National Siamese Day

Siamese cat with striking blue eyes, sitting on a silk cushion, surrounded by elegant Thai-inspired decor in a cozy living room.. — National siamese day illustration

Welcome to the celebration of National Siamese Day! This pawsome day is a meowvelous opportunity to appreciate the fascinating history, unique characteristics, and extraordinary beauty of Siamese cats. So, gather your furry friends, curl up with a cup of tea, and let's dive into this feline-filled extravaganza!

When is Siamese Day?

It's national siamese day on the 6th April.

The Internet History of National Siamese Day

Did you know that National Siamese Day was first mentioned online on April 6, 2021? Since then, it has garnered a total of 13 mentions, making it a purrfectly well-known occasion on the world wide web.

Siamese cats, with their mesmerizing blue eyes and distinctive color points, have been captivating humans for centuries. This special day aims to celebrate these regal felines and raise awareness about their fascinating traits and needs.

Siamese cats originate from Thailand, which was formerly known as Siam. Their history is as rich and colorful as their striking coats. The breed gained popularity in the West when they were first showcased in the late 19th century. Ever since, Siamese cats have been stealing hearts with their social nature, playful personalities, and their unique ability to communicate through a wide range of vocalizations.

On National Siamese Day, cat lovers from all over the world come together to honor these elegant creatures. They share adorable photos of their Siamese companions on social media, exchange tips and stories about Siamese cat care, and even organize kitty meetups!

Whether you have a Siamese cat or simply admire their beauty from afar, National Siamese Day is the perfect occasion to show your admiration. Plan a pampering session with your kitty, spoil them with their favorite treats and toys, and create joyful memories together.

History behind the term 'Siamese'

1682

The Arrival of a Special Gift

In the year 1682, the ruler of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, now present-day Thailand, sent a gift to the King of France. This gift was two Siamese cats, which quickly garnered attention and curiosity due to their unique appearance and captivating personalities.

1293

The Kingdom of Sukhothai

The term 'Siamese' originated in the year 1293 in the Kingdom of Sukhothai, which was the first independent Thai kingdom. During this time, the kingdom was ruled by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. The term 'Siamese' referred to the people who lived in the region known as Siam, which included modern-day Thailand.

1350

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya

The term 'siamese' can trace its origins back to the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, which was founded in 1350 and was the precursor to modern-day Thailand. During this time, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya established trade relations with various countries, including China. As a result, Chinese merchants started referring to the people of Ayutthaya as 'Siam', which means 'dark' or 'brown' in Chinese due to the complexion of the locals.

1351

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya is established

In the year 1351, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya is founded in present-day Thailand. This kingdom would go on to have a profound impact on the term 'siamese' and its association with Thailand. Ayutthaya became a significant trading hub in Southeast Asia, attracting merchants and traders from various parts of the world.

17th century

Introduction of the Siamese cat to Europe

During the 17th century, Siamese cats were introduced to Europe. These elegant felines quickly gained popularity for their striking blue almond-shaped eyes and distinctive color points. Europeans, fascinated by these cats from Siam (the former name of Thailand), began referring to them as 'Siamese cats'. This association between the breed and Siam contributed to the spread of the term 'siamese' beyond just cats.

1834

The Term Enters English Vocabulary

The year 1834 marked an important milestone for the term 'Siamese.' It was during this time that the term was first introduced into the English language as a way to describe these distinctive feline companions brought from Siam, the former name for Thailand.

1800s

Introduction to the Western world

In the 1800s, Thailand, then known as Siam, started to establish diplomatic relations with the Western world. As a result, the term 'Siamese' gained popularity among Europeans as a way to refer to the people and culture of Siam. This was the beginning of the term becoming more widely recognized in the international community.

1594

European Contact

In 1594, the Portuguese arrived in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and encountered the people referred to as 'Siam' by the Chinese. The Portuguese adopted the term 'Siamese' to define the people of Ayutthaya in their records and interactions. The term 'Siamese' quickly gained popularity among European traders and explorers who came into contact with the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in the following years.

