Thinking to get a (or two) Siamese kitten. Experiences please.

[Rubii]

Hi all,

I would really like to get a Siamese kitten as have been doing a lot of reading about them and like what I've been reading. Went to see some 13 weeks old Siamese kittens yesterday and they were just adorable.
I have two boys, 4 and 6 years old; no other pets.
I am currently studying and in uni 3 days a week, from 9-3. My husband is at home during the day as he doesn't start work till 4pm, but he isn't really a cat person and isn't keen on the idea of getting a cat.
The breeder we saw yesterday said Siamese cats don't like to be left alone and are inside cats.

I wanted to ask if anyone has had Siamese and what their experiences of owning such a cat. What's their temperament like, do they like going outside, are they good with kids. Can they sleep on their own or do they need to sleep in bed with you. Do they have any common health problems.
Will they be ok if left alone during the day if we go out for for a few hours (about 4 hours).

Thanks in advance.

Oh he won't necessarily eat it - but if you are eating it he want to try

3 ago chewed mango stones and picked the inside of crops packets - he was a great eater - current one is fussy but likes to try!

Yes we go away over night a lot and leave him here - never 2 nights 30 hrs max but he is 6 and we'll settled probably wouldn't have fo the first year or so and built up to it

I would say jealous, yes but in a me too way not an only me way (except possibly not another cat)

And remember he may not chose you as his person
3 ago was DDs, last 2 were siblings and didn't share well with each other - one was DH's one was DD's
But this boy is mine and went wild trying to get to me 2 weeks ago after a 3 day stay in hospital when DH was scared the cat would hurt me - we had to let him in or he would have hurt himself and he has been (relatively) careful!

Yes I asked why. The owner said they currently have 3 other cats and as he is working, he isn't enough for them. They are also moving to a smaller house.

I asked why they chose this one. They said they are rehoming two of them, one of which is going to their relatives and then this one. The two they are keeping are 5 years old which they brought with them from Turkey and cannot let them go.

He said they have had this cat since it was an 8 week old kitten and he has been kept as an indoor cat. They have a young daughter so is used to kids.

That looks pretty positive, Rubii. Sometimes a new kitten just doesn't fit in with older ones, and if they're not interested in playing with him, he'll be bored (and destructive).

Could you take your kids to meet the kitten before you make up your mind for sure? I'd be wanting to handle him, and see how he is with the kids, especially the youngest. See how he behaves with you. A shy kitten isn't a problem - my current boy was terribly shy but he turned to me for comfort and if he's not confident, he soon will be if he gets lots of love and attention. If he is bright and interested and keen to play with your kids, I'd go for him. I'd take him to the vet pretty much immediately, for them to check him over, and I'd also want his medical records etc to prove he'd had his jabs etc.

Same with the wee lilac point, if you decide to go for her. She's 13 weeks old, so should have a full record of her innoculations etc. If she's not microchipped, I'd do that with her for sure. Even if you plan for her to be an indoor cat, Siamese are escape specialists and if she's chipped and slips out, you've got a chance of getting her home. I'd be prepared for her to get out - there's no way your wee kids will remember to close doors and windows all the time.

This is why you have a siamese!

I think my exotic has some Siamese in her. She's very docile, but very noisy and very needy. I've never met a cat like her. She's utterly bonkers

Despite my love for Siamese...I think in the same position I'd go for the moggy . The Siamese will always find a home.

admission: - I'm a seal point (old fashioned type) siamese person .The other colours don't have the same effect on my heart.

Unfortunately the person rehoming their kitten pulled out as they were suspicious about my Facebook account and were worried I might be one of those people that feeds cats to a snake or use it as dog bait. I sent them pictures of all the kitten things I bought from Pets at home a few days ago, sent pictures of the receipt also showing the £150 worth of shopping. Also said they can come to my house and look around and I'll pay for their petrol. But they're not interested. Feel quite sad really, as that kitten was the perfect age for us and was gorgeous.

Aw, what a shame for you, but I'm pleased to see how protective the current owners are of him. He's obviously very loved.

I have always wanted a Siamese. As a child I had a friend who had one,and this cat adored me. Used to pine for me when I left and used to remember me and run to see me when I arrived even if I hadn’t been there for months. He would peer round the door and the moment he saw me would run into my arms.

Unfortunately I can’t have any cats at the moment for a variety of reasons but if I ever were able to again I would definitely want a Siamese.

You're never alone, or lonely, if a Siamese cat loves you.

You're never alone, or lonely, if a Siamese cat loves you

^Same goes for a Ragdoll cat 🤗

You really don’t want a Siamese if you want “docile”. They’re not even close.
Sadly kitten season doesn’t seem like it’s over yet. Our local rescue has three pens of rescue kittens at the moment.
Be aware that kittens aren’t all that docile either. They play. With teeth and claws!!
Could you contact local rescues? They could match a cat (or two!) to suit your family.
I would share the pic I took of the stunning tabby baby kitten I cuddled today but my face is in it!

