Are Male Siamese Cats Rare?

You probably know that Siamese cats are one of the most popular and beautiful breeds in the world. Their distinctive features, such as their pointed ears, blue eyes, and sleek coats, make them stand out from other cats.

But did you also know that Siamese cats have a fascinating history and a unique genetic makeup that affects their color and gender?

In this article, we will explore the question: Are male Siamese cats rare? This is a common myth that many people believe, but is it true? And if so, why? What makes male Siamese cats so special and desirable?

The Origin of the Myth

Many people believe that male Siamese cats are rare and lucky, but where does this myth come from? Is there any truth behind it, or is it just a legend?

In the following, we will explore the history and the folklore of the Siamese breed, and how they became associated with rarity and fortune.

The History of Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are one of the oldest and most exotic breeds in the world. They originated from Thailand, formerly known as Siam, where they were revered by the royal family and the nobility.

They were considered sacred and spiritual animals, and some even believed that they could house the souls of the deceased.

The first records of Siamese cats date back to the 14th century, when they appeared in a collection of ancient manuscripts called the Tamra Maew, or the Cat-Book Poems.

These poems described and depicted various types of cats, including the Wichien-maat, or the Moon Diamond, which is the original name of the Siamese.

Siamese cats remained a well-kept secret in Thailand for centuries, until they were introduced to the West in the late 1800s.

The first Siamese cat to reach America was a gift from the American Consul in Bangkok to the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. His name was Siam, and he quickly became a sensation in the White House.

The first Siamese cats to arrive in Europe were a pair named Pho and Mia, who were given to the sister of the British Consul-General in Bangkok in 1884.

They had three kittens, who were exhibited at a cat show in London and attracted a lot of attention. Soon, Siamese cats became popular among the aristocracy and the celebrities, who admired their elegant appearance and their distinctive personality.

Siamese cats have a long and fascinating history, from being worshipped in Thailand to being admired in the West.

The Legend of the Lucky Males

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Siamese breed is the myth that male Siamese cats are rare and bring good luck to their owners.

This myth has several possible origins, but one of the most common ones is related to the Burmese-Siamese War in the 18th century.

According to this legend, the King of Burma invaded Thailand and sacked the capital city of Ayutthaya, where he found and read the Tamra Maew.

He was impressed by the description of the Siamese cats, especially the ones with dark points and blue eyes, and he ordered his soldiers to bring them back to Burma as war treasures.

He believed that these cats had the power to bring wealth and prosperity to their owners.

But most of the Siamese cats that were captured were females, as the males were either killed or escaped during the war.

The few males that survived were considered very lucky and valuable, and they were given to the most important and influential people in Burma.

The legend spread that male Siamese cats were rare and auspicious, and that they could protect their owners from evil and misfortune.

Another version of the legend claims that male Siamese cats were rare because they were more susceptible to genetic diseases and defects, such as crossed eyes and kinked tails.

These traits were once common in the Siamese breed, and some believed that they were the result of a curse or a punishment for their sacred status.

But these traits were also seen as signs of wisdom and charisma, and some people sought them out as lucky charms.

The legend of the lucky males is a fascinating story that combines history, folklore, and superstition.

The Truth About Male Siamese Cats

Now that we have learned about the origin of the myth that male Siamese cats are rare and lucky, let's find out the truth behind it. Are male Siamese cats really rare? Do they have any advantages or disadvantages over female Siamese cats?

How can you get a male Siamese kitten if you want one? Next, we will answer these questions and more, by looking at the genetics and availability of male Siamese cats.

The Genetics of Siamese Coloring

Siamese cats have a unique coat color that is influenced by their body temperature. This is caused by a genetic mutation known as the Himalayan gene, which affects the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the fur and the eyes.

The Himalayan gene is a recessive gene, which means that a cat needs to inherit two copies of it, one from each parent, to show the Siamese coat pattern. If a cat inherits only one copy of the gene, it will not show the Siamese coloration, but it can still pass it on to its offspring.

The Himalayan gene is not linked to the sex chromosomes, which means that it can affect both male and female cats equally.

That's why there is no difference in the frequency or the intensity of the Siamese coloring between male and female cats. The color of the points depends on other genes that control the type and the amount of melanin produced.

But there is one exception to this rule. Some Siamese cats have a red or orange color on their points, which is called red point or flame point.

This color is caused by another gene, called the orange gene, which is linked to the sex chromosomes. The orange gene can override the effect of the Himalayan gene and produce a solid color coat.

The orange gene is located on the X chromosome, which means that female cats have two copies of it, while male cats have only one.

Female cats can be either orange (OO), non-orange (oo), or tortoiseshell (Oo), which is a mix of orange and black. Male cats can be either orange (OY) or non-orange (oY), but not tortoiseshell.

This means that male Siamese cats can only have red points if they inherit the orange gene from their mother, while female Siamese cats can have red points if they inherit the orange gene from either parent.

Therefore, red point male Siamese cats are less common than red point female Siamese cats, but not rare.

The Himalayan gene affects both male and female Siamese cats equally, except for the red point color, which is more likely to occur in females.

