Why I Love Siamese Cats

A Point of View

Melissa Pigott, Ph.D.

On December 27, 2022

Category: Getting Through Life and Work, Giving Back, Magnus, Magnus Insights, Magnus Research, Mental Health, Travel, Work-Life

I love cats. I really do. Dogs are great too, but I love cats. I have been fond of cats my entire life. My first cat was a domestic short hair ginger cat named Dinker. The cat who was the love of my life was, of course, Ziggy, who spent 19 years with me during some important times in my life. Ziggy was part Persian, part Florida bobcat and he was amazing in his inspiration of my life to the point I wrote posthumous book about him. But, after getting to know various cats of questionable heritage, I have come to the realization that I have developed a fondness for Siamese cats. So far, I have been owned by 3 Siamese cats: Sammo, a 25 pound “Apple head”; Gizmo, a 10 pound classic; and currently, Rex, a 10 pound traditional. For the reader who is unfamiliar with varieties of Siamese cats, there are several, with distinctions among their size, head shape, and coloring. Notice I said I have been owned by 3 Siamese cats. As anyone who knows cats understands, it is not possible to own a cat; rather, it is the cat who owns us humans. What do I like about Siamese cats? First of all, they are smarter than the average domestic cat. Sammo, for example, opened the cabinet that contained his cat food to indicate it was time to eat and, when food was placed into his bowl, he stood up on his hind legs to touch the bowl to let me know he was ready to eat, now. All 3 of David’s and my Siamese cats are time oriented. Their curfew on “school nights” (weekdays) is 9:00 p.m. and without fail, all of them have voluntarily come inside from the screened porch at exactly 9:00 p.m. I also like the way Siamese cats always have something to say. They don’t meow the way other cats do, but their yowls and other vocalizations are amazing in communicating exactly what they want. Gizmo was particularly adept at responding in the affirmative to questions and remaining silent when his answer was “No.” All of the Siamese cats David and I have loved respond to simple commands, such as coming when called. They are rather “dog like” in their affection, preferring to be wherever we are instead of spending time by themselves. All of them have run to greet me whenever I arrive at home, even if I haven’t been gone long. And, all of our Siamese cats have slept with David and me, cuddling and purring throughout the night. Everyone is different, but I prefer a friendly, purring Siamese cat who enjoys my company over a cat who hides under the bed, runs from people who visit our home, or hisses. I love cats, but Siamese cats have stolen my heart!

Another View

David H. Fauss, M.S.M.

On December 27, 2022

Category: Getting Through Life and Work, Giving Back, Magnus, Magnus Insights, Magnus Research, Mental Health, Travel, Work-Life

I became a cat person sometime after I met Melissa.  I had no choice.  Ziggy was there first and he was a force with which to be reckoned.  The bobcat in him was close to the surface and though he didn’t have front claws, he attacked at will and had sharp teeth.  But, he knew not to bite the hands that fed him, at least, not too often.  He was beautiful, fluffy and very photogenic.  Many of the stories about him were included in Melissa’s book about life with Ziggy (available on Amazon).  We had a cat free life for sometime after Ziggy, a time which ended when we were strolling though the Pompano mall to find shoes for Melissa.  There was a cat rescue group in one of the many vacant storefronts in the mall at that time and we ventured in and spotted Sammo.  That is the name we gave him – no one knew his “real” name.  Sammo was a beautiful Siamese cat, though we didn’t know he was a Siamese at the time we adopted him because he was an “old style” large apple face cat, at 25 pounds!  He took to us quickly and assumed control of the house, and our schedule.  We also learned he was a talker.  That was entertaining, except when he was demanding to eat at 6:00 a.m.  Our time with Sammo was shorter than we would have liked and the next cat was not a Siamese.  That cat, Ron, was unique in his own ways and kept us entertained while we dealt with the final years of Melissa’s mom’s life.  Once again catless, Melissa started looking for cats at various rescue places.  The Broward Humane Society posted a photo of a Siamese cat named Gizmo.  That was all it took and this smaller version of Sammo took his place in our home offering much affection for the remainder of his all too short life.  Following Gizmo, who was very lovable, came along Rex, another rescue whose “real” name is lost to the ages.  How anyone could have abandoned this cat is impossible to imagine.  But they did and their loss is our gain.  Rex, the king of our house, keeps us entertained and brings much affection and love in a furry package.  He has keen hunting instincts, no doubt honed by the time he spent on the street.  He loves fresh air, and freshly cooked chicken.  He has a cat sitter who is the first person we contact prior to booking any travel.  You see, being Melissa’s cat, well, and mine, is a sure way to be spoiled and cared for in a way befitting a high ranking feline! 

 

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