Difference between Thai and Siamese cats. Siamese and Thai cat breed differences How to distinguish a Siamese from a Thai
What does it look like Siamese cat, it would seem, everyone knows. However, many owners do not even realize that in fact it is not a Siamese dog living in their house, but a Thai tailed copy of it. Let's take a closer look at the differences between a Siamese cat and a Thai cat.
The fluffy Siamese cat, just like the Thai cat, has a centuries-old history. At one time, these two individuals were considered representatives of the same breed. They even have the same ancestor - the traditional Siamese. Why was there confusion? Due to the division of the variety into two subspecies. The thing is that there were many significant differences between similar animals, not only in appearance, but also in character. That's why over time this category divided into two independent breed– Thai and Siamese.
It is curious that even now many consider all cats with dark faces to be representatives Siamese breed. That is why it is necessary to highlight the key features of these two varieties. Today there are about 40 subspecies of these breeds in the world.
How does the appearance differ?
It would seem that it is very difficult to determine the subspecies of the fluffy Siamese cat. The main thing is to remember the key differences between representatives of this breed, which are characteristic of the entire group of animals. First of all, keep in mind that all Siamese cats have an elongated body, their body is thin, and their tail and limbs are long and thin. The head of such an individual is wedge-shaped. What else needs to be remembered regarding the external features of the Siamese is that his forehead and nose are located almost on the same line, that is, the bridge of the nose is absent. As a rule, his eyes are blue, almond-shaped, and somewhat slanted.
As for color, one standard color is allowed: light body and darkening on the face, tail and limbs. Among unique features Representatives of this breed should also highlight the fact that kittens are always born white, but over time their muzzle, paws and tail acquire a dark shade. Siamese ears seem too huge compared to the size of their heads.
As for Thai cats, their ears are smaller and have rounded tips. The Thai nose is located almost at eye level. The dark limbs and muzzle of these animals can have different shades (lilac, brown, gray, and also black). The eye color of these individuals is blue, like that of Siamese. However, the shape will be slightly different: in this case it is almond-shaped, while the lower eyelid has a rounded shape.
You can distinguish a Siamese from a Thai cat by its head. The Thai pet has a round one. As for the body, it is muscular and not particularly long. Another key external feature Thais - lack of undercoat. Be sure to consider the basic differences between these cats in order to understand which breed you are purchasing.
What are the differences in character?
Of course, it is much more difficult to recognize the differences in the character of these two cats than in their appearance. The individual traits inherent in animals and the conditions of their detention also have an impact. However, the basic characteristics of temperament are worth highlighting to see the significant difference between these two individuals. For example, Thais are considered calm and balanced. They are inquisitive and attentive to others. Such pets are very smart and are not jealous of their owners, although they become very attached to them. They will get along well with other pets.
Thais love children and enjoy spending time with them. Moreover, they treat babies with caution, even during play they will not let out their claws. However, for those who want to have a representative of this breed, it is worth remembering that the pet will not tolerate long-term loneliness. In the future, the kitten may even develop mental disorders. Among the key differences between a Thai and a Siamese, it is also worth highlighting the developed facial expressions of the first representatives: by their facial expression you can always understand what mood they are in. Moreover, Thai cats are always ready to “talk” with their owner; they are always making some sounds.
As for Siamese cat, he also loves his masters, but is very jealous of them. In the case of this tailed pet, it is very important not to overdo it with education. If you constantly scold or beat a cat, believe me, it will develop a bad character. She also gives voice, but rather yells rather than meows. These pets are playful and require a lot of attention.
When the owner is not around for a long time, they become apathetic towards others. At the same time, such a pet is freedom-loving and independent. You should not expect submission from him. Training a Siamese cat will give a certain result only if you treat it kindly and achieve obedience carefully and not too persistently.
How to recognize a kitten
You need to distinguish a Siamese cat from a Thai cat especially when you buy a kitten. This is not so easy to do, since the key external signs are not yet expressed as clearly as in mature representatives of these breeds. However, there are some things you can take into account. For example, with early age It’s noticeable what shape the kitten’s head has: if it’s wedge-shaped, it’s a Siamese, and if it’s round, it’s a Thai cat.
As for the tail, in the Thai pet it tapers to the tip, while in the Siamese it has the same thickness along the entire length. Even by the physique of the kittens it is already clear who is in front of you. Siamese are always thin, while Thais are stronger and stockier.
Consider key features, and you will immediately understand how the cats of these two related and very similar breeds, which means you can’t go wrong in the process of choosing a small fluffy kitten.
