About the breed
Before the show Siamese took on a slimmer, more wedge-shaped look in the second half of the 20th century, Thailand had for centuries been home to the cat known today as the Thai cat, or wichien maat. It is a rounder, more moderately built version of the same pointed type, often described as the "traditional Siamese."
The original shape before the look changed
The Thai has a rounder, "apple-shaped" head and a medium-long body that is far less extremely slender, whereas show breeders have developed the modern Siamese since the 1960s into an increasingly extreme, wedge-headed, svelte form. Temperament is similar in both — sociable and talkative — but the Thai is considered more moderate in every respect.
An old type, a recently separated breed
This is the traditional type of pointed cat that was described in Thailand centuries before the modern show Siamese existed. When the show Siamese evolved into a more extreme form from the 1960s onward, admirers of the original type won separate breed recognition for it: the WCF (World Cat Federation) recognised it as a distinct breed with championship status in 1990, TICA in 2010, and FIFe added it to its list of recognised breeds in the second half of the 2010s. The American CFA does not (yet) recognise it separately from the Siamese.
Temperament: chatty, sociable, almost dog-like
The Thai cat is strongly sociable and talkative, much like the modern Siamese — it likes to follow its owner around the home, take part in household activity and vocalise loudly when it wants attention. That need for contact is common to pointed breeds of this type, but is especially pronounced in the Thai.
Energy that turns to mischief without an outlet
The Thai cat is highly energetic and, without enough daily stimulation, can become restless and turn to mischief such as opening drawers or climbing on cupboards. Apartment living can therefore be more demanding for this breed than one might expect — it needs plenty of climbing surfaces, toys and regular play time with its owner, or it will find its own entertainment.
Family life and other pets: yes, with enough attention
The Thai cat gets along well with children and with cat-friendly dogs and other cats, since it likes to be part of what's happening in the house rather than withdrawing. The condition for that relationship is an active household that can offer it enough company and activity during the day.
Coat and dental care
The short, close-lying pointed coat needs only weekly brushing to keep it in good condition. Regular dental care deserves more attention than the coat does, since pointed cats, the Thai included, are somewhat more prone to periodontal disease.
Health
In pointed cats, which includes the Thai, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are the main conditions monitored; some sources also mention occasional gangliosidosis, though genetic testing has already nearly eradicated it in British lines of the Thai. Responsible breeders test parent cats before breeding.
Suitability for beginners: conditional
The Thai cat is very sociable, vocal and copes poorly with long hours alone, so it needs an owner who is home a lot and willing to give it plenty of attention and play. For a complete first-time cat owner it can be a more demanding choice than a more independent breed, but it rewards experienced, attentive owners with an especially close bond.
Temperament
sociable, talkative, curious, people-oriented, playful
Suitable for
families and people who are home a lot
Living environment
apartment with climbing furniture and company
Grooming
weekly brushing, daily interactive play, company, dental care
Pros & cons
Advantages
very affectionate and sociable, minimal grooming, long-lived
Things to consider
vocal and loud, dislikes being alone, needs lots of play
Notes
The traditional Siamese type with its own standard (WCF, TICA, FIFe). Breeders should test for PRA and HCM.