1871

Siamese Cat Exhibition in Britain

Siamese cats made their grand debut in the Western world at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in London, England, in 1871. These captivating creatures with their striking blue almond-shaped eyes and color-pointed fur fascinated both the judges and the audience, leading to increased popularity and recognition of the Siamese breed.

19th century

Siamese twins gain international attention

In the 19th century, conjoined twins from Siam gained international attention. Chang and Eng Bunker, known as the Siamese twins, became famous for their unique condition. As the term 'siamese' had already become associated with anything originating from Siam, the twins' condition added another layer to the term's cultural impact, further highlighting the connection between 'siamese' and Thailand.

19th century

Siamese Cats

During the 19th century, Siamese cats, which originated in Siam, were introduced to Europe. The striking appearance of these cats, with their blue almond-shaped eyes and distinct coat pattern, captured the attention of cat lovers. They became popular pets among the Western elite, further familiarizing people with the term 'Siamese.'

1767

Fall of Ayutthaya

In 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese. The fall of Ayutthaya marked the end of the Kingdom and led to a period of political instability in the region. Despite the downfall of Ayutthaya, the term 'Siamese' continued to be used to refer to the people of Thailand, as the concept of a unified Thai nation emerged.

1890

Official Recognition as a Cat Breed

After a period of skepticism from cat enthusiasts, the Siamese cat breed was finally given recognition by major cat associations. In 1890, the breed was accepted by The National Cat Club of Great Britain, solidifying its place as a unique and distinct breed.

1939

Official Name Change

In 1939, the Thai government officially changed the name of the country from Siam to Thailand. With this change, the demonym for people from Thailand shifted from 'Siamese' to 'Thai'. However, the term 'Siamese' continued to be used colloquially, especially in reference to Siamese cats, which were originally from Thailand and gained popularity around the world.

1884

The term 'Siamese' applied to diplomatic relations

In 1884, the Kingdom of Siam (Thailand) was involved in an important diplomatic event. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty established diplomatic relations between Siam and Britain. This treaty further solidified the link between the term 'siamese' and diplomacy. It became common to refer to any diplomatic agreement involving Siam as a 'Siamese' treaty.

1939

Renaming of Siam

In the year 1939, Siam officially changed its name to Thailand. This renaming marked a significant transition for the country and its people. However, the term 'Siamese' continued to be used to refer to both the people of Thailand and certain cultural aspects associated with the country, such as Siamese cuisine and Siamese music.

20th century

Siamese twins as a medical term

In the early 20th century, the term 'siamese twins' began to be used in medical literature to describe the condition of conjoined twins. This adoption of the term in the medical field further enhanced its cultural significance and expanded its usage beyond the specific context of Siam or Thailand.

21st century

Evolution of the term

In the 21st century, the term 'Siamese' has evolved to encompass a broader cultural and historical significance. It denotes the rich cultural heritage of Thailand, including its arts, architecture, traditions, and customs. Additionally, the term is sometimes used to refer to the Thai language. Despite its changing connotations, 'Siamese' remains a symbol of Thailand's unique identity and its place in the global community.

1950s

Hollywood's Fascination with Siamese Cats

The Siamese cat's association with elegance and mystique caught the attention of the film industry in the 1950s. Movies like Disney's 'Lady and the Tramp' and 'That Darn Cat!' showcased the enchanting nature and mischievous charm of Siamese cats, captivating audiences worldwide.

1950s

Siamese Breed Developments

During the 1950s, breeders began experimenting and developing new variations of the Siamese cat breed. These efforts resulted in various sub-breeds, including the Traditional Siamese (also known as Applehead Siamese) and the Modern Siamese, characterized by their distinct physical features and temperaments.

Did you know?

Did you know that Siamese cats are not only known for their stunning appearance but also their demanding voices? These vocal felines love having a chat and are known for expressing their opinions with a variety of meows, chirps, and even purrs!