How to Buy a Siamese Kitten in the United States | PetzLover
To buy a Siamese kitten in the United States, choose a breeder you can visit or video-call, see the kitten with its mother, and ask for both parents' DNA results for the rdAc form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) before you pay a deposit. Pet-quality Siamese kittens for sale from breeders typically cost $400 to $1,000, according to Petful's 2026 price guide, and show-quality kittens $1,200 to $2,500.
The Siamese is one of the oldest breeds in the cat fancy. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) traces it to Thai cat poems of the Ayutthaya period (1350 to 1767), notes that the first Siamese in the US was a cat named Siam sent to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878, and counted it among its first breeds in 1906. It is a talkative, people-focused pointed cat, and a few breed facts shape every step of buying one.
Key points
- Ask for both parents' PRA rdAc DNA results; a 2010 study estimated the variant's frequency at about 33% in North American and European Siamese.
- Pet-quality kittens typically cost $400 to $1,000, show kittens $1,200 to $2,500 and rare colors $1,500 to $3,000 (Petful, 2026).
- Decide on type first: CFA's Siamese is the long, svelte modern type, while the rounder traditional or applehead look is shown by TICA as a separate breed, the Thai.
- In CFA a Siamese is seal, chocolate, blue or lilac point; red, cream and lynx points are shown as the Colorpoint Shorthair.
- Siamese want company: CFA says the best companion for one is a human or another Siamese.
Is a Siamese the right cat for you?
CFA describes the Siamese as vocal, affectionate, active and sometimes insistent, a cat that wants to be with you, on you or involved in whatever you are doing. VCA Animal Hospitals adds that Siamese often prefer having another cat around and that some react to being left alone by over-grooming.
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Build | Medium-sized, svelte and refined, with a long, slender body and legs (CFA) |
| Weight | VCA lists 5 to 8 pounds; males are proportionately larger (CFA) |
| Coat | Fine and short; it sheds, so brush weekly with a rubber brush or your hands (CFA, PetMD) |
| Voice and company | Very talkative; does best with people at home or a second cat (CFA, VCA) |
| Activity | Very active; PetMD suggests daily play and even harness-and-leash walks |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years (VCA); PetMD says about 15 on average, some into their 20s |
| Known health risks | PRA, amyloidosis, asthma and dental disease (CFA, PetMD) |
A Siamese suits people who are home a good deal, families who enjoy an interactive cat, and apartments where someone has time to play. It is a poor match if you want a quiet cat or are out all day with no other pet at home.
Modern, traditional or Thai: which Siamese are you buying?
Two looks are sold as Siamese. The CFA standard describes a long, tapering wedge-shaped head, strikingly large ears, almond-shaped deep blue eyes and a long, thin tail, and says everything about the cat is long except its coat. The older, rounder type is often called old-style, traditional or applehead Siamese. The International Cat Association (TICA) shows that type as a separate breed, the Thai, which gained championship status in 2010. Ask which registry a kitten is registered with and look at photos of both parents to see the type it is likely to grow into.
Color is the other point to check. CFA's Siamese colors are the four traditional points: seal, then blue (recognized in 1934), chocolate (1952) and lilac (1955). Red, cream and lynx (tabby) points with the same body type are shown in CFA as the Colorpoint Shorthair. Petful notes that flame and lynx points carry the highest premiums, so check that the papers match the ad.
Which health tests should a Siamese breeder show you?
PRA rdAc DNA test
CFA names progressive retinal atrophy as one of two health issues in the breed and says it can cause blindness. The form found in Siamese, rdAc, is recessive, so a cat needs two copies to lose its sight and carriers see normally. A 2010 study in The Veterinary Journal estimated the variant's frequency at about 33% in North American and European Siamese and found that affected cats may show reduced retinal function by 8 months, with changes visible at 1 to 2 years. Ask for both parents' lab reports with their registered names. If both are clear, the kitten cannot be affected.
Amyloidosis
CFA's second issue is amyloidosis, which causes liver problems. Its genes have not been identified, so no DNA test exists. CFA suggests asking the breeder whether any of the kitten's relatives have had it.
Eyes, breathing and teeth
Crossed eyes and kinked tails were more common in earlier generations, according to VCA, and careful breeding has reduced them; the CFA standard calls for uncrossed eyes and disqualifies a visible kink. PetMD also lists asthma and dental disease. Ask for the kitten's vet record and, ideally, an FeLV/FIV test.
What should you ask a Siamese breeder before you buy?
- Can I visit, or see the kitten and its mother on a live video call? CFA suggests cat shows as a good place to meet breeders.
- May I see both parents' rdAc results, and have any relatives had amyloidosis?
- Is the kitten registered as a Siamese, a Colorpoint Shorthair or a Thai, and with CFA or TICA?
- When will it go home? International Cat Care notes pedigree kittens often leave at about 13 weeks, after their first vaccines.
- Is it sold as a pet or with breeding rights? CFA notes breeders often hold papers until you prove the kitten is spayed or neutered.
- What does the price include: vaccines, microchip, spay or neuter, a health guarantee?
- How talkative are the parents, and will you take the cat back at any age?
A good breeder will ask about your home in return, including who is around in the day.
How much do Siamese kittens for sale cost in the US?
