Another Grumpy Cat: What to Know About Siamese Cat Behavior And Personality

Siamese cats are one of the most recognizable cat breeds in the world. They are also one of the breeds that has the longest history of human interaction. But while these cats are well-known, not everyone clearly understands the distinct Siamese cat personality.

Some of these personality traits will enrich your experience of owning a Siamese cat. Other Siamese cat behavior problems can make these cats a challenging pet option. In this article, we’ll give you an outline of a typical Siamese cat personality and behavior. After reading, you’ll be ready to know if a Siamese cat is the right choice for you. 

Common Siamese Cat Personality Traits

Before we proceed, it is important to point out that every individual cat is likely to show unique personality traits. But with that said, there are some traits that are exceptionally common among a majority of Siamese cats. Most notably, many Siamese cats are:

  • Intelligent and independent
  • Vocal
  • Physically active
  • Social
  • Somewhat aggressive

In the sections below, we will take a deeper dive into each of those standard Siamese cat behaviors. A deeper understanding of each one will give you a better idea of what it takes to own and care for one of these unique cats. 

Intelligence and Independence

Siamese cats are some of the most intelligent cats around the world. Their minds allow you to train them to do a few different commands. That same intelligence is what can lead some Siamese cats to become bored very easily. 

Also, while it is possible to train a Siamese cat, the task can prove to be difficult. Siamese cats have impressive brainpower, but they are selective in how they choose to use it. Often, a Siamese cat will follow its own agenda rather than a strict training routine from its owner. 

Siamese Cats Are Extremely Vocal

One of the most noticeable characteristics of Siamese cats is that they are extremely vocal animals. This noisiness relates to their intelligence. Since these cats are so smart, they need more mental stimulation than other pets.

When a Siamese cat is not getting the attention it needs, it has no qualms about letting you know. They are ready to let out their distinctive meows until you meet their needs. At times, that meowing can go on for hours without end.  

What is worse is that many people dislike the sound of a Siamese cat’s meow. Part of the issue is that this meow is very high-pitched and has a whiny tone. That tone reaches us on a somewhat primal level. 

Some liken the noise to a crying baby, which can be very distressing for some owners. If you don’t mind the noise, your next job is to figure out what will appease your Siamese cat’s temperament. That is the only way to get them to stop making so much noise. 

High Activity Levels

Remember to play with your Siamese cat so that they don’t get lonely.

We have already noted that Siamese cats have active minds. Now it is time to point out that they have very active bodies as well. Siamese cats love to play. So if you choose to have one, you need to make sure that there are space and toys available to them. 

Fortunately for Siamese cat owners, many types of toys are excellent for their pets. The toys can keep your cat engaged for hours, even while you are not home. Here are some of the most popular types of toys that cats will appreciate:

  • Scratching posts
  • Catnip toys
  • Ping pong balls
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Stuffed animals

Without the opportunity to play, a Siamese cat can become restless, which can affect its overall mood. That means that if your Siamese cat seems down, a lack of exercise may be the cause. In fixing that issue, remember that Siamese cats like to play games with their owners and have games to play by themselves. 

Social Needs

Siamese cats are extremely social animals to the point where you are better off finding a pair if you are considering getting one. Many Siamese cats are so high-maintenance when it comes to socializing that their owner’s attention alone is not enough.

The best an owner can do is pay a lot of attention to their Siamese cat when they can. Of course, there will be times when you cannot always be home with your pet. But while you are away, a siamese cat will still feel the need to interact. That is where a second cat or another pet can come in handy. 

There is one surprising exception to this need for social interaction. While Siamese cats love spending time with their owners and other pets, they are not fond of strangers. When you have a guest over, your Siamese cat may respond to the presence of an unknown person with some jealous behavior. 

The social needs of a Siamese cat have their positives and negatives. On the one hand, the breed’s need for constant attention makes them very high maintenance. At the same time, if you can give them the attention they need, a Siamese cat can become a loyal member of your family. 

Siamese Cat Aggressiveness

By now, you can see that Siamese cats have a long list of constant needs. What’s also apparent is that those needs can be hard to meet. Those two facts are at the root of a Siamese cat’s potential for aggressiveness.

When Siamese cats become restless, they can go to extreme lengths to express their displeasure. This behavior can include aggressive posturing and biting. Through this tendency, Siamese cats have gained a reputation as an aggressive breed. 

To a degree, the aggressive reputation that Siamese cats have is justified. Compared to many other breeds, they act more violently when they feel unfulfilled. But these Siamese cat characteristics are avoidable when a Siamese cat lives with a highly attentive owner.

If an owner can dedicate enough time to raising their Siamese cat, they stand a chance of keeping aggressive behavior to a minimum. Particularly after a Siamese cat is older than two years, they begin to calm down. At that point, they can become mild-mannered, even getting along well with young children. 

Are Siamese Cats Affectionate?

While we just noted that Siamese cats are a bit more aggressive than other cats, they are also highly affectionate. When a Siamese cat feels a lack of affection, they become more aggressive.

Most of the time, Siamese cats love spending time with their owner. For a Siamese cat, that quality time can include petting, holding, and cuddling. These cats also enjoy grooming and can consider brushing to be affectionate treatment.

Recall that Siamese cats are an independent breed. That means that you should give them their space when it appears that is what they want. Since these cats have such a strong will, they will initiate physical affection with you when they want it. Some signs that a cat wants your affection are:

  • Nudging you with their head
  • Exposing their belly
  • Slow blinking
  • Purring
  • Following you 

These signs and more are a good indication that your Siamese cat is looking for some pets. Be sure to recognize these signs and give your pet the affection they crave. 

Do Siamese Cats Get Along With Dogs?

Siamese cats often get along well with dogs.

Since Siamese cats are a relatively temperamental breed, many people wonder how they will interact with dogs. The good news is that Siamese cats often get along well with pet dog companions. In many situations, the presence of a dog can improve the well-being of your Siamese cat.

Dogs provide yet another outlet for a Siamese cat’s seemingly boundless stores of energy. A pet dog and a Siamese cat will often keep each other occupied while you are away from home. But there are still a few important considerations you should make before introducing a Siamese cat to their new canine friend. 

You should make sure that the dog you choose to accompany your Siamese cat is fun-loving and non-aggressive. A territorial dog does not mix well with a Siamese cat’s personality. You should also make sure that the dog you choose is not too large. That way, they are less likely to accidentally hurt your cat while they play.

It is also important to think about how you will introduce your two pets. Ideally, you should conduct this introduction slowly so that both animals have a chance to adjust to their new companion and environment. 

Conclusion

The lovely appearance of a Siamese cat makes the prospect of owning one an alluring idea. But these cats are not suitable for every owner. Siamese cats have some extensive needs related to their mental stimulation and social interaction. Not many people are ready to meet those needs. But if you are, you’ll enjoy an affectionate Siamese cat as your pet.