Male vs Female Siamese Cats: 4 Key Differences

If you’re not able to tell the difference between a male and female Siamese cat at first glance, don’t get discouraged. Both genders of Siamese cats may look similar in appearance, but they differ greatly in their mannerisms and personality. Today, we’ll explore four key differences between male and female Siamese cats that will help you tell them apart.

Siamese Cats: A Brief Overview

The origins of the Siamese cat reach as far back as the 14th century. Around this time, manuscripts mentioning Siamese cats were found in the country of Siam. The region of Siam is located in modern-day Thailand, and this is how the Siamese cat was given its name. These cats were held in high regard in ancient times, and those who were not members of the high class were not permitted to own them. Some people touted them as bringers of good luck and fortune, while others believed them to be guardians of temples. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the Siamese cat made its way to the United States. President Rutherford B. Hayes was sent one by an American diplomat who was stationed in Bangkok, Thailand. Since then, their popularity has exploded.

Male vs Female Siamese Cats: Physical Characteristics

The truth is that male and female Siamese cats have very few physical differences. Both genders grow to be roughly the same size. Males typically grow to be roughly 12 inches tall, whereas females will grow to be 11 inches tall. In terms of weight, males will weigh in at about 10 pounds, and females will weigh 8 pounds on average.

To the untrained eye, these slight differences may be difficult to discern. If you have a male and a female standing next to one another, the contrast may be more obvious. Males are typically a little bigger than females and have a more muscular build. Females will be smaller, and have a sleeker figure. Learning to identify the gender of a Siamese cat on sight may be challenging, and it will likely require a lot of practice. The easiest way to determine the gender of a Siamese cat is to observe their behavior.

Male vs Female Siamese Cats: Behavioral Differences

Siamese cats are highly attention-seeking and curious. However, it is more common for males to demand attention from their owners than females. Male Siamese cats are friendly, curious, and very accepting of strangers. They love to snuggle with their humans and make friends, and they easily adapt to new pets or humans in their household. However, female Siamese cats are much slower to warm up. They are more cautious than their male counterparts and can be aloof or standoffish when meeting new people or animals for the first time. They have an independent streak and enjoy spending more time alone rather than socializing. Despite this, they are loving and sweet once they get to know you. Both genders of Siamese cats are incredibly intelligent and easily trainable.

Male vs Female Siamese Cats: Vocalizations

It’s no secret that Siamese cats are known for their talkative nature. These cats love to strike up conversations with their humans and with other pets in the house, and they can be loud! On average, male Siamese cats are noisier than females. However, a female Siamese cat in heat will be incredibly vocal, so much so that it might keep their family members awake at night. Unneutered male Siamese cats will also become more vocal and have a deeper tone to their meowing. In addition to the increase in vocalizations, unaltered males and females will also have slight changes to their personalities. Males may become more aggressive and territorial, whereas females may become moody and erratic.

Male vs Female Siamese Cats: Health Considerations

Both male and female Siamese cats can enjoy a long life. On average, both genders live to be between roughly 12 to 20 years old. In addition, both genders will generally face the same set of potential health conditions, such as vestibular disease, impaired vision, respiratory infections, and asthma. However, there are some gender-specific health concerns to be aware of.

Male Siamese cats are at risk for testicular cancer if not neutered, and the same is true for ovarian cancer in female Siamese cats if they are not spayed. You can begin making preparations to neuter your male Siamese cat around four months of age. However, you should wait a bit longer before spaying your female Siamese cat. It is typically recommended to wait until they are about six months of age. Spaying or neutering your Siamese cat will greatly lower the risk of these diseases, which can be a concern for them later on in life. Even if you take these precautions, it is recommended to bring your Siamese cat to the vet for an annual health screening regardless of gender.

Final Thoughts

Depending on the gender of your Siamese cat, there may be slight variations in personality and behavior. However, it’s important to remember that not all female Siamese cats will be aloof, and not all male Siamese cats will be sociable. Exceptions are not uncommon, so try to use this guide as a simple springboard for your decision-making. Regardless of gender, Siamese cats are best suited for homes where their owners are not away for long periods of time, as both males and females require a lot of attention and love.