to 15 pounds. They have a lifespan of six to 15 years, with low grooming needs. The kittens are born all white, with no dark points and cloudy grey eyes. The points start to appear after the first four weeks of life and their eyes also turn deep blue.
Pros and cons of Siamese cat breeds
Pros
- They are active, energetic and playful.
- They are intelligent and easily trained.
- They are amiable and adore small children.
- They are loyal and affectionate.
- They do not require much grooming.
Cons
- They are very vocal, especially the wedgehead breed.
- They have needy behavior and require a lot of attention.
- They easily get bored and need a lot of stimulation.
- They have health issues, especially the wedgehead breed.
Conclusion
Applehead and wedgehead Siamese cat breeds are closely related to each other, but with distinctive differences. There are noticeable contrasts in the shape of their heads and their physical attributes. There is also a difference when it comes to health since the modern Siamese breed is more prone to health issues such as dental, kidney, and heart problems.
Nevertheless, these breeds have a lot in common when it comes to personality and temperament. They are both active, playful, and affectionate. They are highly intelligent and love puzzle toys. However, these breeds tend to be demanding of their humans’ affection and may become depressed if they are left at home for long periods.
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