Siamese ~ Thai ~ Wichien-Maat

Choosing A New Kitten
by Amy Adolph

Choosing a new Siamese kitten means understanding, and committing to a 15-20 year relationship. With the prospect of such a long connection, it is essential that new Siamese kitten owners choose their kittens based on personality rather than looks or gender. Many kittens are purchased by what is known as "impulse buying" based on the "cuteness factor". Kittens in their own right are simply adorable, fun and at any given time spirited or calm. Understanding the kitten's personality takes more than just a onetime visit. Preferably before purchasing a kitten’s new owner should feel confident in the quality the breeder represents. A good breeder will explain all of the qualities that encompass specific kittens; a great breeder will only sell a kitten by matching the personality traits with specific families.

Often potential owners request certain colors, or gender, but forget the premium importance of personality traits. No one Siamese kitten is the same. Despite the popular myth that Siamese are all outgoing, these cats, while social, do have a larger range of personality traits that distinguish among one another. Some kittens are active while others are calm, and some are talkative while others are quiet. There tends to be confusion on personality based on the gender and or color. In reality, the sex or color of the kitten makes no difference in their personality, especially if they are neutered or spayed prior to reaching hormone maturity.

Breeders have the advantage of spending long periods of time with the kittens, enough so, a clearer evaluation can help determine the genuine personality of a kitten. A spunky kitten one day, may actually be a shy quiet kitten normally. Breeders have a huge responsibility when it comes to placing kittens, and ensuring lifelong placement. Too often, potential kitten owners are sold kittens solely on the cuteness factor, this technique should be considered a red flag for potential kitten owners. Quality Breeders will ask numerous questions and make specific recommendations based on personal knowledge of each kitten to match with specific families.

When considering owning a new Siamese or Thai kitten, potential owners should ask themselves the following questions:

What personality traits are most important?

Is color or gender more important than the personality of the kitten?

List the priority of factors for getting a kitten?

Is the breeder seriously concerned with placing a kitten by matching personality, or by using the cuteness factor?

*There is evidence that demonstrates the need kittens to be with their mother for 12+ weeks helps improve and promote effective behavior and the ability to bond with owner attachment. (Serpell, 1996) As such, focusing on the kittens personality and ensuring to purchase only from a breeder who practicies keeping their kittens with the mother for 12+ weeks, will help establish the bond between human and cat for an ever-lasting relationship.

More from the Breeder: as a psychotherapist, and a doctoral candidate in psychology, I make my living studying and providing therapy to people, and my hobby studying my cats. Breeding really is a hobby for me, so ensuring my kittens have lifelong placements is an absolute priority for me. I am not opposed to potential kitten owners asking for specific gender or color, only if they specifically understand I will not place a kitten unless it matches the personality of the family. For example, I would never place a quiet kitten with an active family, nor would I place a social kitten as an only pet. My hobby is a personal pleasure, but involves decisions levied at the expense of a life. I would be horrified if one of my kittens ended up abandoned or in a shelter due to my negligence in ensuring a good family match.

According to The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), bad cat behavior is due to an adequate socialization as young kittens. (Hill's Pet Nutrition, 2004) If you have had cats in the past with bad behavior it could be the kitten was was separated during the early socialization stages. The AAFP recognizes three major social development stages for kittens:

Neonatal = Birth - 2weeks

Early Socialization = 3-8 weeks

Late Socialization = 9-16 weeks

I have chosen to use the 12th week for placement as an average guideline. This guideline is based on personal evaluation and other Siamese breeders inputs through evaluating the social welfare of Siamese litters. While I NEVER place the kittens younger, there may come a time I will need to place kittens at an older age. This has not occurred, but I will not rule out that one day there may be an immature kitty who needs their mom longer then average.

Works Cited

Hill's Pet Nutrition. (2004). feline behavior guidelines. Retrieved from American Association of feline practitioners: http://www.aafponline.org/resources/guidelines/Feline_Behavior_Guidelines.pdf
Serpell, J. (1996). Evidence for an association between pet behavior and owner attachment levels. Animal Behavior Science , 47: 49 - 60.