Cat Owner Short on Space? Tall Cat Tree Toy that Fits on Door

Cats love climbing, especially on cat tree toys, but the biggest complaint amongst cat owners is the amount of space they take up. Even a litterbox seems to take up too much space at times!

 A tall cat tree toy that fits on your door is an easy way to compromise with your kitty while giving them the chance to get their exercise, stretch their claws, and have fun.

 
Cat toys that utilize space, such as this tall cat tree that fits on the door, is a great idea for apartment dwellers who are short on space.

This particular toy can fit on the bathroom door, back of the front door, or spare bedroom door. It can even go on the inside of the closet door -- just leave the door open when the cat can play and close it for easy storage when you have company.

If you're short on space, a cat tree toy that fits on the door is a perfect solution for both you and your kitty.

Breeds that are Similar to Siamese Cats

Balinese - long haired Siamese.
Burmese - Descendants of a cat found in Burma named Wong Mau in 1930. Wong Mau was bred with a Siamese, and while Burmese aren't technically derived from Siamese, they were initially thought to be a variant of Siamese, hence crossbreeding.
Colorpoint Shorthair - The result of crossbreeding with other shorthair cats. Resembles a Siamese except for the lack of traditional coloring.

Himalayan - Derived from crossing Persians with Siamese. Referred as a Colorpoint Persian in Europe, and considered to be a member of the Persian breed by CFA.
Javanese - Longhaired version of the Colorpoint Shorthair.
Ocicat - Result of crossing an Abyssian with a Siamese; a spotted cat.
Oriental Shorthair, Oriental Longhair - Same style as a Siamese, with non-pointed colors, including tabby, silver, and tortoiseshell.
Tonkinese - Cross of a Siamese and Burmese. Tonkinese have the typical points, but their bodies are traditionally darker.

Caring for your Siamese Cat

Tips for Proper Siamese Care

A siamese cat isn't much different from any other cat, aside from their reputation for demanding for more attention.

» Rid your house of plants that can be poisonous to cats, as cats will gnaw on plants or grass to help regulate their digestive system. It may seem logical that you can put a plant above reach - on top of the refrigerator, for example - but there aren't many places a cat can't reach. They can jump onto surfaces several feet above their heads, and if they can't make it in a single jump, they can climb almost anywhere. Check this list of poisonous plants provided by the Cat Fanciers' Association. Additionally, read the Ten Tips List on a Poison Safe Household.

» Always have fresh water available. Purchasing a water bowl that automatically cleans and filters the water will help.

» Scoop litter box every other day. Change litter weekly. Also, pay attention to what your cat leaves behind, as the litter box is often the first place signs of disease or infection will often show up.

» A recommended diet for your cat should consist of 60% protein. Most experts suggest alternating between dry and canned cat food, or splitting each meal half and half. Cats are natural born hunters, so although it can be alarming, it need not be surprising when you find your cat on the porch with an afternoon snack of bird or mouse. If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, a few servings of milk, a little bit of egg, and a few slivers of chicken per week is recommended.

» Provide a scratching post or an alternative. Scratching is how a cat sheds its old claws. Your Siamese also uses her claws for optimum balance, climbing, and grooming.

» Brush your cat occasionally. All cats will see to it that they groom themselves several times a day, and let's face it - they're usually more meticulous than us! However, some Siamese cats will have longer hair than others, and you may assist by brushing your kitty once or twice a week.

» Get your cat vaccinated. Even if your Siamese is an indoor pet, vaccinations are necessary. Kittens will require more vaccines than an adult cat, as they are susceptible to more illnesses and deadly diseases. The American Vetrenary Association advises to consult your veternarian first, as different cats have different needs and will require different vaccines.

» Love! You will find that the more love and attention you give your kitty during their formative months, the more likely they will return the affection as an adult.

Click here for a list of diseases in cats.

Click here for advice on selecting a vet.

Training Your Siamese Cat

Cat Training Tips:

Training and Housebreaking your Siamese Cat

Is it possible to train your Siamese cat? Usually when we think of cats, we think of an independent streak that will not respond to commands. Our Siamese will come when called, but she will "sit" and "stay" at her own leisure.