Prices depend on bloodline, color, registration and the breeder. Compare current Siamese kittens for sale near you on PetzLover, save the search for alerts about new litters, and message the breeder before you arrange a visit.
| Item | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pet-quality kitten from a breeder | $400 to $1,000 | Petful, 2026 |
| Show-quality kitten | $1,200 to $2,500 | Petful, 2026 |
| Rare colors | $1,500 to $3,000 | Petful, 2026 |
| Retired breeding adult | $100 to $400 | Petful, 2026 |
| Rescue adoption fee | $100 to $300 | Petful, 2026 |
| First year of care for any cat | About $1,904 | ASPCA (2021 figures) |
If an adult would suit you, read how to adopt a Siamese or how to take in a rehomed Siamese.
How do you spot a Siamese kitten scam?
The Federal Trade Commission warns that fake pet sellers advertise animals far below normal prices, rush you and ask for money up front. PetScams.com, which tracks fraudulent pet websites, lists many Siamese kitten sites, some with "CFA" in the web address, so a registry name on a website proves nothing.
- The seller will not do a live video call or let you visit.
- Payment only by wire, gift card, cryptocurrency or a payment app; the FTC says only scammers insist on these.
- New fees for shipping, insurance or a crate appear after the deposit.
- A reverse image search finds the kitten photos on other sites.
If a listing looks wrong, use the Report Scam button and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Sales rules are mostly state and local: Massachusetts, for example, bars selling a cat under 8 weeks, and New York has a pet lemon law for purchases from commercial sellers. Breeders can read how to sell Siamese kittens for the other side of the deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Siamese kitten in the United States?
Petful's 2026 guide puts pet-quality kittens from breeders typically at $400 to $1,000, show-quality kittens at $1,200 to $2,500 and rare colors at $1,500 to $3,000. Ask what the price includes, such as vaccines, a microchip and the parents' rdAc results.
What is the difference between a modern and a traditional Siamese?
The modern Siamese has a long wedge-shaped head, large ears and a slender body, the type the CFA standard describes. The traditional or applehead type is rounder and more moderate, and TICA shows it as a separate breed called the Thai.
Why are Siamese kittens born white?
The pigment in a Siamese coat forms only in cooler parts of the body. In the warm womb the kitten stays pale, and the points darken on the ears, face, legs and tail after birth. Siamese keep darkening with age.
Should Siamese parents be DNA tested for PRA?
Yes. The rdAc variant that causes progressive retinal atrophy is common in Siamese, and a DNA test shows whether a cat is clear, a carrier or affected. If both parents are clear, the kitten cannot be affected.
Are Siamese cats loud?
Usually, yes. CFA describes them as vocal with a large repertoire of sounds, and they protest when ignored. Meeting the parents shows how talkative a line is.
Are Siamese kittens for sale online safe to buy?
Many are genuine, but scam websites copy kitten photos and ask for deposits and delivery fees. See the kitten and its mother live, and never pay by wire, gift card or cryptocurrency.
Helpful guides
Pet for SaleHow to Sell Siamese Kittens in the United StatesSell Siamese kittens in the US by testing the parents for PRA rdAc, describing type and color honestly, keeping kittens until vaccinated and handing over in person with a contract.
Pet for FreeHow to Get a Free Siamese Safely in the United StatesA free Siamese is usually an adult being rehomed or a pointed mixed-breed kitten; meet it in person, check vet records and eyes, budget about $1,904 for the first year and never pay shipping fees.
Pet for FreeHow to Give Away a Siamese for Free Without Risk in the United StatesGive away a Siamese safely by checking your breeder or rescue contract first, spaying or neutering, screening applicants for time at home and indoor care, and handing over in person with a signed agreement.
Pet for AdoptionHow to Adopt a Siamese in the United StatesAdopt a Siamese in the US through a Siamese breed rescue or a shelter; expect an application, references and sometimes a home visit, fees typically of $100 to $300, and a cat that wants company from day one.
Pet for AdoptionHow to List a Siamese for Adoption in the United StatesList a Siamese for adoption by setting clear criteria (indoor home, company, no declawing), charging a fee in line with Siamese rescues, describing the cat honestly, screening applicants and following up.
Pet for RehomingHow to Take In a Rehomed Siamese in the United StatesBefore taking in a rehomed Siamese, ask why it is leaving, how it copes alone, and for vet records and any rdAc result; then give it a quiet room, daily play and company while it adjusts.
Pet for RehomingHow to Rehome Your Siamese Responsibly in the United StatesRehome your Siamese by checking any return clause, telling applicants honestly about its voice, need for company and health, screening in person, charging a modest fee and handing over with an agreement.
Pet WantedHow to Respond to a "Siamese Wanted" Ad in the United StatesBefore answering a Siamese wanted ad, check that your cat really matches what is asked, verify the person and their home, refuse shipping or overpayment, and hand over in person with an agreement.
Pet WantedHow to Post a "Siamese Wanted" Ad and Get Replies in the United StatesA Siamese wanted ad gets better replies when it states type, color, age, budget and area, says you will meet in person and asks for vet records and rdAc results; never pay a deposit to a stranger.
Lost PetHow to Help Find a Lost Siamese in the United StatesLost Siamese usually hide silently near home, so the best help is to check your garage, shed and under decks, send the owner a photo with the time and place, and never chase the cat.
Lost PetWhat to Do When Your Siamese Is Lost in the United StatesIf your Siamese is lost, search hiding spots near home first, report it to the microchip registry, check shelters for cats listed as Siamese, Siamese mix or pointed, post a lost ad and never pay before proof.