Types of Siamese Cats: A Guide to Elegance and Variety

Siamese cats are one of the most recognizable and adored cat breeds in the world. Known for their stunning blue eyes, sleek bodies, and affectionate personalities, Siamese cats have captured hearts for centuries. However, not all Siamese cats look exactly the same. Over the years, different types of Siamese have developed—each with unique features while sharing the signature charm of the breed.

In this article, we’ll explore the various types of Siamese cats, diving into their characteristics, histories, and personalities to help you understand the elegant diversity within this iconic feline family.

1. Traditional Siamese (Applehead Siamese)

Overview:
The Traditional Siamese, often nicknamed the “Applehead,” is the original version of the breed. These cats closely resemble the Siamese cats depicted in early Thai and Western art.

Physical Traits:

• Rounded “apple-shaped” head
• Stockier, muscular body
• Shorter, thicker legs
• Large, expressive blue eyes

Personality:
Traditional Siamese cats are affectionate and intelligent but slightly more laid-back compared to their modern counterparts.

Fun Fact:
The Traditional Siamese closely resembles the cats once kept by Thai royalty.

2. Classic Siamese

Overview:
A mid-point between the Applehead and the Modern Siamese, the Classic Siamese has a more elongated body than the Applehead but not as extreme as the modern show-type.

Physical Traits:

• Wedge-shaped head (less extreme than Modern Siamese)
• Long, athletic body
• Almond-shaped blue eyes
• Sleek coat with defined color points

Personality:
Vocal, social, and energetic. They enjoy interacting with their humans and are often described as “dog-like.”

Fun Fact:
The Classic Siamese was more common in the 1950s and 60s and was popular in early American cat shows.

3. Modern Siamese (Wedge Head Siamese)

Overview:
This is the Siamese you’ll most often see in cat shows today. The Modern Siamese has been selectively bred to exaggerate the breed’s elegant features.

Physical Traits:

• Distinctively wedge-shaped head
• Slender, tubular body
• Large, upright ears
• Fine, short coat
• Striking sapphire-blue eyes

Personality:
Highly vocal, extremely intelligent, and emotionally connected to their owners. They crave attention and companionship.

Fun Fact:
Modern Siamese are the “supermodels” of the cat world—slim, sleek, and always turning heads.

4. Old-Style Siamese

Overview:
Similar to the Classic Siamese, Old-Style Siamese cats are a balanced version of the breed and represent what most people picture as a “traditional Siamese” before modern show breeding took hold.

Physical Traits:

• Graceful but not extreme
• Oval head and medium-length body
• Deep blue eyes
• Short coat with pointed coloring

Personality:
Talkative and intelligent. They are affectionate but less demanding than the Wedge Head Siamese.

Fun Fact:
Some cat registries like The International Cat Association (TICA) still recognize the Old-Style Siamese as a distinct line.

5. Thai Siamese (Wichien Maat)

Overview:
This breed is considered the true descendant of the original Siamese cats of Thailand. In Thailand, they’re called Wichien Maat, meaning “Moon Diamond.”

Physical Traits:

• Rounded head similar to the Applehead
• Medium build
• Deep blue, almond-shaped eyes
• Creamy coat with traditional point colors

Personality:
Loyal, gentle, and intelligent. They form strong bonds with family members and are great with children.

Fun Fact:
In Thailand, these cats are considered sacred and were once kept in temples and royal courts.

6. Color Variants of Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are known for their pointed color pattern—darker colors on the ears, face, paws, and tail. Here are the most common color types of Siamese cats:

Seal Point

• Description: Creamy white body with deep brown, almost black points.
• Popularity: Most iconic and traditional.

Blue Point

• Description: Silvery-blue points with a bluish-white body.
• Personality: Known to be a bit more reserved than Seal Points.

Chocolate Point

• Description: Ivory body with milk-chocolate-colored points.
• Looks: Lighter than Seal Points, with warmer tones.

Lilac Point

• Description: Pinkish-grey points and a glacial white body.
• Rarity: One of the rarest and most delicate-looking color types.

7. Mixed and Cross Breeds with Siamese Influence

Several other breeds have been developed by crossing Siamese cats with others to combine traits. These aren’t “pure” Siamese types, but they do carry Siamese elegance and personality:

Balinese

• Long-haired Siamese with the same point coloring and temperament.

Tonkinese

• A cross between Siamese and Burmese. Slightly more mellow and medium-toned coat.

Oriental Shorthair

• A cousin of the Siamese, this breed comes in over 300 color variations but retains the same sleek body and vocal nature.

Snowshoe

• A cross between Siamese and American Shorthair. They often have white paws and striking blue eyes.

Why Siamese Types Matter

Understanding the different types of Siamese helps you choose the right feline companion for your lifestyle:

• Looking for tradition? Go with the Applehead or Thai Siamese.
• Want a showstopper? The Wedge Head is your cat.
• Prefer balance? The Old-Style or Classic Siamese hits the sweet spot.
• Craving variety? Look into Balinese or Tonkinese cats.

Each Siamese type brings its own blend of beauty, temperament, and needs. Whether you want a playful companion, a couch buddy, or a show cat, there’s a Siamese type for you.

Final Thoughts

The Siamese cat may be one breed, but it comes in a delightful range of shapes, colors, and styles. Whether you’re drawn to the modern, edgy look of the Wedge Head or the sweet, rounded charm of the Applehead, every Siamese cat brings grace, affection, and a voice that will never let you feel alone.

These feline aristocrats don’t just look good—they’re intelligent, emotional, and wonderfully expressive. No matter the type, a Siamese cat will leave a permanent paw print on your heart.

FAQs

Are all Siamese cats vocal?
Yes! Regardless of type, Siamese cats are known for their talkative nature and expressive meows.

Do the different types have different personalities?
They all share core traits like intelligence and affection, but some (like the Wedge Head) tend to be more high-energy, while others (like the Applehead) are more relaxed.

Are certain Siamese types healthier than others?
Traditional types like the Applehead and Thai tend to have fewer health issues due to less extreme breeding.

Can Siamese cats live with other pets?
Yes, they are social and usually do well with other cats, dogs, and even children—especially when properly introduced.