7 Types of Siamese Cats by Body Structure and Color

The different types of Siamese cats have distinct body shapes, markings, and coloration, and knowing how to tell these apart is a great skill for breeders, owners, and enthusiasts. Why are there so many body types? The Siamese breed has really changed looks over the last few decades. Once a rather cobby, apple-headed feline, show breeders have now bred these cats toward long, elegant lines and wedge-shaped heads. There are also colors that are variations of the traditional pointed color pattern, resulting in several Siamese types. Check out some of these amazing and beautiful felines.

The show-type Siamese cat breed has a distinctly triangular or wedge-shaped face. These features explain why this type is called the wedgehead, or simply "wedgie." The long lines of the wedgie are evident when you look at the face of one of these unique cats. They have sharp angles to their face and a delicate, lean body.

In contrast, the traditional and popular apple head Siamese is stockier with a rounder face. They earned their name from the shape of their head, which looks like a round apple. But their head isn't the only thing that's different about this type of Siamese cat; they also have a much sturdier body. Their legs and tails are shorter, and they have a more muscular build.

The classic Siamese cat is what most people are familiar with. Their features fall between the apple head and the wedgehead. Classics have subtle angles to their face and muzzle without being as extreme as the wedgehead.They are a lot taller and more muscular than the petite wedgehead, but not as stocky as the apple head.

Not only do they have different body types, but Siamese cats also come in different colors. Their color isn't always evident, though. This is because all Siamese kittens are white at birth. Their "points," or the dark areas on their face, ears, and tail, begin to show at a few weeks old and become fuller over the coming months. That's when you can distinguish which of the four colors a kitten will be.

Seal points have a fawn-colored body with rich, dark brown points on their face, ears, paws, and tail. There's usually a high contrast between the light body color and dark points which makes these cats incredibly stunning. But the Siamese isn't the only breed that has this coloration; Birman, Balinese, and Himalayan breeds, among others, can be seal points, too.

The blue point Siamese has a white body overlaid with blue points. No, their coloring isn't the blue you'd find in a coloring box; it's more of a bluish-grey shade. They have these points on their face, ears, tail, and legs. You can find blue points in any of the three body types.

The lilac point Siamese is the lightest color type, with a white body overlaid with pinkish-gray points. This type is very closely related to the blue point, and some people have trouble differentiating them. Because the lilac point is so highly sought after and rare, these cats can be incredibly expensive.

The chocolate point Siamese has warm cocoa-colored points laid over a cream-colored body coat. These cats are often confused with seal points, but they have a pinker undertone to their points and a very pale body. Plus, unlike the seal point, chocolate points don't darken in color throughout their lives. Instead, their body coloring stays a light cream.

Along with the three Siamese cat body types and four color variations, there are several hybrid Siamese cats. The Snowshoe breed is a cross between the Siamese and American Shorthair, and they closely resemble the seal point. The Colorpoint Shorthair is also a distinct breed that is essentially a lynx point Siamese cat. Explore the various breeds out there to find the one that's perfect for your home.

The Siamese breed is thought to originate from the temple cats found in what is modern-day Thailand. The breed first arrived in the United States in 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes receieved a "Siam" cat from the American Consul located in Bangkok. Ever since, they've captured our imagination, and bring their grace and beauty with them everywhere they go.