Facts About Siamese Cats in History

Siamese cats are one of the most-recognized cat breeds in the world, and they have left their mark on history's pages with hundreds of years of documented influence and breeding. From Thailand's temple cats to the show rings of the Western world and the arms of the rich and famous, the Siamese breed has had a long, illustrious history.

  1. Ancient

    • Siamese cats were described in an ancient manuscript found in Thailand.

      The earliest documented appearance of the Siamese cat in history comes from Thailand. The country was known as Siam until 1939. An ancient manuscript called the "Cat Book Poems" (Tamra Maew) was discovered when the city of Ayudha, founded in 1350, was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. In the writings were cat illustrations that match the unique coloring and shape of today's Siamese cats. The book notes these cats were raised in temples and royal households.

    1700 to 1800s

    • The first Siamese cat in the United States was a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes.

      Appearances of Siamese cats outside of their oriental homeland started cropping up the 18th and 19th centuries. In the late-1700s, an engraving was found in southern Russia that depicted a cat with Siamese markings. In 1878, U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes received a Siamese cat as a gift from American Consul in Bangkok. Then, in 1884, the British Consul General was given a breeding pair of cats as a farewell gift from the king of Siam. The official gave them to his sister, who displayed the cats and their offspring in England, where they garnered fast popularity.

    1900s

    • In 1902, the first Siamese cat club was founded in England. An American club was established in 1909. Selective breeding of the cat changed its appearance as the narrow, wedge face and thin body type became popular. The breed reached the peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s when it was featured in several family movies including "Incredible Journey," "Bell, Book and Candle," "Lady and the Tramp" and "That Darn Cat."

    Famous Owners

    • Many famous people throughout history have enjoyed the companionship of a regal Siamese cat. Actor Errol Flynn had a Siamese cat that was the mascot of his yacht. Actresses Elizabeth Taylor, Vivian Leigh and Ava Gardner were known Siamese fanciers. Presidents' daughters Susan Ford and Amy Carter each had pet Siamese cats in the White House. British Prime Minister Harold Wilson traveled with his Siamese cat, Nemo.