The name of the breed comes from its country of origin, Thailand. The main characteristics of the Thai cat, namely its intelligence and peaceful nature, have given rise to many legends. These animals were revered in Buddhist monasteries as they were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring peace to the monks.
The description of the Thai cat includes blue eyes, which is quite consistent. In the USSR, these cats were often confused with each other, although the Siamese has a slimmer silhouette and a distinctly foreign appearance.
The average life span of a Thai cat is 10-14 years. With good care and the absence of chronic diseases, an animal can live up to 20 years.
The history of the origin of the Thai cat
There is an interesting fact about the origin of the Thai cat. Despite many misconceptions, it is the Siamese cat that originated from the Thais, not the other way around. The country of origin of both breeds is Siam, which is modern Thailand. This name was given to the Asian country as early as the 12th century.
The first mention of animals resembling modern Thais dates back to the 14th century. Their image is found in the “Book of Cat Poems” kept in the National Library in Bangkok.
Thai cats were not only revered by monks, but also by royalty. The animals’ dense and durable fur allowed them to perform security functions. They guarded their lords’ quarters against snakes and rats. When bitten by these dangerous predators, the fluffy protector suffered no serious damage.
The breeding work led to a change in the classic silhouette. The animal became increasingly thin, and its head took the shape of a wedge. This led to the creation of the modern Siamese, so changes had to be made to the standards. In 1990, the old Siamese cats were renamed Thai cats, and their distinct species was bred as a breed in its own right. Because of the many experiments on appearance, it is increasingly difficult to find the classic Thai.
What a Thai cat looks like
If you look at a picture of a Thai cat and compare it to a Siamese cat, you will notice some obvious differences. The Thai’s proportions are more rounded. They have a strong body and limbs. The only thing that unites these breeds is the acromelic color and certain character traits. The weight of these cats is 4 to 6 kilograms and their height at the withers is 30 cm.
The character of the Thai cat
The peaceful nature of Thai cats sets them apart from their Siamese counterparts. They are intelligent and friendly. Trembling with children, they adore their owners. If you have a Thai, be prepared for long monologues and clear a comfortable spot on your bed in advance. This talkative and affectionate pet will bring back anything.
He’ll happily keep you company at meal times, help you hang wallpaper and even sit on the highest point of the house to watch the vacuum cleaner at work.
For your blue-eyed pet’s safety, remember to be adventurous. They don’t learn anything about life, so even with a burnt mustache, they’ll still sneak up on a hot stove.
Especially beware of open windows, because in pursuit of a bird, the animal is sure to dive. The first time he is not in trouble, the second time he can take a completely different course. Put guards on the windows and close the door tightly when you go out on the landing.
Thais love to sit in your arms, but they much prefer a single owner. They do not tolerate solitude, so it is best to replace the owner while you are away. Another cat, dog or child will do to keep them active. A playful pet will never bite or scratch the small animal owner, as they treat all family members with love.
Nutrition and diet
When feeding, be sure to maintain a balanced diet. The animal’s diet should contain sufficient vitamins and nutrients. In the case of a natural diet, it is very difficult to control this yourself. To avoid problems, it is advisable to ask your veterinarian in advance how and what to feed your pet.
The veterinarian can help you establish a feeding plan for your kitten or adult based on its health condition. Vitamins will need to be added to the natural food to reach the recommended levels. Food will need to be prepared daily as stale food is prone to stomach problems.
Tips for choosing a kitten
Thai kittens have fewer points than their parents. The final color does not appear until the age of one year. When you get to know the baby, pay attention to the color of its markings. These should not have any white spots. It is also not advisable to take an animal with squinting eyes or a crooked tail.
Choose the most active kitten that runs toward you. Pick it up gently and check its reactions. A bold, sociable kitten will adapt more easily to its new home.
