 |
Thaï |
|
TranslationFrancis Vandersteen |
||
OriginThe Thaï is a breed of cat native to Thailand. |
| This medium-sized cat is characterized by its traditional Siamois or old-type physique. |
Standard |
| The current standard is the one implemented by the LOOF on January 1, 2013, taking into account modifications made by the EuroThaï breed club. |
A brief historical overview |
| In their homeland, Siamois cats were revered as temple guardians. When a high-ranking person died, his or her soul was reincarnated in the body of a cat. These cats were then sent to the temples to live out their days in luxury and opulence (fine food on gold plates). They could then have a certain power and intercede for the soul of the deceased. Legend has it that the Siamois had a slight squint in its early days, as it fiercely guarded Siam's royal treasures and stared at them so intently that it squinted. Legend also has it that the Siamois tail has a knot or break in it. This is because royal princesses used to hang their rings around the cat's tail so as not to lose them while bathing. Truth or legend, today's cats are not allowed to show any squint or tail defect in cat shows. Although tolerated in the old breed standards, these deformities are now disqualifying. In fact, the first known Siamois cats were imported from the Kingdom of Siam and exhibited at London's Crystal Palace in 1871. The Wichien-maat, as it is known in Thailand, was a public craze from the early 20th century until the Second World War. By the 1960s, silhouettes had become more refined through selection, leaving behind the traditional Siamois and giving rise to the slender shapes we know today. The original morphology has nevertheless been perpetuated, retaining the qualities and appearance of the old-style Siamois. The name Siamois has remained, and is now anchored to the new, slender, lanky forms. It was therefore necessary to find a name for the old Siamois, with its rounder, stockier appearance. The name Thai was chosen, as the breed originated in Siam, now known as Thailand (Land of the Thais). The breed clubs in France, affiliated to the LOOF, are EuroThaï and the Thaï Féline Club. The clubs are involved in drawing up the LOOF standard. |
General appearance |
| Unlike the Siamois, the Thaï is more massive and rounder. However, it remains an athletic-looking cat. |
Behavior / characteristics |
| The character of the Thaï is described as identical to that of the Siamois. They are what we call “cat-dogs”. Very affectionate and present, the Thaï, as ancestor of the Siamois, is said to be quite expressive and talkative, knowing how to make himself understood in any situation. However, these character traits are entirely individual and depend above all on the history of each cat. |
Head |
||
Cranial region |
||
Head |
The head is triangular, but with rounded contours and round cheeks. | |
Facial region |
||
Forehead |
In profile, the forehead and skull are slightly domed. | |
Eyes |
Oval, set at a slight angle. They should always be the deepest blue possible. Strabismus is often a problem among these breeds, but is considered a defect. | |
Ears |
Medium-sized, set fairly low, broad at the base, with rounded tips. | |
Body |
||
Generality |
Generally well muscled, but not heavy. | |
Tail |
| The tail tapers lengthwise to a rounded tip, but should not be “whip-like” like its oriental cousins. |
Limbs |
| The legs are slender and proportionate to the body. | ||
Forequarters |
Hindquarters |
Feet |
| Medium-sized, oval feet. |
Coat |
||
Coat and texture |
The coat is short and close to the body. To the touch, the coat is very soft and dense. The only permitted pattern is colorpoint. All colors are accepted, but the most common are seal point, blue point, chocolate point and lilac point. Tabby subjects are also available. | |
Authorized marriages |
 In France, no interbreeding is allowed. TICA, on the other hand, allows Siamois. |
English (United Kingdom) 
Comments