Siamese are NOT a good idea for non cat people in my opinion.

Generally, they are very loud, vocal cats and extremely active and into everything.
Very sociable, want to be involved in whatever you are doing.
The sort of cats that climb your curtains and shred your wardrobe and sofa, constantly up on your worktops...

A Birman or ragdoll would be a better choice in my opinion as they tend to be nice and placid and quiet, Birmans don’t need much grooming either as they are single coated

Moderately docile ?!Err NO !!!!

I would still bloody love one.
Cuddled a Birman cross in rescue at the weekend. So lovely.

We had two Siameses at different times when I was living with mom and dad, and they weren’t too noisy or demanding.
One was very independent and feisty but sadly got run over and the other was quieter and more loving. Although he did used to pretend he couldn’t get down off the shed roof, so we would have to hold up a washing up bowl for him to step into and be lowered to the floor.
They’d howl for food and on the way to the vets but not for no reason at all, and nothing like those cats in the shower clip.
Our current tabby is very laid back and takes everything in his stride from building work to holidays (he comes with us self catering in Wales).

For a first cat you would be so much better off getting a young adult cat from rescue. There's no reason at all if you are matched well that a rescue moggy won't bond with you all. A Siamese is more likely to only bond with one of you!

We currently have two Siamese and have had various ones for over 20 years. I love all cats but adore Siamese.

They have so much personality I have long conversations with ours.

We are totally their slaves- we even have a baby sling for one of ours who likes to be carried like a baby.

They don't like being only cats and are less likely to get up to mischief if they have company. My MIL used to breed Siamese and she wouldn't sell only one if the person didn't have any other cats.

Ours go outside during the day but we keep them in at night- they sleep with my DD.

If you do get a Siamese get 2 you won't regret it. I love the lilac point it's the only point we've never had.

Siamese are on the very extreme end of cat ownership. Have you had a cat before?
I have Burmese they are similar to Siamese but not quite as load or demanding. Burmese are still hard work. My cat sleeps in the bed ie under the duvet in the warmest place next to a human. He loves children and will also happily sleep under any duvet with them also. He will be forceful about it if you try and stop him. He climbs people to demand being held, forces himself onto guests laps/shoulders etc. He will also try and eat( pull out) guests earrings. He steels socks/gloves/ cuddly toys and jewelry. He attention seeks and will deliberately knock things over to get attention. He will rip open food packages. My childhood burmese stole from other people’s houses we had many very embarrassing episodes of having to return stolen items that included children’s toys, whole roast chickens and items of underwear. We were not popular in the neighborhood. Current cat is a house cat.
I love my cat my husband just about tolerates him, a Siamese was just a step to far for us. Think carefully before you get an oriental they really do take over and are not placid! Mights are great cats and also capable of sitting politely when you have guests unlike my burmese who tormented my cat hating MIL this afternoon 😂.

Hi everyone and thank you for your replies. I love hearing what all your mischievous and cheeky cats get up to.
I'm still looking at rehoming an unwanted cat or adopting from a shelter. I've been ringing all the local shelters and looking at the websites and they don't have anything under 1 year of age. Those that they do, are all reserved.

I've been researching different cat breeds and have decided a Siamese might be too much for us right now. I've now fallen in love with the Russian Blue. They are absolutely stunning. I also like the Burmese. But after reading Claracracksthenuts post, I'm not so sure now!

I was considering getting a Burmese and a Russian Blue, both similar age.

Why under a year? Cats live well into their teens so maybe broaden your search to cats under 3-5 years? Mine is 16.5 now and still playful and lively!

I had a lilac point Siamese and he was an amazing cat!

He went outside, he was amazing with kids and the most affectionate cat I've ever come across.

BUT he was so loud, he cried non stop when we came home from work until we picked him up. I used to walk round doing jobs with him in my arms like a baby!

He constantly wanted to be near you and never left you alone when you sat down. When we brought him home as a kitten he howled all night like a puppy. I had to sleep with him in the end.

He was naughty, so naughty. He'd eat anything, he'd steal food left out even eating frozen chicken burgers and a birthday cake!

He was a hunter to, he would catch anything he could get hold of and bring it home ... usually alive 😡 worst being a live grass snake.

But if you want a loyal, intelligent, funny, naughty but with loads of character cat, that makes loads and loads of noise, get a Siamese. I'd love another one but I'm not in a position to at the moment.

Why are you set on a pedigree cat? Non pedigrees can be stunning too. And why under a year? My last cat lived to nearly 20.

I have a shorthair Oriental. Best cat ever. Fun, affectionate, demanding, noisy. We also have a long haired moggy for company and they are best friends. Most of the time.
Orientals are brilliant cats if you'd like a dog but don't have time/inclination for walks.