Sphynx personality vs. Siamese

[Splashstorm]

I'm wondering which breed to get, but I would like suggestions based on temperament. Of course everyone knows the Siamese is the Clown of the feline world, but I hear that a Sphynx is pretty up there as well.

What I am looking for:
I want a very outgoing, playful, talkative kitty that will follow me around everywhere.

Thanks for any help I may get! : ))

 

[slscogin]

I have always been told Sienese have rude, crazy, our bratty personalities. More independent, & just a general pain, but I don't know how true that is. Lol. As for Sphynx, everything I have heard about them is what you described that you are looking for. I don't have mine yet, but this time in October, I'll be able to speak from experience. f

 

[NYYoda]

I used to have Seamise female for 11 years - NEVER again. Despite all my love, attention, care for her - she was little wicked witch, temperamental, aggressive, tooo independent. Was peeing as oppositional behavior for something she disapprove/dislike. Hissing - that was her way of greeting people. Was chasing around dogs and newcomers.
My adorable Sphynx Yoda is everything completely opposite of my Seamise. I have no issues with him - just "INTENSE NAKED NON-STOP LOVE".

 

[ilovedirt]

Sphynx definitely. I've had three (currently two) and they have all been wonderful, sweet, funny cats.

We had an old female Siamese growing up, she was really sweet. A friend of mine had one that was really tempermental...peed on and scratched up the sofa. She tried to use a spray bottle as a deterrent and he started attacking her.

 

[Alimoore]

Sphynx Sphynx Sphynx ALLL the way!! When I was young and lived with my mom, she got a Siamese and I HATED that cat. She was mean and rude. I was terrified of the cat because it would hide and then run out and attack my legs to the point where I would bleed. By the time that I moved out of my parents house, the cat is now old and is just now getting sweet and friendly, but it took 11 years for that to happen! I would not recommend a Siamese to anyone unless you got a mix because pure Siamese are NOT friendly. Sphynx are everything that you are looking for and more!

 

[Splashstorm]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! O_O I am deciding on a Sphynx. I had no idea Siamese were so aggressive!!

 

[Zaki`s mom]

Of course if you are going to come to a Sphynx forum just about everyone will tell you to get a Sphynx....

I have 5 Siamese cats and I can tell you they are not aggressive cats! They all get along with each other and our other cats (including our Sphynx) and they are very social cats.
Yes some Siamese cats can be a bit skittish, but that depends allot on how they are raised as kittens.
Siamese are very talkative, demands attention and are incredibly intelligent. Two of our Siamese play fetch as good (or better) than a dog and the one can sit and give paw, I'm sure I can train him to do more tricks if I put in the time.

Do some more research before you choose, talk to both people who own Sphynx and people who own Siamese and then decide which breed will be best for you. Also do research regarding the needs of a Sphynx (like bathing etc...).

Owning both breeds, I can tell you that both have lovely personalities and you won't go wrong either way.

 

[Zaki`s mom]

I am amazed at some of the very negative, rude comments towards Siamese... I really don't think that's fair. You don't like when people have nasty things to say about your Sphynx babies, right?? So why do the same to another breed...

 

[tiffany.hill]

In my experience, the sphynx is more outgoing and curious than the siamese. I believe the sphynx has more personality ( I may be bias ) my best friend has two siamese and hers are vocal, but no more so than my sphynx. My sphynx can high five, sit, give kisses, and fetch- her siamese cant do that My sphynx likes to snuggle too. So if you are looking for a snuggle bug, personality (much like a dog, ferret, and monkey combo), then go with a sphynx. There is a SIGNIFICANT price difference between the two though! The sphynx will be more high maintenence so know what youre getting in to. Do your research for sure. Best of luck!! Sphynx are addictive

 

[tiffany.hill]

After reading the replies I think the above mentioned comment about coming to a sphynx forum will give you a bias opinion. Maybe you should try and interact with both. Go to a rescue? Foster? Just to get to where you know what you're getting in to. You dont want whats just best for you, but for the kitty cat as well Ive seen lots of sweet sphynx and super sweet siamese. Both cats have A LOT of personality, but this can vary from cat to cat just like people. All I can say is when you see the 'right' kitten, you'll know. Trust your gut! Both breeds are exceptional and beautiful, and so fun in their own ways!