Video “Differences between Siamese and Thai cats”
From this video you will learn how to distinguish a Siamese cat from a Thai cat.
Currently, two breeds of cats, due to their origin from the kingdom of Siam (modern Thailand), have the same name for ordinary people - Siamese. But these are almost completely different animals, both in appearance and in character. Let's try to figure out what is the difference between a true Siamese cat and a cat of Siamese origin, but correctly called Thai.
What is the difference between a Siamese cat and a Thai cat?
First, let's look at the appearance of these cats. Here, such structural features immediately catch the eye, such as a very refined body (sometimes ignorant cat lovers mistake them for emaciated animals), the muzzle has a wedge-shaped shape, the ears seem huge in relation to the general format of the cat and have pointed tips. Distinctive features of cats of the true Siamese breed include the absence of a bridge of the nose - if you look at the animal in profile, the location of the forehead and nose is clearly noticeable, almost in a straight line.
Now, to define explicit distinctive features, consider external structure and these representatives of the cat family. One can say about the Thais that they have a more rounded body structure; their whole appearance suggests that they are a fairly strong animal, although quite graceful and flexible. The ears of Thai cats are quite comparable to the size of the head and have rounded tips. The shape of the head of Thai cats can be considered rather round, in contrast to Siamese with their refined, almost triangular head. Another very interesting, one might say “personalized” feature of Thai cats is that their coat has no undercoat.
And in conclusion, it should be said that Siamese cats differ from Thai cats in their character. Thai cats are more playful and calm. Whereas Siamese can be wayward and selfish.
Thai and Siamese cats have many similarities and certain differences. But are they really that noticeable or can only professionals see them?
Thai and Siamese cats: what is the difference?
There is a lot of talk about Thai and Siamese cats, and to this day there is debate among admirers of these breeds about which one is better. Some argue that Thai cats have a kinder character than Siamese, but such statements are to a certain extent conditional. After all, these cats have a common ancestor. And this ancestor lived not millions or even thousands of years ago at the time of the birth of Homo sapiens, but quite recently. And the genes of this common ancestor still walk in the blood of both Thais and Siamese.
Siamese cat
Professional breeders and felinologists sometimes almost foaming at the mouth try to prove to ordinary cat lovers that this is perfect different breeds, but for most owners of Siamese and Thai cats these differences are barely noticeable. Therefore, we will try to deduce the main differences and similarities between representatives of these two breeds, which would be understandable to any cat lover.
Similarities between Thai and Siamese cats
Firstly, no matter what the professionals say about the quality of wool, its texture, guard hairs and all sorts of “tickings”, it is unlikely that an amateur will be able to determine whose wool adorns his business suit or wig, no matter how much he might like it. Both Thai and Siamese cats have approximately the same color, which could popularly be called beige with chocolate. And if you are the owner of both a Siamese and a Thai, then the hair you find may belong to either of them and even both at once. After all, a wig is a wonderful place to relax.
Siamese cats Length of claws: Both breeds have fairly long claws. Let's be honest, the extended claws of Siamese (or Thai) cats are not a sight for pampered young ladies. They are especially impressive when animals go hunting. By the way, it has been noted more than once that both are completely indifferent to scratching posts, no matter how many there are in the house. True, there are reports that they can still be accustomed to this cat accessory. But, probably due to the fact that both cats are characterized by amazing willfulness, in most cases they prefer to handle their retractable knives on upholstered furniture or door frames.
Affectionateness is another quality that brings these breeds together. When the owner appears on the threshold, both of them run towards him. At the same time, they are almost ready to fight for their owner’s attention if they suddenly discover a four-legged competitor for the owner’s attention. Even a dog can get it.
Thai cats What is the difference between Thai and Siamese cats?
First of all, these cats are distinguished by their physique.
Cats look rounder and more massive, but Siamese are much thinner and taller. In addition, they have a narrower, triangular-shaped muzzle. You can also note the huge ears of the Siamese cat, as opposed to the relatively small ears of the Thai cat.
Talkativeness.
Cats are known for their passion for chatter, which can drive an otherwise quiet owner into hysterics. But in fact, Thai cats are even more talkative. It seems that Thais are ready to tell their owners about everything that happened to them and what they witnessed. In addition, they purr noticeably more often. The Siamese are clearly inferior in this quality to their Thai relatives.
Attitude towards strangers.
