Breeds similar to Siamese (but not as needy!)

[Ayupmeduck]

Before DC came along I had two beautiful Siamese boys who I adored and still miss.
DC are now old enough that we can think about getting cats again. DS in particular adores cats.
I'm not sure that I can cope with the intensity of Siamese but would love a breed with their affectionate nature and intelligence. It's likely to be a pair of indoor cats as we live near a fairly busy road. There's someone at home most of the time so they're likely to have plenty of company.
Can anyone help?

@Otherplans

Oriental short hair? Very clever, mine was not as needy as the Siamese cats I grew up with.

Would you say this cat was an oriental shorthair? We met him at a NT property in the summer. He just wandered over and plonked himself on DSs lap! Such a friendly boy and very slender/long limbed like a Siamese. I wondered what breed he was .

[quote Kittybelle123]@Ayeupmeduck - no judgement here, just so sad to read how you lost your boys

Another vote for Birmans. Laid back, incredibly affectionate and intelligent too Good luck with your choice [/quote]
Thank you
Do Birman's need a lot of grooming?

@Ayupmeduck sorry to hear about your Cats

My ragdoll cross Russian blue is the most affection cat I've ever known. She is chilled and docile, adores my sons and my other cats, and despite being long and fluffy haired she doesn't shed at all and does a very good job of grooming her fur. I Would highly recommend as a breed!

Birmans don't need much grooming at all as there coat is non-matting. They love being brushed though so you'll probably end up doing it anyway :)

They honestly are the best cats.

[quote thenewaveragebear1983]@Ayupmeduck sorry to hear about your Cats

My ragdoll cross Russian blue is the most affection cat I've ever known. She is chilled and docile, adores my sons and my other cats, and despite being long and fluffy haired she doesn't shed at all and does a very good job of grooming her fur. I Would highly recommend as a breed! [/quote]
She is so pretty! I hadn't really considered any of the longer haired breeds but sounds as though they are a lovely temperament to have with children.

Birmans are lovely
However I have a bog standard rescue moggie (although he fits all the characteristics of a Bombay cat) and he is the most patient and affectionate cat I've ever met. Will sit happily all day while you brush and fuss him and head bop you

We also have a Siberian, gorgeous cats, so friendly!

Here's our Siberian

Tonkinese - Siamese/ Burmese cross.

We’ve had our tonk since DS was 3, he’s 17 now and they’re the best of friends. Our tonk is chatty, energetic (well, used to be, she’s an old lady now), extremely affectionate, docile, funny, just a perfect cat imo.

Burmese are very intelligent and affectionate. Mine is a real talker.

I grew up with a siamese, great company for children. Just saying

@Notashandyta

I grew up with a siamese, great company for children. Just saying

Oh they are the best company! However they also like to wake the household up yelling at 5am, sleep in your bed and demand your undivided love and attention. I've ruled out a 3rd child for the same reasons

@Ayupmeduck I think part of it is the breed but also the breeder. Ours came from a family home (a friend of mine) busy, 4 kids, 2 dogs, lots of cats. She was used to kids from day 1. She also stayed with mum for 12 weeks which meant she was ready to be homed and her 'personal care' is exemplary. Mum needs to show her kittens how to keep themselves groomed and clean and that takes time. Ours is called Coco but we call her 'Licky' as that is pretty much all she does!
Ragdoll seems to have 'hair' not 'fur' if that makes sense, they don't moult like my traditional moggies do.

The cat sitting on your son looks like a standard female Calico cat!

I know you want a breed but I wouldn't rule out looking for a young adult rescue cat. If you contact your local shelter they should have an idea of what cat may suit your family. Cats under 18 months old are still kittenish enough to be fun but their personalities are established and you have a much better idea of what your getting.

Tortie/Calico girls are usually pretty smart with strong personalities.

Yes, as @EmmaC78 says, Birman cats don't need grooming. They do love being brushed though when you have a moment to spare. Wonderful temperament with children too.

Yes the friendly cat looks like a calico, but he does have rather oriental shorthair ears. And they are friendly!

I don't think all Siamese are needy
My Siamese girl is fairly independent
She meows a lot but likes her own space a lot of the time

Don't rule them out they are the best - as you know 😊

The cat on your sons lap look like a moggy, my female tortie girl is really smart (well as cats go!) I def wouldn't rule out a moggy rescue, ime female cats tend to be slightly more intelligent than the boys but boys are more soppy!

Pic of my bog standard moggy just to show she's just as pretty as any of the pedigrees 😁

I used to have a Siamese but currently have a Tonkinese, he isn't as loud as a Siamese but still full of character, would also recommend Burmese

Abyssinian! Stunning and affectionate and clever. I miss ours so much. We lived in a busy part of London and at the time I thought a Siamese might draw a lot of attention on our street, and for some stupid reason I thought an Abi would be less conspicuous as 'plainer' colour. The thing was that he was so beautiful and quite bright orange (rather than browny black) in the sun that people would literally gasp at him in the front garden as they went past (and he so knew it).

He never got stolen as I worried, but was run over . We cried so much .

We have a Bengal now but much less charisma-- the Abi would come and look you in the eye meaningfully

My friends parents have a Birman. And he wanted one too. But can't find one. So he's getting a Persian. The long hair isn't an issue if you keep on top of it. My exotic sheds much more than my long haired pair. She's also very vocal and very very affectionate. She has a few brain cells.

Forgot gratuitous pics

I second the Abyssinian. Such a wonderful family cat. We have one and he is great with our kids. Likes to be in and around everything but happy to be alone too. Loves it when a plumber or electrician comes around - likes supervising! And is snuggly at night.
He also plays fetch!

Ocicats.. sociable, intelligent, they do like to play all the time though!

@Toddlerteaplease

Forgot gratuitous pics

All these beautiful breeds that I've never seen before. I think I might need one of each!

Definitely haven't ruled out a moggy. The rescues near us seem to have mainly feral strays or older cats and don't seem keen to rehome with children.