 

[ElvirasMum]

Its not trying to be "breed negative" against Siamese.
I had a Siamese for 17 years and I was the only person my cat liked.
She hissed at and hid from my husband, pooped in his shoes, tried to make his life miserable because she didn't like him. (I had her for 7 years before we got married)
Now, my experience is that I had a sweet loving cat. My husband would tell you the exact same cat was a "fuzzy spawn of Satan."
Same cat, two different opinions....
Ultimately, its up to you to decide which cat breed is best for you and I hope you go into the decision well informed and aware that not every single cat will follow all of the breed standards and guidelines.

 

[Pauly107]

Strange comments about Siamese here? Dunno what kind of Siamese cats people have been owning here?
As with all breeds of cat - if the kitten is badly socialised - you will get a bad kitty! Make sure you get from a reputable breeder.
I have two Siamese a male and a female and they are (as is typical with the breed) extremely affectionate and seek out human company (to the extent their constant affection can sometimes be too much!!!) They are extremely vocal - attention seeking cats but really affectionate. They will have full conversations with you, thriving off every bit of attention they get. They follow you everywhere. They are very dependant on their owner and get very attached so can't be left alone. One thing about them is they usually form the closest bond with one maybe two people but are still very affection to anyone.
My male Siamese is very placid and loving towards everyone just wants to lie on anyone's lap on his back and get his belly rubbed.
My female is probably the most affectionate cat I have ever known, she follows me around wailing to be picked up and demanding attention. She is always on my lap or in my arms (mainly out of being pestered by her to do so)
Both snuggle right up to you in bed.

I have one Sphynx female kitten who is adorable outgoing and affectionate. Still only a kitten so has boundless energy. She licks and rubs against you for attention, likes to be near you and seeks out snuggles and heat. Sleeps in the bed too! I only have her a month but she is not even a patch on how affection my Siamese are. They wail if I am out of sight for a second. Follow me everywhere.
Can't even have a shower in peace


I love all 3 of my kitties, and I think Sphynx are one of the most wonderful breed and feel very grateful... Actually really want another one ... lol
I would suggest getting both breeds!
Or at least go visit some breeders of both and meet both cat breeds see their personalities yourself.
I wouldn't deprive myself of the joy of owning either of these two very special breeds.

 

[Graddydani]

Its not trying to be "breed negative" against Siamese.
I had a Siamese for 17 years and I was the only person my cat liked.
She hissed at and hid from my husband, pooped in his shoes, tried to make his life miserable because she didn't like him. (I had her for 7 years before we got married)
Now, my experience is that I had a sweet loving cat. My husband would tell you the exact same cat was a "fuzzy spawn of Satan."
Same cat, two different opinions....
Ultimately, its up to you to decide which cat breed is best for you and I hope you go into the decision well informed and aware that not every single cat will follow all of the breed standards and guidelines.

I agree with ElvirasMum. It's really a question of opinions and interactions. My friend had a Siamese that she just couldn't get on with and whenever I was around her cat (which was already 5 years old) she was the sweetest thing on earth and because of her I wanted one too but my friend thought I was insane because she just couldn't see the sweet kitty I saw. Now my sphynx is just as affectionate and loving as her but without all the hair and nails. If I didn't find my sphynx I would have gladly gone with a Siamese. Like most people have said, do your research and spend some time with the breeds. Make your own opinions. Besides the huge price difference I'd say go with the sphynx but as most in the forum. I AM Biased. I'm sorry

 

[Splashstorm]

Thank you all for the answers, and espcially Zaki's Mom for pointing out that most people were being very negative about the breed. I think that comment tipped everyone off into the less biased zone. I have joined a Siamese forum and will ask there as well.

 

[NYYoda]

I am amazed at some of the very negative, rude comments towards Siamese... I really don't think that's fair. You don't like when people have nasty things to say about your Sphynx babies, right?? So why do the same to another breed...

I posted about MY experience with seamise vs. sphynx. I am glad that you have different "POSITIVE" experience

 

[English Dave]

Siamese can be every bit as loving as Sphynx but my personal experience is that they have a tendency to be much more of a 1 person cat whereas my Sphynx are just outright affection whores LOL!

