The Pet Owners Corner

September 9, 2025
True pedigreed Siamese (and most other pedigreed breeds) are rarely found in shelters.

Dear Cattalker: I want to get a shelter cat, but I want a Siamese. Why doesn’t the shelter have Siamese cats?  Sue G

Dear Sue: Pedigreed cats, often called “purebred,” should not be in shelters. Responsible breeders will take their cats back if someone is suddenly unable to care for one.  Responsible breeders also spay/neuter and usually microchip their kittens, so none are running loose outside to breed, let alone pairing up with another purebred cat. That being said, occasionally a pointed cat which may look like a Siamese came from two parents who each carried the recessive gene.  Recessive genes are passed from each generation, so two solid parents may have a pointed cat! These cats are not Siamese, just a pointed domestic shorthair. If you want a Siamese because of looks, temperament, and behaviors, your best bet is a responsible breeder. Sometimes breeders have retired cats (usually 3 to 6 years old) which are adoptable for a very reasonable cost. I hope this answers your question.

Dear Cattalker:  My kitten is grey, and when I was at a cat show and showed an exhibitor a photo, she said, “What a darling blue tabby.”  My kitten is not blue. What was she talking about?   Emily Z

Dear Emily:   That can seem very confusing, I know. Your kitten does look grey, but the official color is blue. It comes from two dilute genes (one from each parent). With black cats, the dilute version of black is what breeders call “blue.” The grey does have a bluish undertone in good lighting. Unless you are going to show your kitten at a cat show, you can call it grey. Just be aware the official breeding color is blue.

 

Pet Owners Corner is designed to answer common questions that pet owners may have. Answers will be simple and straight forward. No questions are too silly to ask; if you have that question, others probably do as well. No medical advice will be given because diagnosing and treating is not possible without a proper veterinary examination.

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