Thai

The Thai cat breed originated in Thailand, where it is actually referred to as the Wichien-Maat, which translates to “moon diamond.” This breed is also commonly referred to as the Traditional, or Old-Style, Siamese. 

The Thai (Blue Point and Lilac) originated in 1989 from a litter of Korat kittens in the UK. To the breeder’s surprise, one of the kittens wasn’t blue as Korats are, but a pinky shade. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, more white or pink kittens appeared, and it eventually became clear that Korats carried recessive genes for the Lilac and Blue Point colours. 

Recessive genes like these can stay hidden for many generations. The Lilac gene dilutes coat colour to the pinky-beige, and the Blue Point gene restricts colour to the extremities of the cat (the legs, ears, nose and tail).

On top of the usual games, puzzle toys and food dispensing toys, the biggest enrichment you can provide for a Thai is to allow them to supervise or help with whatever you are doing. This may not always be practical however, but fortunately the Thai is clever enough to be clicker trained using positive reinforcement, to go to a ‘station’ or suitable spot and wait.

They will also enjoy retrieve games and the usual ‘kill the thing on a string’ type activities. Due to their demands for attention, spending a good amount of time interacting with them every day is necessary to keep the Thai happy.
 

The Thai is a bit too athletic and yet sensitive to be allowed outside unsupervised in the real world. This would likely result in them up the tallest tree, stuck and frightened, or due to their exotic looks, stolen or injured. They are better off provided with a secure cat run where they can choose when they go out, and have access to a variety of cat trees and platforms that allow for sunbathing and climbing.

Thai cats need lots of nutrition to support their high activity and energy levels. However, avoid over-feeding them as they are suggested to be kept as indoor cats, so to avoid cat obesity make sure that your Thai cat is only receiving the essential balanced diet it needs. 

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. 

Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
 

The Thai coat does not require much grooming, but a wipe over with a grooming glove several times a week and a daily check for parasites and wounds is sensible.

Remember that a greasy coat can be evidence that your cat is no longer attempting to groom themselves, which can be indicative of poor or failing health or excessive weight. As with all cats, Thai cat’s benefit from regular vaccination, parasite control and an annual veterinary health check.
 

For the steady, stable household with children old enough to understand a cat is not a toy or doll, the Thai cat can make a good family companion. They are unlikely to appreciate a very loud or chaotic household, and care must be taken not to let them outside into the real world.

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Thai cats. However, you may want to try rescue shelters that cater to all types of cats, including Thai cats, as well asl local rehoming shelters. 

Please consult the adoption organisation, if you are adopting, for details on a specific cat’s character.