The Siamese is an easily recognizable cat, originating in Thailand (Siam) at least as early as the 14th century. The British where fascinated when they noticed these cats in their travels to Thailand with their long bodies, distinctive markings, and short, soft coats. They took a number of Siamese home where their wives kept them in heated conservatories surrounded by tropical plants brought back on previous voyages. The first imported Siamese were Seal Points, but breeding produced later colors of Blue Point, Chocolate Point, and Lilac Point. These four colors are the only ones recognized in the USA. Other colors; the result of cross breeding such as the Tabby Point, Tortie Point, Red Point, Cream Point, and the Cinnamon Point are classified as a separate breed under the name Colorpoint Short-Hair. Siamese kittens are all white when they are born - the color points that appear in the face, tail, legs and ears don't fully appear until they are about three years old. The Foreign White is a separate breed which in actuality is a Siamese cat. The white kitten retains its white into adult hood. Many white cats are deaf due to the genes that causes the white hair but not the Foreign White. Its white is due to its Siamese breeding. Source: Encyclopaedia of Cats by Esther J. J. Verhoef - Verhallen  © 1998