It’s undeniable that a special relationship exists between people and their cats. Whether they’ve adopted a random stray from the shelter or a purebred Siamese, the connection that humans find with their cats is delightful and admirable.
But when a person has an affinity for a certain kind of cat that is so very special and unique? Well, that’s when it’s time to have a special day dedicated to them.
And that’s exactly what National Siamese Cat Day is all about!
National Siamese Cat Day Timeline
Thai Cat Book Poems describe pointed “Wichienmaat” cats
Illustrated Thai manuscripts known as Tamra Maew (Cat Book Poems) depict auspicious cats with pale bodies and dark extremities, believed to be ancestors of the modern Siamese.
First documented Siamese cat in the United States
A Siamese cat named Siam is sent from the U.S. consul in Bangkok to First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes, becoming the first recorded Siamese in America and living at the White House.
First breeding Siamese pair arrives in Britain
British consul Edward Blencowe Gould brings a pair of Siamese cats, Pho and Mia, from Bangkok to his sister Lilian Jane Veley in London, helping establish the breed in the United Kingdom.
Siamese Cat Club founded in London
Early fancier Lilian Jane Veley and others form the Siamese Cat Club in Britain to promote, exhibit, and standardize the emerging Siamese breed among Western cat fanciers.
Colorpoint gene identified as temperature-sensitive albinism
Geneticist Murray B. Ferguson and colleagues clarify that the Siamese “pointed” pattern comes from a temperature-sensitive mutation in the tyrosinase gene that darkens cooler body areas.
Modern Siamese breed standard refined by CFA
The Cat Fanciers’ Association formalizes the Siamese standard emphasizing a long, svelte body, wedge-shaped head, large ears, and vivid blue eyes, shaping the modern “show-style” Siamese.
The International Cat Association recognizes Siamese cats
Newly formed TICA accepts the Siamese as a championship breed, codifying standards for body type, temperament, and point colors and reinforcing the breed’s global pedigree status.
History of National Siamese Cat Day
Named “Siamese” by Europeans, the first of this breed of cat to arrive in Europe is believed to have been a gift from the King of Siam to an English consulate general toward the end of the 1800s.
Since that time, Siamese cats have taken the world by storm due to their intelligence and guile. They are particular among cats in their willingness and ability to walk on a leash, and some of them can even be taught to do various tricks.
Dating back to 2014, National Siamese Cat Day was started by holiday guru, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway.
The founder of the day hoped that it would raise awareness for the plight of Siamese cats who live in shelters, while encouraging people to adopt cats in need of homes.
Today, National Siamese Cat Day is here to bring attention not only to this breed, but to all cats who are longing to have a human family!
How to Celebrate National Siamese Cat Day
Have fun enjoying the celebration of National Siamese Cat Day by implementing some of these ideas to make the day special:
Learn More About Siamese Cats
Pick up some of these fun facts and share them with friends or family members in honor of National Siamese Cat Day:
This unique breed of cat usually hates to be left alone and typically does better in pairs or with more cats in the home.
Siamese cats are actually born completely white and their darker fur appears several weeks after birth.
There are four color types of Siamese cats: chocolate point, seal point, lilac point and blue point.
Siamese cats are thought to be one of the oldest breeds, originating in Asia perhaps more than 700 years ago.
Treat Your Siamese Cat
Those people who have a Siamese cat as a pet are the ones who are most likely to get involved with celebrating this day.
And rightfully so! Siamese cat owners can pay heed to the day by getting a new cat toy, scratcher, treat or other item the cat might enjoy.
Make a Donation to a Siamese Cat Charity
Many people don’t realize that Siamese cats are a niche breed that even has some unique rescue charities that are specific to them.
National Siamese Cat Day might be just the time to make a financial donation to one of these foundations:
- Rocky Mountain Siamese Rescue located in Greeley, Colorado
- Siamese Cat Rescue Center located in Locust Dale, Virginia
- Blue’s Mews Siamese Cat Rescue in Fairborn, Ohio
- Southern California Siamese Rescue in Agoura Hills, California
