Pet Wiki

Thai

Also called Wichien Maat, Old-Style Siamese, Traditional Siamese, Classic Siamese, Applehead

An outgoing, talkative companion that loves its family, meets people at the door and likes to be involved in everything.

SizeMedium
Weight3.2 to 5.4 kg (7 to 12 lb)males 4.1 to 5.4 kg, females 3.2 to 4.1 kg1
Lifespan17 to 22 years1
CoatShort, single, close-lying coat
OriginPointed cats native to Thailand (Wichien Maat); redeveloped as a distinct breed in Europe and North America from the 1980s.21
Recognised breedShort profile
chatty and sociable
very clever
playful sense of humour
12

Personality what they are like

An outgoing, talkative companion that loves its family, meets people at the door and likes to be involved in everything. It is curious and playful, and it communicates with both voice and touch.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, single, close-lying coat

A moderate, athletic pointed cat: medium-boned and fairly long but never extreme, with a flat forehead, rounded skull sides and a wedge muzzle. The short coat is soft and silky and lies flat. Every Thai has blue eyes, a pale body and darker points on the face, ears, legs and tail.12

Coloursseal point (most common)other pointed colours with blue eyes12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Thai. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. A strong jumper and explorer that can learn to open doors and cupboards; daily wand play is recommended and an exercise wheel can help.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal coat care as the cat keeps itself clean. Trim nails about every two weeks, check and clean ears and brush teeth regularly.1

Home where they are happiest

An indoor home with climbing space, puzzle toys and secure cupboards suits this agile, inquisitive cat.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.1

Company who they like around

Needs plenty of daily attention and does not like being left alone for long stretches.1

The story where it all began

Pointed cats called Wichien Maat were described in Thai cat-book poems centuries ago, and imports to Britain from the late 1800s became the Siamese. As show breeding moved toward a longer, more angular look, some breeders kept the moderate original type, and in 1990 the WCF recognised it under the name Thai. Native cats from Thailand have been imported since 2001 to broaden the lines.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Wichien Maat, the Thai name, is usually translated as 'diamond gold' (or 'moon diamond').2

  2. 2

    The pointed cat of Thailand has been written about in Thai literature for at least 700 years.1

  3. 3

    Fans nicknamed the rounder old-type Siamese 'Applehead'.2

  4. 4

    The old-type Siamese helped create the Himalayan, Ocicat and Havana Brown.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named 'Thai' after its country of origin, Thailand, and is also known by the traditional Thai name 'Wichien Maat' from ancient Siam, as it is intended to be the living equivalent of the original pointed cats of that region.1

Name ideas for your new friend

WichienMaliTawanChaiSudaNiranFahKhanomBuaSomchaiLekSiam

A day in the life told by a Thai

I greet my human at the door with a loud 'meow' and a tail that won't stop wagging. I follow them everywhere, bathroom, kitchen, even the garden, because I must know everything. I open the cupboard with my clever paws, just to check if the treats moved. We play fetch with a crumpled paper ball, and I bring it back every time. When they sit at their desk, I perch on the keyboard, demanding attention. In the evening, I climb to the top of the bookshelf and survey my domain, then curl up on their chest, purring stories of my day. They are my favorite person, and I make sure they know it.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

WCF
Championship status 1990, when the name Thai was adopted1
TICA
Preliminary New Breed 2007, Advanced New Breed 2009, Championship 20101
TICA
Championship status 20102
FIFe
Accepted as a Preliminary Recognised Breed in 20152

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Thai, and at what times?

Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age, activity and the food you choose. Pet Wiki suggests following the portion guide on the food label and checking with your vet for a schedule that keeps your Thai trim.

What should a Thai eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Thai needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, check the full ASPCA list for safety.13

Does a Thai need baths?

Thai cats keep themselves clean, so baths are rarely needed. Only bathe if your cat gets very dirty or sticky, as recommended by general grooming guidance.14

How often does a Thai need brushing?

A weekly brushing is enough for this short, silky coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every seven days, and general guidance agrees once or twice a week.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Thai's claws, and how often?

Trim your Thai's claws about every two weeks, taking only the sharp tip. Pet Wiki suggests every 21 days, and general advice recommends trimming no more than two claws per session at first.14 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Thai need?

This curious, high-energy cat needs daily play, a wand toy session and an exercise wheel are great. Pet Wiki recommends daily play to keep your Thai happy and active.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Thai's teeth and ears?

Brush your Thai's teeth regularly, daily is ideal, and Pet Wiki suggests every two days. Check and clean ears as needed, following your vet's advice for proper care.1 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Thai live?

A Thai cat typically lives a long, healthy life of 17 to 22 years.1

Is a Thai good with children and other pets?

Thai cats are outgoing and love being involved with their family, which often includes children and other pets. For specific introductions, ask a good breeder or your vet.

Can a Thai be left alone?

Thai cats need plenty of daily attention and do not like being left alone for long stretches. They thrive with company and interactive play throughout the day.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Thai - TICA tica.orgused for history, recognition, size, lifespan, care, temperament
  2. Thai cat - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, recognition, facts
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.