The Siamese cat is one of the first clearly recognized breeds of Oriental cat . The stories about their origins are diverse , complex , and fanciful , but they are believed to derive originally from Southeast Asia , specifically from Thailand , formerly known as " Siam ." In Thailand , they are called " Michiana Mat ," which translates to " Moon Diamond ." They have become the third most popular breed of cat in Europe and North America , following the Persian ( ), and the Maine Coon cat ( ), and are the most popular of all the short-haired breeds . They are much loved by their fanciers , for their intelligence , playfulness , ability to hold ( loud ) conversations , loyalty , stylishness , and beauty . According to an owner I spoke with , they have " a classy look about them that commands attention , and a personality to match !"
The pointed cat known as the Siamese is one of several breeds that were described and illustrated in manuscripts entitled the " Tamara Mew " ( cat poems ), believed to have been written between the th and th centuries . Legend has it that they kept away evil spirits and brought good luck to their owners and they were often seen around temples and Royal households . The Siamese cat first appeared outside of Thailand in , when " Siam " was given to U . S President Rutherford B . Hayes by the American consul in Bangkok . Next , a breeding pair was brought to Britain by the British Consul-General in Bangkok as a special gift for his sister . In , the first British pair , " Pho " and " Mia ," produced three kittens . The kittens and their parents were shown that year at London ' s Crystal Palace Show , and their unique appearance and distinctive , unusual behavior made a huge impression . Another breeding pair , with kittens , was imported to Britain in . Britons were familiar by that time with the British .
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