Facts About White Siamese Cats

The Siamese cat -- one of the world's most enduring and popular breeds -- is descended from an albino cat breed, so it is not rare for a litter to produce at least one pure white albino kitten. However, other than a pure white coat throughout its lifespan and occasionally pink eyes, these cats are no different from standard Siamese cats.

  1. Origins

    • The exact origins of the white Siamese breed are unknown, but they are described in documents dating back to around 1350 A.D. Manuscripts in Bangkok's national library from ancient Siam's capital city of Ayudha describe a cat with a white body, blue eyes, and a black tail, ears and feet. This seems to describe the Siamese cat breed accurately, as does the fact that it is also known to exhibit red eye-shine at night, a trait of both the normal Siamese and albino cats. These cats were highly prized in Siam, being kept in temples and royal households.

    Description

    • White Siamese cats are a medium-sized breed with a slender body type, weighing between 11 and 15 pounds on average. They have a long, wedge-shaped head with a fine tempered muzzle. The ears are large and triangular, while the eyes are large, almond-shaped and generally a blue or pink color. The neck is long and slender, as is the tail. The breed at one time had problems with crossed eyes and kinked tails, but selective breeding has minimized the problem and it is now rare.

    Coat

    • The white Siamese breed has a short, fine-textured coat. The fur is glossy and lays close to the skin, being described by the American Cat Fanciers Association as appearing painted on. In white cats the fur will remain pure white throughout their lives. In normal cats the colder parts of the body such as the ears, tail and legs develop dark fur. Cats that live in hotter climates remain paler in color.

    Temperament and Health

    • White Siamese cats, like any breed, can vary in temperament depending on the individual, but the breed in general is non-aggressive. They are usually calm, affectionate, intelligent and loyal, making them good with children and a good choice for a family pet. They can be prone to jealousy and are vocal if they are being ignored. In pre-modern times, the breed was generally healthy and had a long lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Modern Siamese cats, because of selective breeding, have developed weaker immune systems and thus have a shorter life expectancy.