» Housebreaking your Cat If your Siamese cat will be spending any length of time indoors, it is essential to to make sure you housebreak your cat by training her to use a litter box. Cats like to be clean about using the bathroom, and will usually go somewhere that allows them to "cover" their mess (for example, some cats will go in potted plants if not properly trained, which will eventually kill your plants!) Confining your new Siamese kitten to a room with the litter box can be helpful, as well as placing the cat in the box a few times in order to establish familiarity. Placing the litter box somewhere of convenience will be helpful -Typically, your Siamese kitten will learn housebreaking behavior from it's mother, but some kittens are slower learners.

if you hide the litter box while you're trying to housebreak your cat, your cat may not be able to find the box and will consequently go in the corner of the room! Don't place the litter box in a place where the kitten may be frightened - consider distance from loud noises, other pets, etc.

    » Try the Omega Paw Self-Cleaning Litterbox from Amazon


» Toilet Training your Cat
Can you REALLY teach your cat how to use the toilet? Cat owners swear by the instructional DVD set, with step-by-step instructions from how train your cat from using the litterbox to using the toilet. After all training your cat to use the toilet will save you on the cost of litter -- and gets rid of that terrible litterbox odor!

   » Try the Litter Kwitter Cat Toilet Training System DVD set from Amazon 

» Leash Training Your Cat Cat enthusiasts have debated for years as to whether or not cats should be leash-trained. Some argue that it's cruel and inhumane to force a cat, who is naturally independent, to submit to walking on a leash, while other cat lovers simply want to spend more time with their precious feline and feel it is possible to train a cat to walk on a leash -- it just may require more patience. If you are one of those who would love to leash train your cat, here are some tips we've compiled from various sources. Remember, lots of patience and love will be required -- never become frustrated with your precious kitty. Also remember you want your cat to enjoy walking on a leash, not be burdened by it. Depending on your Siamese's tolerance level, it may take several days for your cat to become accustomed to the idea of a harness!       » Try the Come with Me Kitty Harness and Leash         from Amazon Steps for Leash Training your Siamese Cat

Use a harness and a light leash rather than just a leash, and attach the leash at the back rather than at the neck (for comfort).

Leave the harness near your cat's bed (or place they're known to sleep regularly) for a few days to acclimate them to the smell. Put the harness on your cat at mealtime, allowing enough room for two fingers to fit comfortably underneath the straps. Praise him repeatedly althroughout; remove harness. Do this for a few days to allow them to get used to wearing the harness. Once your kitty seems to be accustomed to the harness at mealtime, try putting the harness during the day, and provide plenty of praise, love, and a snack for a reward! Allow the cat to wear the harness around the house freely, with no leash. Watch him closely to ensure he won't get the harness caught on anything when he crawls through any tight spaces! By now, your Siamese should give you a look of: "Alright, I'm comfortable with the dang harness already, can we move on?!" Introduce your cat to the leash by allowing them to wander around the house with the leash attached to the harness, hanging freely. Again, take care that your kitty doesn't get tangled up! After a few days of this, l up the other end of the leash and following your cat around, but don't apply any tension or pull on the leash at all. Leave a lot of slack, and attempt to keep up with your cat as they saunter about the house. Rather than jerk your cat in all sorts of directions, simply guide your cat gently. If she resists, don't jerk or fight her! With a few days of practice, she should eventually adapt to your guidance.

History of Siamese Cats

History of Siamese Cats

The history of the Siamese cat stretches back to Thailand, which once was known as Siam. It is said that these cats were reserved for royalty, but to date, this remains unconfirmed.

The Siamese cats first made it to the Western world in 1884, when British General Edward Blencowe Gould brought home a pair of breeding Siamese cats, Pho and Mia, from Bangkok. These cats were a present for his sister, Lilian Jane Veley, and were of the Traditional/Old Style build - rounder heads, sturdier bodies. The characteristic "points" (dark ears, face, paws, and tail) and long, slender build compared to the modern day British cats made a lasting impression, and several more of these cats began being imported in the late 1800s.

One of the first Siamese cats in the United States was that of President Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife, and the cat was appropriately named Siam.

About Siamese Cats

There are two very different kinds of Siamese cats. First, there is the round-headed, sturdier cat known as the Traditional or "Old Style" Siamese, whose origin is guessed to be that of Thailand.
The second kind is known as the Modern Siamese, or the "apple-head Siamese". The result of breeding, this version has similar coloring, but a wedge-shaped head, elongated body, and an overall sleeker bone structure. Both have the characteristic bright blue eyes.
Siamese cats are known for being extroverted as well as for being vocal, although some Siamese can have a nervous disposition.

They love affection and showing affection, and will rub up to you as often as they'd like, and will leave when they've had their fill of interaction. Siamese cats have a good temperament, unless left alone too often, and then they may become depressed.

Like all blue eyed cats, Siamese cats have a reduced hearing ability, but are not deaf.