The Siamese cat personality is what makes this breed extra-special!
Well, I would say that, wouldn't I? I live with one.
But I believe that every cat breed has its own particular nature, and the personality of the Siamese cat does make it quite unlike other breeds.
So just what is it about the Siamese cat personality that sets these cats apart?
Siamese cats are cats with attitude
They're fun-loving and adventurous – they're not placid, quiet cats. They love toys and games and the more active they are, the better. They adore being entertained.
Toys that rattle and jingle, 'adventure playground' cat trees and cat condos, and anything with feathers or fur that looks vaguely like a bird or a mouse will excite their interest.
An adventurous personality (no birds were harmed ...)
They love stalking, so a piece of string (preferably with something looking like a mouse attached and dragged round the house by you!) will keep them entertained for hours.
You'll probably get bored of playing long before they do.
The Siamese personality: prima ballerina - or clown?
Siamese cats are muscular and athletic and very graceful … except when they're not.
They have an extraordinarily beautiful walk and they generally leap and pirouette with all the strength and precision of ballet dancers.
But there's a clown-like, clumsy side to their nature too, and they occasionally misjudge their intended target when jumping up on something, resulting in a rather undignified scrabble for balance.
When this happens they'll always pretend it didn't … "Who, me?" … by ignoring it completely and finding an urgent spot on their leg that needs licking.
And what about those voices?
These are very talkative cats, and will keep up a running commentary on everything you do.
They have extraordinary voices that can communicate a wide range of commands and emotions – from a short, protesting grunt if they're unhappy about being woken up or moved, through a mournful 'maahhww' when they're lonely, to a loud, strident yowl if they're hungry or want to be let out - or in!
A very adventurous nature
They love exploring and will get their noses and paws into everything. They enjoy fresh air and like the outdoors, so if yours is an outdoor cat it will investigate every nook and cranny of your garden and probably all your neighbors' gardens too.
Siamese cats kept indoors can become bored and neurotic if they don't have enough to entertain them, so if you have an indoor cat, make sure they have plenty to keep them occupied.
Otherwise they may just entertain themselves by digging up your carpets and tearing holes in your furniture – common behavior problems - so scratching posts are essential.
A defining aspect of Siamese cat personality is that they're intelligent and clever. They don't like being confined and if they're large enough can learn to open doors with lever handles (although round doorknobs do present them with a little more of a challenge).
A Siamese cat will also see an open window (even if it's just a little tiny crack) as both a challenge and an opportunity; a challenge to the escapist side of its nature and an opportunity to have some fun.
If you have an 'indoor' cat, be careful about windows. Sadly a number of cats have been lost this way, as indoor cats don't develop the homing and survival skills necessary to cope with the big wide world outside.
Do Siamese cats bond to humans?
The Siamese cat personality is loving and loyal. They seem to need human contact more than other cats, and they form strong bonds with 'their' humans.
Although they have a sociable and generally outgoing nature, this possessive bond with their owners may sometimes make them aloof and shy with strangers.
But they don't like being left alone and I've known several who, in the absence of their own people, spent their days curled up on other people's sofas, returning home only when it was time to eat!
So …
… the Siamese cat personality is talkative, fun-loving and adventurous, intelligent and clever, loving and loyal, sociable, graceful and, just very occasionally, a little clumsy too.
Have I missed anything?
Of course, like all cats, they do enjoy sleeping in the sun …