Siamese cats are one of the most beloved and easily recognizable breeds in the feline world. Known for their striking blue almond-shaped eyes, sleek coats, and vocal personalities, Siamese cats have captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide. However, what many might not know is that there are various types of Siamese cats, each with subtle but distinctive physical differences. This visual guide will help you identify the various types of Siamese cats by their coat patterns, colors, and other unique features. Types of Siamese Cats

1. Traditional Siamese (Applehead Siamese)

The traditional Siamese, also known as the Applehead Siamese, represents the original version of the breed. These cats have a rounder face with a fuller skull, which gives them a more "apple-shaped" appearance. Their bodies are more robust, with medium-sized frames and muscular builds. The coat of a traditional Siamese tends to be a bit thicker and softer compared to their modern counterparts.

Visual Identification:

• Head: Round, broad face with a gentle profile.


• Body: Medium to large, stocky, and muscular.


• Coat: Short, smooth, but slightly thicker.


• Eyes: Almond-shaped with bright blue color.


• Color: The color points (darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail) can range from seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac.

2. Modern Siamese (Wedgehead Siamese)

The modern Siamese, also called the Wedgehead, is the result of selective breeding for a more refined, angular look. These cats are characterized by a long, triangular-shaped head, slender body, and long legs. Their appearance is sleeker and more elongated, and they often have a more active and agile demeanor. The modern Siamese’s coat is thinner, and their fur lies very flat against the skin.

Visual Identification:

• Head: Triangular-shaped head with a sharp, wedge-like appearance.


• Body: Long and slender with a fine bone structure.


• Coat: Short, thin, and sleek.


• Eyes: Almond-shaped and bright blue.


• Color: Similar to the traditional Siamese with the color points in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac, but the contrast may be sharper in modern cats.

3. Balinese Siamese

The Balinese is often considered the long-haired version of the Siamese, with the same striking features, but a soft, medium-length coat. These cats are the result of breeding Siamese cats with long-haired breeds, and they are just as social and vocal as their short-haired counterparts. While their coats are longer, they still retain the beautiful color points and striking blue eyes.

Visual Identification:

• Head: Triangular, similar to the modern Siamese, with a fine, elongated profile.


• Body: Slender, graceful, and long.


• Coat: Long, silky, and soft with a plumed tail.


• Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, and vivid blue.


• Color: Same as the traditional Siamese, with color points ranging from seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac.

4. Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair is a direct offshoot of the Siamese breed, but with a broader variety of colors and patterns. These cats are often confused with Siamese cats, but they can come in a wide range of colors beyond the traditional seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac points. Their coats are short and sleek, just like the modern Siamese, and they are also very vocal and affectionate.

Visual Identification:

• Head: Similar to the wedge-shaped head of the modern Siamese.


• Body: Slim and elegant with a fine bone structure.


• Coat: Short, sleek, and lies close to the body.


• Eyes: Almond-shaped and bright blue.


• Color: A wider range of colors, including red, cream, and tortoiseshell patterns.

5. Oriental Shorthair

While the Oriental Shorthair is technically a separate breed, it is closely related to the Siamese, and the two share many similar traits. The primary difference is in the variety of coat colors and patterns. Oriental Shorthairs can come in a wide range of colors and markings, such as tabby, solid, bicolor, and more, whereas Siamese cats typically follow more specific color patterns.

Visual Identification:

• Head: Long and wedge-shaped, similar to the modern Siamese.


• Body: Sleek, slender, and elegant.


• Coat: Short, fine, and smooth, but available in a variety of colors and patterns.


• Eyes: Almond-shaped, vibrant blue (though eye color may vary with different patterns).


• Color: Wide array of colors, including black, white, red, tabby, and bicolor patterns.

6. Mink Siamese

Mink Siamese cats are a newer variation that features a coat color somewhere between the traditional Siamese's deep, darker points and the lighter-colored coats of the Balinese. The mink variety has medium-dark color points and a luxurious, soft coat that doesn't have the stark contrasts of the traditional Siamese. These cats are calm, affectionate, and typically have a laid-back personality.

Visual Identification:

• Head: Rounded with a moderate wedge shape.


• Body: Medium-sized with a firm, muscular build.


• Coat: Soft, plush, and medium in length.


• Eyes: Rich blue or aqua with a slight greenish hue.


• Color: Typically a warm, medium contrast point coloration, such as champagne, platinum, and sepia.

7. The "Siamese Mix"

It’s also common to encounter a cat that is a mix of Siamese and other breeds. These cats may have many traits similar to one of the Siamese types above, but may also display differences in personality and physical features. Siamese mixes can vary in terms of size, coat length, and color, depending on the other breed(s) involved.

Visual Identification:

• Head: Varies depending on the mix, but often retains a narrow or angular shape.


• Body: Varies, but often retains a sleek or slender body.


• Coat: Can be short or long, depending on the mix.


• Eyes: Blue or green eyes, depending on the mix.


• Color: May have more varied coat colors and patterns.

Final Thoughts on Identifying Siamese Cats

Identifying the different types of Siamese cats boils down to understanding the specific features that distinguish them from one another. While they all share the same underlying genetic traits, such as their striking blue eyes and graceful bodies, differences in coat patterns, head shape, and personality can help you identify the specific type of Siamese cat in question.

Whether you are drawn to the sleek modern Siamese, the long-haired beauty of the Balinese, or the exotic charm of the Colorpoint Shorthair, all Siamese cats bring their own distinct charm and personality to the table. Their affectionate nature and vocal tendencies make them one of the most entertaining and lovable breeds for cat owners worldwide.