Modern Siamese cats, or “extreme” Siamese, are more slender and angular than traditional Siamese cats. They have long, wedge-shaped heads with large, pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes. On the other hand, traditional Siamese cats, or “applehead” Siamese, have a more rounded head with a shorter, broader muzzle, and their ears and eyes are rounder.
The bodies of modern Siamese cats are lean and muscular, with long, elegant limbs and a long, whippy tail. Meanwhile, the bodies of traditional Siamese cats are somewhat stockier and more compact than modern Siamese cats, with shorter legs and slightly shorter tails.
The Differences Between Modern and Traditional Siamese Cats
Affectionate
Both traditional and modern Siamese cats have an affectionate and loving nature – they are a very social breed and enjoy being around people. They love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners and are often described as “people cats.”
Both traditional and modern Siamese cats are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. They crave attention and affection and often follow their owners around the house to be near them. They also enjoy being held and petted and often seek out their owners’ laps for a cozy nap.
One of the reasons why Siamese cats are so affectionate is that they are very intelligent and emotional animals. They have a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to their owners and often show affection by purring, kneading, and rubbing their heads against their owners’ hands or faces.
Another similarity between traditional and modern Siamese cats regarding affection is that they require much attention and interaction from their owners. For example, siamese cats can become lonely and depressed if left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral problems.
Intelligent
Both traditional and modern Siamese cats are highly intelligent and have good problem-solving skills, curiosity, and the ability to learn quickly. Siamese cats are highly skilled problem solvers and can figure out how to open doors, drawers, and even cabinets. They are curious animals and often spend hours investigating their surroundings and finding new ways to interact with their environment.
Siamese cats are known for their ability to learn quickly and can be trained to do various tricks and behaviors. They are intuitive and often pick up on their owners’ moods and emotions. They are very curious and love to explore their surroundings. They are fearless in investigating new objects or places and often spend hours investigating their environment.
Also, traditional or modern Siamese cats are very playful animals and enjoy interactive toys and games. In addition, siamese cats are adaptable and can adjust to different environments and living situations.
Vocal
Siamese cats have loud and distinct meows, which can often be heard from a distance. They are not shy about expressing their needs and desires and often vocalize to get their owners’ attention. They do frequent vocalizations and will often meow or yowl throughout the day. They may meow to let their owners know they are hungry, bored, or want attention.
Whether traditional or modern, Siamese cats are very expressive animals and often use vocalization to express their emotions. They may meow to show happiness, sadness, or frustration and may even change the pitch or tone of their meows to convey different emotions.
Siamese cats are often attention-seekers and may use vocalization to get their owners’ attention. They may meow to let their owners know they want to play, cuddle, or be fed. They are also very social animals and will often vocalize to interact with their owners. They may meow to greet their owners when they come home or to ask for attention or affection.
The Differences Between Modern and Traditional Siamese Cats
Appearance
As mentioned, traditional Siamese cats have a stockier and more athletic body shape, while modern Siamese cats have a more elongated and streamlined body shape. Traditional Siamese cats have rounder, apple-shaped heads, while modern Siamese cats have more triangular, wedge-shaped heads. Modern Siamese cats also have a more pronounced chin and a longer, straighter nose.
Traditional Siamese cats have rounder eyes, while modern Siamese cats have more almond-shaped eyes. Modern Siamese cats also have larger, more prominent ears set farther apart than traditional Siamese cats.
Can both traditional and modern Siamese cats be black? Traditional Siamese cats have limited coat colors, including seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points. Modern Siamese cats have various colors and patterns, including tabby, tortie, and red points. Traditional Siamese cats have softer, shorter coats, while modern Siamese cats have longer, silkier coats.
Health
Traditional Siamese and modern Siamese cats can have some differences in health due to variations in their breeding and genetics. Modern Siamese cats have a more elongated and streamlined body shape than traditional Siamese cats. This body type can lead to some health issues, such as spinal deformities, hip dysplasia, and breathing problems.
Modern Siamese cats have longer, silkier coats than traditional Siamese cats. This can make them more prone to hairballs and require frequent grooming to prevent matting. Modern Siamese cats may be more prone to breathing problems such as brachycephalic airway syndrome due to their elongated head shape and flattened face.
Both traditional and modern Siamese cats can be prone to dental issues, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care, including brushing and regular check-ups with a veterinarian, can help prevent these issues.
Both traditional and modern Siamese cats can be prone to some genetic health issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative eye disease, and amyloidosis. This disorder affects the liver and kidneys. Breeders of both Siamese cats should screen their breeding cats for these genetic conditions to reduce the risk of passing them on to offspring.
