Thai

The Thai is a representative of the older, more traditional Siamese type, from Thailand. It differs from the modern Siamese in its rounder head and sturdier body, but it keeps the same pale body with darker markings and blue eyes. The short, smooth coat needs little grooming. Adults typically weigh around 2.5 to 5.5 kilograms. The breed is usually talkative, sociable and strongly attached to its family. Thai cats like to play and to be close to people. Because of its history it is often called the old-style Siamese, although FIFe treats it as a separate breed. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 16 years.

Thai: how old in human years?

2.5–5.5 kgWeight
12–16 yrsLife expectancy

German Rex

FIFe category: Category IV — Siamese and Oriental
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: THA
Country of origin: Thailand

Energy level

4/5
Playfulness

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 3.5–5.5 kg

Females 2.5–4.5 kg

Life expectancy

12–16 yrs

Coat

smooth (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Thai: average score for sociability and trainability is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Activity & Living Space

Thai: average score for activity and living space is high.

Energy level 4/5
Playfulness 4/5
Hunting instinct 3/5
Apartment friendly 4/5

Personality & Communication

Thai: average score for personality and communication is high.

Affection 5/5
Independence 3/5
Vocality 4/5

Grooming & Shedding

Thai: grooming and shedding demands are low.

Shedding 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the Thai

A Thai will announce your return before you have your shoes off, and make clear what it thinks of you being late. It is the old-style Siamese, the cat as it was before show Siamese grew so very slender: a medium build, a gentler head, and the same blue eyes and dark points on the face, ears, legs and tail.

Lots of energy, and even more curiosity. It loves games that include you: chasing a wand toy, learning new tricks, and some will even bring a paper ball back to you. It needs high places and a sturdy scratching post, or it will explore the ceiling by way of the curtains. Long days alone don't suit it: without company it gets bored and says so loudly, so if you work away from home a lot, a second lively cat may be the best present you can give it.

It will get on famously with children who know how to play, and with a calm dog once they have met a little at a time. It looks visitors over with interest and decides fairly quickly whether they deserve its attention. Life in a flat is fine, as long as there is plenty going on, and plenty of you.

Grooming and coat

A Thai's coat is short, smooth and fine, fitting the body like a well-cut suit, with hardly any undercoat beneath it. It sheds little, so a weekly once-over with a rubber mitt or a soft brush keeps it in order.

A damp hand picks up the few loose hairs just as well, and the cat will take the stroking as personal attention, of which there can never be too much. There is no need to bath it, unless it gets into something it cannot lick off itself.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a kitten, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 62 g of dry food a day, from €3,55 a month For a neutered, normally active 4 kg cat. Calculate for your cat