ABOUT US
Traditional Siamese (aka Appleheads) hold the distinction of being the original type of Siamese cat, so called a 'Siamese' because they were bred by the Siamese king and given by him as gifts.
Traditional Siamese cats and kittens are calm, alert and so affectionate and people-oriented that many say that the Traditional Siamese Applehead makes the finest of all companion cats.
Our family has been breeding Traditional Siamese cats for over thirty years and three generations, and we are proud to have selected our breeding stock for their intelligence, loving and calm temperaments, robust health and beauty.
See our Letters and References Link to see photographs and letters from families with whom we've placed kittens anywhere from 30 years ago to the last few months.
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Our kittens are loose in our house and hand-raised as family members, to be friendly and affectionate companions, unafraid of children or the activity of a household. Their personalities range from lap cats to clowns but are usually a charming combination of both.
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We are a small breeder, specializing in matching individuals and families with a kitten(s) suited to their specific needs.
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People who come to us are looking for a kitten that will be an important part of their lives. Many people even register these babies as Emotional Support animals and take them everywhere.
We also have kittens who are hypoallergenic. This means that if you or anyone among your family or your friends has cat allergies, they should be able to be around one of our hypoallergenic kittens and not react.
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No destructive, neurotic or cross-eyed cats are ever used for breeding. We breed only the best of the best, which are cats that have never been ill, have naturally outgoing, calm, and highly intelligent personalities, and are beautiful. We mention beauty last because we believe that the most important trait for a companion cat is personality. It is wonderful to have a beautiful cat, but far more important to have a fabulous friend. Our goal is to match you with the kitten that suits you best.
DIANE DUNAWAY
DIANE Dunaway is a seventh generation Californian who grew up in San Diego breeding, training and showing Arabian horses including the legendary National Champion Firenella. She has been a life long contributor, supporter and patron of the Arts. As a writer, Ms. Dunaway has penned bestsellers in both fiction and nonfiction and has appeared internationally on hundreds of television and radio shows, including CNN and NPR.
Besides breeding Traditional Siamese, Diane is a bestselling writer who has published five books including her latest, LOSING THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD - A Spiritual Diet to Nourish the Soul (Doubleday, April '97), a nondenominational book helping people toward greater inner contentment even in the midst of busy lives filled with careers, chores, and children.
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Diane has taught writing at five southern California colleges and universities, and has long found great satisfaction in helping others, particularly young people, explore and develop their talents.
She is the founder and, for 29 years, was the Director of the San Diego State University Writers’ Conference, the largest writers conference in the Western U.S. Since the conference’s inception, Diane has created the program, selected the faculty and has been gratified to see her efforts foster the careers of hundreds of previously unknown writers.
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Diane is also dedicated to theatre and, for two decades, supported theatre-makers by establishing on-stage opportunities as well as immersing herself in all aspects of the creative process. She has participated in the development of many talented actors and has been delighted to see them advance to professional careers. As past President of the Board of the American Rose Theatre, Diane supports two musical theatre productions a year. She also writes theatre reviews for San Diego Write Way Ezine.
After 12 years in the creative process of theatre, she applied her experience with the Writers Conference, and launched the first, "Stage, Screen & Television Actors Conference" at SDSU, an event for actors to learn from and connect with top New York and west coast casting directors and industry leaders.
In 2009 Diane received a "Star Award" from the Mayor of San Diego for her contribution to the arts.
She also served as a judge for the San Diego Film Festival and Director of Educational Programing for the event.
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National Champion Firenella
San Diego State Dean Shapiro with Diane
at the 2014 SDSU Writer's Conference
Diane accepting award from SDSU for founding the San Diego State University Writers' Conference
Mayor Jerry Sanders with Diane at the STAR Awards
At this time, Traditional Siamese are shown only in shows that recognize the Traditional Siamese. "Yesterday's Old Fashion Samurai", the patriarch of our current kittens, was '1995 Best of Show' in a National Competition for all Traditional breeds and one of our kittens was 'Best Kitten.'
In 1988, one of our kittens was 'Best Kitten'. In 1999, our cats took the first five places in 'Best Traditional Cat' and were 'Best Cat, 'Second Best Cat' and 'Second Best Kitten' in the show competing among all breeds and types. In the International Competition for 2000, our cats were 'Best Cat In Show' and 'Third Best Cat in Show' as well as receiving the top prize for 'Best Kitten in Show' and Second and Third Best Kitten In Show. Other kittens to receive awards were Old Fashioned Baby I and Old Fashioned Baby II, as well as Old Fashioned Empress Baby, Old Fashioned Wonder Baby, Old Fashioned Fiona Baby and Old Fashioned Glinda Baby.
All of these cats grew up to be the parents and grandparents of our current kittens.We are delighted that "Yesterday's Old Fashioned Samurai" was selected to represent the Traditional
Siamese in a book entitled Your Purebred Kitten (Henry Holt Pub., July 1995). Two of our kittens have also been selected as models by the well-known artist Lowell Herrero. Their portrait appeared in the 1994 calendar which was a review of Herrero's works. One of our queens appears as a kitten in The Complete Siamese by Sally Franklin (Howell Book House 1995).
We are so proud that photographs of our cats have been selected for inclusion in so many works of art from paintings, to greeting cards to calendars including the covers of the 2000 the Siamese Cats Calendar and inclusions in the 2002 published by Browntrout Publishing. Our cats are shown on the cover as well as in the months of January, April, June, July, September and October. Amazon.com: Siamese Cats 2002 Wall Calendar. If you are a photographer seeking Siamese cat or kitten models, please contact us for an appointment.
For information and photos on currently available kittens please contact us:
Diane Dunaway - San Diego, CA
858-822-9615 call or text
email: WeLoveSiamese@aol.com
We have a well-documented reputation for raising top quality, superbly socialized kittens in immaculate conditions.
References from previous customers are available upon request.
Please also visit our References and Letters page
From a veterinarian-conducted inspection we received a perfect score on all criteria to receive certification as a "CFA Cattery of Excellence" and a TCCI Supreme Cattery of Excellence." All cats are up to date on inoculations and are guaranteed free of Leukemia and FIV as well as any genetic defects. Written health guarantee provided. All kittens are free of both internal and external parasites and will have all the shots they need for a year before leaving our premises. Cats from our family commonly live between 18 and 21 years.
Because of the calm and reasonable nature of our kittens, they have been shipped all over North America with no difficulty and we are happy to make these arrangements for you.
General price range is generally between $1,000 to $3,8000, although prices can be higher or lower for certain individual animals.
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Retired and young adult kitties are sometimes available. Pricing for these cats starts at $500.
References and photos are available. Our cats are registered CFA and kittens are placed with a 5-generation pedigree**.
We guarantee our kittens to be the pure and authentic old-fashioned Siamese so common to households 25 years ago.
Interested in history of the Traditional Siamese Cat? Click here
Our goal in raising the Traditional Siamese is to keep this noble and highly intelligent breed alive and to share them with other Traditional Siamese lovers. It is extremely important to us that you and your cat are a 'love match' and, since we are fully acquainted with our kittens' individual personalities before they leave us, we can often match you with exactly the right kitten for your particular situation.