Representatives of both breeds treat guests unkindly. However, if the Siamese cat tries to avoid strangers staging real concerts from afar, hissing and arching, then a Thai cat, especially if it is a cat, can even pounce on potential danger. In this regard, they really are similar to dogs, with which they are often compared. Even if the Thai cat does not attack the guest, it will walk around its victim in circles, screaming, hissing and staring intently at it. However, despite such an unfriendly reception, the Thai cat eventually calms down within a fairly short period of time. The main thing is that she does not attack the guest before she has time to cool down. A Siamese cat can spend hours incredulously looking from afar at people who are unnecessary in its understanding, grumbling something under its breath.
Even among relatively experienced cat breeders, Siamese and Thai are sometimes confused. What can we say about the common man in the street? Whereas the differences are usually visible to the naked eye. You just need to know what to look for and what traits favor a particular breed. So, what is the difference between a Siamese cat and a Thai cat, and how to determine this even with a relatively cursory examination.
Source of similarity
But where did the similar features found in the appearance of these two breeds come from? There is essentially one reason here. Common origin. Both Thai and Siamese cats have the same history. It starts at ancient state Siam, which was located on the territory of modern Thailand.
It was from there that the records of the first cats came from markings on the face, paws and tail. The people of Siam idolized these four-legged animals, and they often served as talismans and guardians in temples. According to local beliefs, these cats were guides of souls, so at all relevant ceremonies, noble persons had to have a tailed guest present. Yes, only representatives of the local aristocracy could own such a cat, which only increased its authority.
Over time, when the breed came to Europe and began to be actively bred, it began to be crossed with others. As a result, the previous Siamese became the owners of lighter bones, an elongated muzzle and other features characteristic of modern representatives breeds While today's Thais have retained significantly larger number moments that their ancestors possessed. Although these breeds have retained common colors, and this primarily concerns the eyes. All descendants of Siamese cats have expressive blue eyes of various shades.
In general, the history of the breeds is almost identical until the 60s of the last century. Only when the breeders got down to work in earnest did the time come for the separation of paths, and since then the Thais and Siamese have their own separate history.
Difference in appearance
But you have to somehow distinguish between these two breeds. After all, each of them has half a century own history. During this time some differences must have occurred. And indeed it is.
The first thing that allows you to distinguish between Siamese and Thai cats is their appearance. The structure of their bodies differs significantly, and it is difficult to confuse them. Although the misconception about what a “Siamese cat” is remains, perhaps due to the eyes and similar characteristics of the owners.
So, what are the differences between these breeds regarding appearance?
- Head. Siamese have an elongated muzzle and the same elongated triangular ears, while Thais have the more familiar rounded one, with small rounded ears;
- Limbs. Thais have paws middle length, while Siamese are longer and more elongated;
- Tail. Siamese cats have a long and “whip” tail, while Thai cats have a shorter and slightly plumper tail;
- Body. Thai cats have a fairly massive physique, although they cannot be called fat (unless overfed, of course), while Siamese look like catwalk models - slender, elongated and proud.
In addition, there is a difference regarding wool. No, colors for the most part, differ little between breeds. This also sometimes misleads home-grown “experts”. The difference is that Thais sport a fairly warm and dense fur coat, but Siamese cats in this regard are similar to Sphynxes. No, they are not hairless, but their coat is much shorter than the Thai one.
The difference between them in appearance in profile (even in the photo) is also clearly visible. Among the Thais, it has a slight concavity at eye level. And Siamese cats, in turn, have an almost perfect straight profile, without any bends. Yes, and their faces are different. Thai cats have an almost perfectly rounded face, but Siamese have a pointed, triangular face. So, in fact, it is almost impossible to confuse these breeds, knowing about these points. Even in the dark.
Similarities and differences in character
But talk about similarities and confusion with these breeds did not arise out of nowhere, and they concern not only their appearance. In terms of character, these cats have retained much more in common than can be said about their appearance.
Firstly, both Siamese and Thai cats have a so-called “dog-like” character. This means that they constantly need the company of their owners. All descendants of Siamese cats always accompany them throughout the apartment, often get under their feet and hands, and are also curious about what their beloved owner is doing at a given specific moment in time.
And finally, both Thais and Siamese are born hunters with an ineradicable predatory instinct. That’s why owners of summer cottages and houses like to have them. Just a few days after the animal appears there, you can forget about pests like mice and even rats.
Two breeds native to Thailand originated in different time. An inexperienced eye will find almost no differences in them: neither in size, nor in color, nor in character. What is the difference between Thai and Siamese cats? We study breed standards.
