Thai Cats: Ancient Landrace Descendants of Thailand

Thailand, formerly known as Siam, has a long and well documented history of producing some of the most ancient, widely known and popular breeds of cat, and cats in Thailand are widely revered as lucky symbols and the pets of choice of royalty. Outside of ancient Egypt where cats were worshipped as gods, few countries have such a long, traceable history of reverence for the cat than Thailand.

When we talk about native cats of Thailand, the Siamese cat often springs to mind. However, there are eight native cat breeds from Thailand, with the Thai cat being the most ancient among them. This breed laid the foundation of the modern Siamese and has influenced many other breeds globally, yet remains far less common outside Thailand.

This article explores the origins, evolution, and modern-day status of the Thai cat, an ancient landrace breed with significant cultural heritage.

What Is a Landrace Cat?

The Thai cat descends from the landrace cats of Thailand, making it one of the oldest native cat breeds. "Landrace" refers to a traditional, locally adapted variety of a domesticated animal or plant that has evolved naturally in a particular region. Landrace animals adapt over time due to isolation, environmental demands, and natural evolution without strict selective breeding.

Such breeds have uniform genetics reflecting their regional origin but remain genetically diverse compared to selectively bred animals. Maintaining a landrace breed often requires limited outcrossing, as mixing with other breeds can dilute the original gene pool and potentially endanger the breed’s continuation.

The Ancestry: From Wichien-maat to Thai and Siamese Cats

The Thai cat traces its ancestry directly to the Wichien-maat, which translates as the "Moon Diamond" cat. This original landrace cat appears in the ancient Tamra Maew, a manuscript of cat poems from the Ayutthaya Kingdom era in Thailand, illustrated many centuries ago.

Remarkably, the Wichien-maat still thrives in Thailand in its pure form. The Thai cat branched from these cats in the 1800s when Wichien-maat cats were brought to England. Selective breeding and crossings there led to the modern Siamese, characterised by a slender, angular appearance contrasting the Thai cat’s rounder head and shorter ears, which retain the original landrace look.

This close but distinct relationship explains why the Thai cat is sometimes called the Traditional, Classical, or Old-Style Siamese.

Thai Cats Today: Recognition and Breeding

Despite its documented history, the Thai cat was formally recognised relatively recently. The International Cat Association (TICA) acknowledged the Old-Style Siamese as the Thai cat breed in 2007, granting it Championship breed status by 2010. This recognition allows owners to register these cats fully and participate in breed shows.

One of the breed’s critical roles is as a genetic outcross to introduce diversity into the Siamese gene pool. The Thai breed standard permits crossing Thai cats with both modern Siamese and imported Wichien-maat cats. This contributes to healthier populations and preserves both breeds’ unique traits.

We can expect the Thai cat to gain popularity in UK homes and show rings in coming years as breeders and enthusiasts continue to promote responsible ownership and ethical practices.

Understanding the Thai Cat’s Cultural Heritage

The reverence for cats like the Thai cat in Thailand reaches far beyond mere pet ownership. The Wichien-maat, from which the Thai cat originates, remains culturally significant to Thai people, embodying luck, prosperity, and heritage. This surviving original landrace breed beautifully reflects the harmony between nature and human society in Thailand’s history.

For those interested in finding a Thai cat or Thai kittens in the UK, it is vital to seek reputable breeders who prioritise healthy genetics and breed standard adherence. Ethical ownership supports the preservation of this meaningful and ancient breed.

By appreciating and responsibly caring for Thai cats, we help maintain a centuries-old legacy and enrich the diversity of our cherished feline companions.