Siamese descend from the pointed cats of Thailand, once called Siam, and arrived in the United States in the late 1800s. They're medium, lithe cats, usually 6 to 14 pounds, with a short, fine coat, no undercoat and vivid blue almond eyes. Their darker face, ears, paws and tail come from a temperature-sensitive pigment gene.
Personality is the main thing to weigh. Many Siamese are talkative, intelligent and closely bonded to their people, and they can turn loud or mischievous when bored or alone for long stretches. Cats vary, and many pointed cats in shelters are Siamese mixes that share the look but not every trait. A Siamese suits a home where someone is around and enjoys play.