Siamese cats trace back to the pointed Wichianmat cats of Thailand, once called Siam, and reached the United States in the late 1800s. They're medium-sized, long and lithe, usually 6 to 14 pounds, with a short, fine coat, a darker face, ears, paws and tail, and vivid blue almond eyes. There's no undercoat and shedding is light, so a quick hand grooming is usually enough.
Personality is the main draw. Many Siamese are talkative, smart and closely bonded to their people, following them from room to room. Left alone for long hours, a bored Siamese may get loud or mischievous. Cats vary, and many shelter cats labeled Siamese are pointed mixes, so judge each cat by how it acts rather than by its coat.