The Siamese cat breed was historically associated with Siam, the former name of Thailand.
Siamese cats originated in Thailand, where they were known as wichianmat. They appear in the Tamra Maew, or “Cat-Book Poems,” a collection of Thai cat manuscripts dating from at least the 19th century and possibly earlier.
The breed reached Europe in the late 19th century. In 1878, the American consul in Bangkok sent Siamese cats to U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, helping introduce the breed to American audiences. Early Western Siamese cats often had rounder heads and heavier bodies than the modern show type.
Siam is a historical name for Thailand, but the country officially adopted “Thailand” in English usage during the 20th century. Siamese cats are still recognized for their color-point coats, blue eyes, and vocal, social personalities. The closely related Thai cat preserves a more traditional appearance.