 

[PunkNdisorderly]

I agree with what Dave said above. In my experience siamese do tend to just choose one person to be theirs whereas sphynx will love everyone but sometimes still tend to have a favourite person. I also think their personalities depend on how they were treated by the breeders. When I was younger we had a siamese who was very much standoffish and snobby but her kittens (which were raised by us) were just a loving as a sphynx but one only liked being with me and another would only go to my sister. That being said I'd probably only ever own sphynx now.. I love never worrying about cat hair

 

[magber]

Strange comments about Siamese here? Dunno what kind of Siamese cats people have been owning here?
As with all breeds of cat - if the kitten is badly socialised - you will get a bad kitty! Make sure you get from a reputable breeder.
I have two Siamese a male and a female and they are (as is typical with the breed) extremely affectionate and seek out human company (to the extent their constant affection can sometimes be too much!!!) They are extremely vocal - attention seeking cats but really affectionate. They will have full conversations with you, thriving off every bit of attention they get. They follow you everywhere. They are very dependant on their owner and get very attached so can't be left alone. One thing about them is they usually form the closest bond with one maybe two people but are still very affection to anyone.
My male Siamese is very placid and loving towards everyone just wants to lie on anyone's lap on his back and get his belly rubbed.
My female is probably the most affectionate cat I have ever known, she follows me around wailing to be picked up and demanding attention. She is always on my lap or in my arms (mainly out of being pestered by her to do so)
Both snuggle right up to you in bed.

I have one Sphynx female kitten who is adorable outgoing and affectionate. Still only a kitten so has boundless energy. She licks and rubs against you for attention, likes to be near you and seeks out snuggles and heat. Sleeps in the bed too! I only have her a month but she is not even a patch on how affection my Siamese are. They wail if I am out of sight for a second. Follow me everywhere.
Can't even have a shower in peace
View attachment 7328
View attachment 7329
I love all 3 of my kitties, and I think Sphynx are one of the most wonderful breed and feel very grateful... Actually really want another one ... lol
I would suggest getting both breeds!
Or at least go visit some breeders of both and meet both cat breeds see their personalities yourself.
I wouldn't deprive myself of the joy of owning either of these two very special breeds.
View attachment 7330

Love the pictures! Specially the last one where the Sphynx is hanging out of the bed. Too cute!

I have never own a Siamese, but I had a friend that has one and she loved it. She will always tell me how the kids will play and do all kinds of trick with the cat. But I also heard so nasty stories.
With that said, I just think that it depends on the cat. Just like dogs. Pit bulls have a bad reputation but I truly believe that it depends on how they are raised. They can be very sweet loyal dogs. So a Siamese (and pretty much all cats) can be the same

Good luck!

 

[falaloo]

I had a male Siamese (applehead) for years, and he was incredibly affectionate and very sweet. I never experienced any aggression from him, and neither did my son, who was just a toddler when we got him as a kitten. Having owned both breeds, I can say that they are very similar...both are intelligent, inquisitive, and affectionate. The only difference I can think of is that my Siamese was more vocal than my Sphynx and he was VERY demanding! If he wanted something, he would yowl and not stop until he got what he wanted. But that is as far as his demanding nature would go...he NEVER became nasty about it. In all the years I had him, I was never once scratched, bitten, or hissed at. If possible, I would suggest spending time with both breeds of cat if you can. I love my Sphynx, and can't imagine having a home without one...but I also loved my Siamese boy. So, maybe if you were to meet and spend time with each breed...one would suit your personality more, or maybe you would find you had more of an affinity for one than the other. I don't know if care requirements are a consideration for you but I can tell you that the Sphynx requires more care (bathing, nail cleaning, etc...) than the Siamese.

 

[Nofuratu]

I think you should get one of each. Both breeds hate to be alone!

Before deciding on my first sphynx Nofuratu i was waffling between siamese and sphynx as well. I ended up going with sphynx because i wanted a cat i could dress up like a baby because i cant have a human baby. And i wanted to be able to carry him around everywhere with me. Dressing up a hairy cat in clothes is harder to explain to people than a naked one with a whole wardrobe.

Nofuratu actually looks quite siamese. he has a very triangular face and tubular body like a siamese and he also bonded with me more than any other family member. Everyone in my family says Nofuratu hates everyone except me...LOL. He is with me 24/7. My other sphynx will go sleep with the kids and love everyone but Nofur is a diva. He is also the most vocal cat.

