Suppose you’re already a fan of the Siamese cat breed. In that case, there is a perfect chance that you’ll like the Thai cat breed simply because these cats were “designed” to accentuate specific favorable characteristics of the Siamese cat breed. And while some Siamese purists might feel that you can’t improve upon perfection, we here at IndulgeYourPet are BIG fans of these little guys.
This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss the Thai cat breed so that if you ever get a chance to own one of these little guys, you’ll know for sure if it will be a good fit for you. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Thai Cat Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Thailand
Size: Small to Medium
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Eyes: Almond-shaped (blue)
Shape of Head: Wedge-shaped
Nickname: Apple head
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Origin of the Thai Cat Breed
The Thai cat is from Thailand, but that much was obvious. What isn’t apparent is how these cats came to be because that story is a bit more “murky.” You see, Thai cats came to be mainly by accident. Basically, breeders in the 20th century wanted to try and improve the Siamese cat breed. They wanted to create a “Siamese” cat with “certain” features that would be more consistent and even more striking than they already were.
But instead…
They failed (or succeeded, depending on your point of view). These “new” and “improved” kittens that were born looked quite similar to Siamese cats, but it was obvious to the true Siamese cat lover that they weren’t. These “new” kittens had demore bottomless blue eyes, and their heads and bodies were slightly more extensive than a Siamese. As they kept breeding these kittens, they noticed they had shorter authorities and heavier bodies.
Eventually, people stopped calling them Siamese cats. They made them into their breed—the Thai cat— mainly because Siamese purists didn’t consider these cats “true” Siamese cats any longer and because some people began to prefer these “new” Siamese cats to the “older” variety.
This new breed name…
It was granted by the World Cat Federation in Europe in 1990.
Fun fact:
The Thai cat was called Wichien-Maat, meaning “moon diamond” or “diamonds and gold.” Pretty fancy, right?
Physical Characteristics
The Thai cat has a point-colored body type, a wedge-shaped head, and a flat, long forehead. Their leader is also round, and their cheeks are concave, giving them distinct cheekbones. These cats will also have a shorthaired coat and a moderately long, lean body accentuated by their medium-sized legs and tails.
Their flat coat…
It will be soft, and it feels as though you’re running your hand through silk, which can come in colors such as:
- Seals points,
- Lilac point,
- Chocolate point,
- And blue point.
But what’s most striking about the Thai cats is their deep, blue eyes, which will probably be one of the first things you’ll notice about these little guys.
Temperament and Personality
The Thai cat is very social. They love to be around people and interact with others. They’re kind and warm creatures that will bring anyone in. However, they are a cat breed that can play “favorites.” In other words, the person they prefer to be around is their owner. They’ll unashamedly follow you everywhere, even the bathroom, if they can sneak through as you close the door.
Now, because they’re so…
Calm, they’re good around children. They don’t get anxious around loud noises, and they’re patient. You don’t have to worry about them biting children, and they make good playmates because they’re so volunteering and friendly. They’re affectionate and like to cuddle with you as you nap or sit on your lap while you watch a movie, preferably The Aristocats. They’ll also stand on your shoulder if given the chance.
Did we mention that…
Thai cats love to “talk”. If not, we probably should because they’ll tell you what they want and talk to you like someone with a high voice. Some people have said that they sound like crying babies. Talk to them, and they’ll share their thoughts with you whether you want them. They’re also brilliant and curious. Pair their curiosity with their playfulness, and you’ll be endlessly entertained. They love being challenged, playing with toys that make them think, and learning new tricks.
These guys also like to…
Try out new things. They’ll even look at the same shelf they’ve been perching on for years and see if there’s something new that they can do with it. They’ll climb and jump on anything that’s “jumpable”. You’ll never be bored with a Thai cat because they’re attention seekers. They tap you with their paws or straight up in front of your face until you’re paying attention; if you want a cat that’s adventurous, caring, loyal, and cuddly, look no further than the Thai cat.
Potential Health Concerns
Thai cats can live between 12 and 15 years. They’re generally healthy cats, but they have one problem that could arise. First things first, though, because this breed is relatively new, it could just be that they haven’t found anything in them yet. Despite my saying that Thai cats are generally healthy, having them screened and tested for any diseases is always wise.
That said…
There does seem to be one hereditary disease among Thai cats. It’s known as either Gangliosidosis or lysosomal storage disease. Cats with this disorder don’t have an essential enzyme to metabolize some fats, known as lipids. L pids build up in cells that make up their body, and because of this, they cannot function correctly.
There are two forms…
Of this disorder, GM1 and GM2. G 1 lacks an enzyme called acid β galactosidase, and GM2 lacks an enzyme known as hexosaminidase A and B.
The symptoms of this disorder include:
- Ataxia (which causes a cat to be uncoordinated),
- Dysmetria,
- Tremors,
- And nystagmus (a condition that causes the cat’s eyes to move from side to side randomly.)
While the Thai cat is generally a very healthy cat breed, this doesn’t change the fact that if you adopt one of these beautiful creatures, they may become sick or injured. d as any experienced pet owner can tell you, when this happens, if your pet requires the services of a veterinarian, this could become quite expensive.
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet always advise any new pet owner to take a moment and see what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy for their new loved one. If they ever become sick or injured in the future, you won’t be on the “hook” for 100% of the cost of treatment.
For more information on who we “feel” currently offers some of the “best” pet insurance policies on the market, check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
cute cat