| To those of you who are familiar with Traditional | | | | Traditional Balinese, for example, is a long-haired |
| Siamese cats from the 60s and 70s, this may come | | | | Siamese. Unlike many long-haired cats their coats don't |
| as a shock: many Siamese have changed their | | | | require excessive care and are all Siamese but with a |
| appearance in the past 40 years! | | | | generally more laid back attitude to life. |
| The Siamese always was an elegant cat but now | | | | Why do all these different names matter? |
| some of its sleek lines have become very extreme | | | | They give you more search terms when finding local |
| indeed. Known as the Modern style Siamese, it has | | | | breeders, who might describe their cats as Thai Style |
| very large ears (sometimes called bat ears by | | | | rather than Traditional so knowing the different names |
| detractors) placed lower on the head, a narrow | | | | might help you not only find a breeder but improve |
| elongated body and thin whip -like tail. As a result, the | | | | your research into Siamese murky history. |
| typical Siamese of years past has been reinvented. | | | | Finding a good Traditional Siamese breeder does |
| Why tell you this? | | | | require homework. Don't assume that all breeders are |
| First, to make you aware that this different-shaped | | | | professionals and have the highest standards. Personal |
| Siamese even exists. | | | | recommendations are a great start but failing that, try |
| Second, to help you decide whether you're leaning | | | | to visit breeders and make up your own mind about |
| towards traditional Siamese cats or their modern | | | | their cats and their breeding ethics during your visit. |
| counterparts before you buy. | | | | Here's a tip: visit them when they have nothing to sell, |
| Third, to share some of the debate with you. In fact, a | | | | for example before the main birthing season in spring. |
| number of people insist that the old-style Siamese is | | | | This way you won't be tempted into a rush decision, |
| more robust, has fewer health issues and lives longer | | | | because all kittens are cute, whether they come from |
| than the Modern but this is hotly contested within the | | | | a good breeder or a backstreet charlatan. Buying a |
| breed clubs. From personal experience, and generally | | | | kitten for whom you feel sorry perpetuates bad |
| speaking, I have found the Traditionals more easygoing | | | | breeding practices. |
| and easier to live with. A few personal experiences do | | | | To get the Traditional Siamese cat of your dreams, |
| not replace solid research so rather than take | | | | you might have to travel some distance to find a |
| anyone's word about which is the better feline, take | | | | breeder you trust. And, don't be too upset if you have |
| your time and research this properly. | | | | to join a waiting list for your kitten. Where would you |
| How to find Traditional Siamese Cats | | | | rather eat, in a bustling restaurant or in an empty one? |
| If after researching you're still leaning towards | | | | The same with breeders. A popular one with fewer |
| traditional Siamese cats, then read on. | | | | quality kittens available at any one time is a good sign. |
| These cats are known by many names - Classic, Thai, | | | | Please don't be put out if the breeder asks you lots of |
| Applehead or Apple Head, Old Style or Wichienmaat in | | | | questions! The breeder cares about where the kittens |
| their original home of Thailand. There are differences in | | | | are going to live. |
| body shape among them but they clearly still look | | | | Good luck in your search, you know the wait will be |
| traditional as opposed to Modern. | | | | worth it! |
| There are also other traditional Siamese cats. The | | | | |