
So, you found these adorable pictures of mixed Siamese cats on Instagram and suddenly thought how amazing it would be to have a member of this special breed at home.
Before you get too excited, however, it is important to properly understand the traits of this breed so that you know whether the Siamese crossbreed fits with your lifestyle.
In this post, you will discover why Siamese mix cats are loved by so many, and what you can expect from their personalities. You will also learn about their unique and beautiful physical features, and why they could make an ideal furry member of your family.
What is a Siamese mix cat?
Siamese mix cats are unlike any other average felines: while they can strongly resemble their Siamese parent-breed, they also have easygoing personalities. These crossbreeds have gained popularity not just among cat lovers, but for anyone seeking a furry companion at home. Siamese cats are often considered the perfect base breed for fanciers to combine with other breeds, because of their elegance and beauty.
Depending on the genes, your Siamese crossbreed cat may inherit different physical traits, health, and temperament. Some may not look Siamese at all, but might have the behavior or temperament of a purebred Siamese. Other crossbreeds might have those typical mesmerizing blue eyes and slender bodies, but a more laid-back temperament than a typical Siamese cat.
Many owners do notice that their crossbreed cats have physical traits more aligned with the Siamese lineage. These unique features can include the point color pattern or the blue eyes. You might get a long-haired cat with a color-pointed coat and a lean physique, or a short-haired cat with deep blue eyes and red or orange color points.
The bottom line is that most hybrid Siamese cats will resemble their Siamese parent more than the other parent breed, especially when they become more mature. Whatever genes your furry friend carries, you are sure to fall in love, knowing that your cat carries the best traits of both parent breeds.
Some of the popular long-haired Siamese mix cats include:
- Balinese
- Javanese
- Himalayan or Colorpoint Longhair
The following are examples of common Siamese shorthair mixes:
- Snowshoe
- Tonkinese
- Colorpoint Shorthair
- Oriental Bicolor
- Flame Point Siamese
How to tell if your kitten is a mixed Siamese
The only accurate method of knowing whether your kitty carries Siamese genes is through DNA analysis. Your breeder may be able to provide certification as proof of your cat’s parent breeds. If you have adopted your cat from a shelter, however, chances are you will not be able to get a copy of such certification. But do not fret – most modern Siamese mix breeds bear a strong resemblance to their Siamese ancestors, making it easier to tell whether or not your kitty is part Siamese.
1. Color pattern
Point coloration is one of the most unique traits of a Siamese cat. The coat on the body has a lighter color or a cream shade, while the ears, paws, and tail have a darker accent known as the points. Sometimes, a mother cat might not have this feature but her offspring can carry the point coloration due to the gene’s recessive nature.
2. Blue eyes
Another identifiable trait of a Siamese is the piercing, deep-blue eyes. Some felines with Siamese lineage may also have eyes that are a lighter shade of blue. If your kitty has the Siamese genes, you may also notice the almond shape of his eyes. If he has brown, green-yellow, or green eyes, then chances are he does not carry the Siamese genes.
3. Shape of the face
Siamese cats can have different facial shapes depending on their type. The traditional Siamese closely resembles the original Siamese ancestors that were bred centuries ago and have apple-shaped heads. Another variation is the modern Siamese, which has a skinny body and a wedge-shaped head. While most Siamese crossbreeds today carry the modern Siamese genes, both types are recognized by most registries. A cat with any of these facial features is likely part-Siamese.
4. Body shape
Again, the body shape of Siamese cats can be influenced by genetics. Traditional Siamese cats are slightly chubby, while the modern Siamese have elegant, slender bodies. Either of these body types should help you identify a mixed Siamese cat.
Personality of a mixed Siamese cat
Although Siamese traits tend to dominate a Siamese mixed breed, some of their personality traits can be overshadowed by the other parent breed. You can compare the behavioral characteristics of a typical Siamese with your kitty’s personality to know if he is part Siamese:
1. Friendly personality
Siamese mix cats, like their parent Siamese, are generally friendly and outgoing. They love to be around humans and enjoy the attention of being loved and cared for. Siamese cats are loyal and would happily follow their owners everywhere they go. They do not like to be left alone; hence they are ideal pets if you are a homebody.
2. Vocal and demanding
Known for being one of the loudest cat breeds, Siamese can be very vocal and chatty. These intelligent cats will tell you with a loud meow whenever they are hungry, want to play with you, or are just craving your attention.
3. Moody
Siamese mixed breeds can be high-maintenance and clingy. They can easily get depressed if you leave them alone and without attention. Siamese cats are affectionate and crave their owners’ love and company most of the time. So, if you do not spend lots of time with your Siamese mix cat, you will likely be bothered by his loud yowling.
Are Siamese mix cats nice pets to have?
Their striking beauty and lovable personalities are some of the desirable features of Siamese crossbreeds. No wonder they have become favorites among cat lovers. They are intelligent, chatty, and affectionate to the people around them. With their friendly personalities, Siamese breeds can also get along easily with other pets. They crave attention and never tire of following you around and watching your every move.
Siamese mix breeds are also energetic and love to play.They can even make great playmates for young children, provided the children are taught not to play rough with cats. However, due to their intelligence, they also get easily bored. This means that if you plan to own a Siamese mix, you will have to make sure that your cat is constantly entertained with lots of toys and playtime. You can provide hammock beds, scratching posts, cat condos, and other toys to keep him stimulated and challenged.
Lastly, bear in mind that the personality traits of your Siamese mix cat might vary depending on the traits of the other parent breed. Crossbreed personalities can be challenging to predict until you have lived with them for some time. As a rule of thumb, a hybrid cat will most likely inherit the traits of both parents, so it would be a good idea to understand the traits of the other breed as well. With this knowledge in mind, you will know whether a Siamese mix breed is the ideal pet for your household.
Are mixed Siamese cats hypoallergenic?
Most cats, no matter what breed they are, have the Fel d 1 protein present in their hair, urine, and saliva. This means that, contrary to what some might believe, allergic people are not triggered only by fur. Both long-haired and short-haired cats can trigger allergic reactions.
However, some cat breeds produce less of the fel d 1 protein, and that includes purebred Siamese. This is why most people with allergies may be able to tolerate living with this breed. The story might be different for mixed Siamese cats, though, since they can also inherit the traits of the other parent breed. Knowing this, you may need to do your own research about your cat’s genetics and whether the parent breed is suitable for your allergic family members.
How much are Siamese mix cats worth?
Purebred Siamese cats can cost a fortune, with their price ranging from $200 to $500 USD. On top of that, you also need to spend more on their food, toys, beddings, regular vet check-ups, and other things. If you do want to take this route, make sure that you are purchasing from a reliable breeder.
Another option is to adopt a Siamese mix kitten from a rescue shelter. With their beautiful traits, taking home one of these crossbreeds is sure to be one of your best decisions. However, make sure to do your research before getting too excited about adopting a mixed Siamese, as these special cats can be a lot more demanding than an average feline.
Is a mixed Siamese cat the right pet for you?
So, you have finally learned a bit about Siamese mix breeds and you are ready to take one home! In this post, we have summarized what you need to know about this beautiful breed, so that you can avoid surprises once you have one living under your roof.
Most Siamese mix cats will have at least some of their traits aligned with those of the Siamese parent. On the other hand, crossbreeds might also inherit some traits from the other parent breed, so make sure to do your research before visiting the breeder or the rescue center.
Image: istockphoto.com / cocorattanakorn