Siamese and Thai cats: how do they differ

Siamese and Thai cats: how do they differ

Bright blue eyes, noble color and oriental temperament are the real pride of Siamese and Thai cats. That’s why they are so loved. And, perhaps, just due to this, they are so often confused. Is there really a difference between them?

Many people believe that Thais and Siamese are just different names for the same breed. But this is not so: although Siamese cats and Thai cats belong to the same Siamese-Oriental group, according to the WCF (World Cat Federation) classification, they differ both in appearance and in character. So, how to distinguish a Siamese cat from a Thai?

External differences between a Thai cat and a Siamese

There are several visual differences between these breeds. The main ones are the following:

• The Siamese have a “model” appearance – the body is elongated, slender, the chest is not wider than the hips. Thais are larger and more compact, their neck is shorter, and their chest is wider.
• The paws of Siamese cats are long and thin, the front paws are shorter than the hind ones. The long and thin tail noticeably tapers towards the tip and resembles a whip. Thai cats have both paws and a tail shorter and thicker. The paws of the Siamese are oval, while those of the Thais are rounded.
• The narrow wedge-shaped muzzle is a distinctive feature of Siamese cats. Thais have a more rounded, apple-shaped head, which is why they are often called appleheads in English. The profile of the Siamese is almost straight, while the Thai cats have a hollow at eye level.
• The ears are also different: in Siamese, they are disproportionately large, wide at the base, pointed. If you mentally connect the tip of the nose with the tips of the ears, you get an equilateral triangle. Thais have medium-sized ears with rounded tips.
• Eye color in both breeds is rare – blue, but the shape is noticeably different. Siamese cats have almond-shaped slanting eyes, while Thai cats have large, rounded eyes that resemble a lemon or almond in shape.

Many people wonder how to distinguish a Thai kitten from a Siamese. Babies of both breeds are really similar to each other, but already from 2-3 months, kittens show features characteristic of adult cats. It is difficult to confuse a thin and elongated Siamese with long legs and large pointed ears with a plump Thai kitten with a round muzzle and eyes. The main thing when buying is to make sure that the kitten is definitely purebred.

Of course, these breeds have something in common. Not only heavenly eye color, but also a short silky coat without undercoat. And also the color: a light body – and contrasting marks on the muzzle, ears, paws and tail.

Thai cat and Siamese cat: differences in character and behavior

In order for a pet to become a true friend, it is better to understand in advance how a Thai cat differs from a Siamese one. These animals are different in nature.

Siamese and Thai cats are somewhat similar to dogs: they are very loyal, easily attached to the owner and follow him everywhere, showing their love and demanding attention, they do not like loneliness. But Siamese are often jealous of their people for other animals, and their behavior is highly dependent on mood: if a cat does not like something, it may well release its claws. Thai cats are much calmer and more peaceful. In their world, there seems to be no concept of “jealousy”, so Thais get along well with children and other pets.

Both breeds are very active, playful and inquisitive. Thai cats are talkative, love to communicate and will always tell you something in their own cat language. Siamese often “voice” too, but the sounds they make are more like a scream.

Siamese cats are often described as stubborn and wayward. This is partly true. But often the owners themselves are to blame for the fact that the cat begins to show aggression: proud representatives of this breed cannot be scolded and punished, it is important to surround them with affection and care. This, by the way, applies to all animals, because the nature of the pet depends not only on the breed, but also on education.

The difference between the Thai and Siamese cat is significant. And to confuse them, in fact, is quite difficult.

See also:

Siberian kittens: how to distinguish and how to properly care

Purebred to the claws: how to distinguish a British from an ordinary kitten

How to find out the gender of a kitten

How to calculate the age of a cat by human standards