Siam was the name given to the state on the territory of modern Thailand. That is why the cat that arose there in past centuries is called the Siamese. Hobbyists often use the abbreviated name -. But the Thais arose already in modern stage history of the state, which is why they bear the same name.
Origin of the Siamese cat
The Siamese is probably the most recognizable breed. Their Blue eyes and unique color always look harmonious and elegant, the angular muzzle adds charm, and natural intelligence surprises and inspires respect.
Siamese cats lived in royal palaces and temples as sacred guardians. Many legends indicate that for at least 600 recent years the guardian's appearance remained unchanged. There are several versions of the origin of the breed, but most likely it is the result of interspecific crossing. More romantic connoisseurs prefer to believe myths and legends.
Almost until the very end of the 19th century, Siamese cats were only talked about in Europe, but few people saw them. Except that rare photos and the travelers’ sketches reached Western cat breeders. The 20th century was marked by international exchange and permission to export sacred pets, and at the same time - the growth of their popularity in European countries and Russia.
Origin of Thai
Thai cats now look about the same as Siamese cats looked in medieval images. We can say that the Thai is an example of the old-type Siamese: rounded lines, with strong bones, but without signs of coarseness. Thai was officially recognized at the end of the 20th century, when the state of Siam no longer existed on the map, and therefore the new variety received a name on modern style– Thai.
Find 10 differences
They are very similar in appearance and behavior. They are equally popular with connoisseurs of oriental exoticism. But professionals say that these are completely different breeds, similar only in origin. Judging impartially, the differences between Thai cats and Siamese are generally minor, but these are still important little things that determine the choice of one or the other breed.
1. Size and weight
Thai and Siamese individuals have average weight up to 5 kg, and in size they do not differ from most feline tribesmen, but Thais are a little denser.
2. Body shape and build
The main difference between the skeleton is the shape of the head. For the Thais, it is round from all points of inspection, sometimes they say “apple-shaped”. The ears are small and firmly set. Siamese have a wedge-shaped head, big amount flat “edges”, with large ears set wide apart. Angularity can be noticed in other articles; in Siamese cats this characteristic is more pronounced.
3. Wool
The coat is only allowed to be short and close to the body, without undercoat. That is, these are typically smooth-haired cats. The skin should be very soft and smooth to the touch.
4. Colors
Both varieties have a color point color. Genetically it is incomplete albinism. Interestingly, the pigment intensifies as the temperature drops. There are 12 varieties in the list of acceptable colors for the Thai. More details about them can be found in the standard.
5. Eyes
Both almond-shaped breeds have blue or blue eyes, but the shape of the lower eyelid of a Thai looks more rounded; sometimes this shape is compared not to an almond, but to a lemon.
6. Temperament and instincts
The instincts of a Thai can conventionally be considered a little dulled due to the secondary origin of the breed, but their manifestations are so individual that a non-specialist will not see the difference between the hunting behavior of a Thai and a Siamese. Both of them are bright representatives of the order of Predatory animals.
7. Character
Both breeds need to be protected from falling from windows, since window-balcony hunting can end tragically. They note that both Thais and Siamese are equally active and curious. Siamese pets are famous for their shrill, loud voice and are very sociable with both owners and guests. Thai cats can sometimes be more distrustful and "wild".
8. Nutrition and care
Both breeds are unpretentious in nutrition. Genetic diseases and there are no health characteristics characteristic of the entire population. Nutrition must be balanced, rich in protein and fats - to maintain active muscles and exploratory habits of the pet. Wool is easy to care for.
9. Buying a kitten
Price limit for a Siamese or kitten Thai breed approximately equal to the total for the group oriental cats. For a purebred baby you will have to pay from 8 to 20 thousand rubles.
BE CAREFUL! A mini size, a kink or a hook on the tail is a direct indication of disqualification, and not at all a factor in increasing the price!
10. Participation in exhibitions and breeding
The Siamese cat is separated from a victorious march through exhibitions and successful breeding only by the procedure of exchanging metrics for pedigree. But with a Thai, you will first have to go to the club and get permission to the exhibition from the club felinologist; then the pet must be highly rated by a certified expert at at least two showings. Only after this can you count on admission to the breeding program.
By and large, the Thai differs from the Siamese in its slightly more pronounced roundness and strength, characteristic of all old-type breeds. Kittens of both breeds are born very similar, so when choosing a purebred pet, it is better to wait until the babies are at least 2-2.5 months old.