I have heard siamese tend to bond with one person but since ive never owned one i dont know if that is true. When i was a vet tech that is what siamese owners would tell me. I dont see that as a bad thing!

Devon rex are also another option. Very intelligent, affectionate and vocal and that is where sphynx come from anyway!

I hear just as many people say they have heard sphynx are mean as I have siamese. I think it is just breed prejudice since we all know sphynx are affectionate! Im sure siamese are the same.

 

[fjordhorsemom]

We have had 3 rescued Siamese & pet sit for some. My husband & I both adore the breed. Our Kobay (lilac point) came to us at 9 mos. and in terrible shape. We still have her, she's in her teens now. She's our alpha cat and rules the roost. We call her our ninja. But, she is just as loving and will sleep on our legs. Simon (seal point) came to us at 10 years and never met a stranger. He could've been a therapy cat he was so amazing. I was lucky to get all his vet records when he came. He lived to be 20 and came into a house of dogs, cats, birds, etc and was immediately at ease. He died while laying on my husband's chest. Setzer (lynx point) came to us at an est of mid-teens & in kidney failure. He was more special than I can even say. He would talk, talk, talk & demand to be on me at all times. When I wasn't home, he settled for my husband. We lost him after only a year and a half.

I'm currently caring for a clients 3 mos old lilac point Siamese kitten that came from a responsible breeder and he's just adorable! He looks exactly like our Kobay but only a couple pounds (if that). We will always have a Siamese in our family. We got lucky to get our Sphynx, Gertie. Her personality is similar but she seems a bit more demanding. She is a pleasure, though.

 

[sanjulee]

We had a Siamese for 19 years. She was a lover . . . we called her a "cog" (cat that thinks its a dog). She was loving, vocal and got along with every other cat and dog we brought into the house. We did rescue of Chinese Shar Peis for a while and she would walk right up to them. No behavior problems whatsoever!!!!!! Now my Sphynx I'm ready to put up for adoption! This is our second, and will be our last! I am hoping to get some answers to her behavior problems here or she is going to be "rehomed". But as far as the debate over Siamese vs Sphynx. . .with my experience I'd say Siamese all the way!!!!!! Sorry!

 

[Graddydani]

We had a Siamese for 19 years. She was a lover . . . we called her a "cog" (cat that thinks its a dog). She was loving, vocal and got along with every other cat and dog we brought into the house. We did rescue of Chinese Shar Peis for a while and she would walk right up to them. No behavior problems whatsoever!!!!!! Now my Sphynx I'm ready to put up for adoption! This is our second, and will be our last! I am hoping to get some answers to her behavior problems here or she is going to be "rehomed". But as far as the debate over Siamese vs Sphynx. . .with my experience I'd say Siamese all the way!!!!!! Sorry!

What's wrong with your Sphynxs?

 

[ElvirasMum]

We had a Siamese for 19 years. She was a lover . . . we called her a "cog" (cat that thinks its a dog). She was loving, vocal and got along with every other cat and dog we brought into the house. We did rescue of Chinese Shar Peis for a while and she would walk right up to them. No behavior problems whatsoever!!!!!! Now my Sphynx I'm ready to put up for adoption! This is our second, and will be our last! I am hoping to get some answers to her behavior problems here or she is going to be "rehomed". But as far as the debate over Siamese vs Sphynx. . .with my experience I'd say Siamese all the way!!!!!! Sorry!

Why whats up with her behavior?
Is her behavior really to the level you would consider adopting her out???

 

[English Dave]

I've had both and whilst I admittedly prefer the Sphynx (its a wrinkles thing) I didn't have any issues with aggression with my Siamese other than a bit of rough housing towards Ra when he was a kitten but, that's pretty common with a new member and I wouldn't read anything into it.

The major differences with mine were that the Siamese were more aloof and cautious around newcomers but conversely a LOT more vocal regardless of the situation. All my Siamese picked a favourite and were totally devoted to them whereas although my Sphynx have favourites they are also massive flirts and attention whores.
,
If you want a vocal cat that follows you around constantly and/or, sits on your shoulder 24/7, I'm going to go out on a limb and say you might actually prefer a Siamese IF it picks you as its favourite.

Either way, from my experiences, both breeds are gorgeous lookers and wonderful companions.