The Availability of Male Siamese Kittens

If you are interested in getting a male Siamese kitten, you may wonder how easy or difficult it is to find one. The answer depends on several factors, such as the demand, the supply, the location, and the price of the kittens.

Check your local shelters and rescues

You may be surprised to find that there are many Siamese cats and kittens waiting for a loving home. You can search for adoptable Siamese cats online or you can also visit your nearest shelter or rescue and ask if they have any Siamese cats available.

Adopting a Siamese cat from a shelter or a rescue is a great way to save a life and support a good cause.

Contact reputable breeders

If you prefer to get a male Siamese kitten from a breeder, make sure to do your research and find a reputable and responsible one. You can look for breeders who are registered with organizations like the Cat Fanciers' Association or the International Cat Association.

You can also ask for referrals from other Siamese owners or veterinarians. A good breeder will provide you with health certificates, pedigree papers, and a contract that guarantees the health and well-being of the kitten.

Be flexible and patient

Finding a male Siamese kitten may take some time and effort, depending on the availability and the popularity of the breed in your area. You may have to wait for a litter to be born, or travel to a different location to get your kitten.

Maybe you will have to compromise on the color or the pattern of the kitten, as some colors may be more in demand than others. The important thing is to find a healthy and happy kitten that suits your personality and lifestyle.

Finding a male Siamese kitten is not impossible, but it may require some research, planning, and patience.

Male Siamese Cats: FAQ

After learning about the origin and the truth of the myth that male Siamese cats are rare and lucky, you may still have some questions about them. In this section, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about male Siamese cats, such as:

• Is it better to get a male or female Siamese cat?
• What is the rarest Siamese cat?

These questions are not easy to answer, as they depend on many factors, such as your personal preference, your lifestyle, and your budget. But we will try to give you some general guidelines and tips to help you make the best decision for you and your furry friend.

Is It Better to Get a Male or Female Siamese Cat?

This is one of the most common and controversial questions among cat lovers. Some people swear by male Siamese cats, while others prefer female Siamese cats.

The truth is, there is no definitive answer to this question, as both male and female Siamese cats have their pros and cons. Here are some of the main differences between them:

Male Siamese Cats	Female Siamese Cats
More affectionate, playful, and outgoing	More independent, reserved, and well-behaved
More demanding, vocal, and needy	Less clingy, noisy, and needy
Require more attention and stimulation	Can tolerate being alone for longer periods
Easier to bond with and train	More loyal and dignified
More prone to spraying or marking their territory	Less prone to spraying or marking their territory

Of course, these are generalizations, and not all male and female Siamese cats will fit into these categories. Each cat is an individual, with its own personality, temperament, and history.

The best way to choose a Siamese cat for you is to meet them in person and see how you get along with them. Don't forget to consider other factors, such as their age, health, and spaying or neutering status, before making a decision.

There is no clear answer to whether male or female Siamese cats are better, as they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

What Is the Rarest Siamese Cat?

Another question that many people ask is what is the rarest Siamese cat. This depends on how you define rarity. There are different ways to measure the rarity of a Siamese cat, such as:

• The color and the pattern of their coat
• The shape and the size of their body
• The breed and the lineage of their parents

Based on these criteria, some of the rarest Siamese cats are:

• The Foreign White Balinese, which combines the rareness of genetically modified white-coat Siamese cats with the additional genetic unlikelihood of the longer-haired Balinese cats.
• The Lilac Point Siamese, which has a pale gray color on their points and a pinkish-white color on their body. This color is very difficult to achieve, as it requires both parents to carry the recessive genes for chocolate and blue points.
• The Thai Siamese, which is the original and traditional type of Siamese cat, with a more robust and muscular body, a rounder head, and a less extreme coat color. This type of Siamese cat is very rare in the West, as most breeders favor the modern and refined type of Siamese cat, with a slender and elegant body, a wedge-shaped head, and a more contrasted coat color.

But rarity is not the only factor that makes a Siamese cat valuable and desirable. There are many other qualities that make a Siamese cat a great companion, such as their intelligence, affection, and charisma.

No matter what color, shape, or breed your Siamese cat is, they are all beautiful and special in their own way.

The rarest Siamese cats are the ones that have the most unusual or uncommon features, such as their coat color, their body shape, or their breed.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about male Siamese cats. As you can see, they are not as rare or as lucky as some people may think, but they are still very special and beautiful cats.

Whether you prefer a male or a female Siamese cat, you can be sure that you will have a loyal and loving companion for life.

Siamese cats are very intelligent and affectionate, and they will always keep you entertained and amused with their antics and their conversations. They are also adaptable and sociable, and they get along well with other pets and children.

If you are interested in getting a male Siamese cat, you should do your research and find a reputable source, whether it is a shelter, a rescue, or a breeder. Be prepared to provide them with the best care and attention that they deserve, as they are very sensitive and demanding cats.

Male Siamese cats are not for everyone, but they are perfect for those who are looking for a cat that is more than just a pet. They are a friend, a family member, and a soulmate. They will enrich your life with their beauty, their wisdom, and their love.

If there's anything else on your mind, feel free to leave a comment below!