Felis catus
Sam Sawet Longhair
The Sam Sawet Longhair is the longhaired division of the Sam Sawet, one of the ancient pointed cat breeds documented in the Tamra Maew (Thai Cat Book Poems, c. 14th–18th century). The WCF and Thai cat fancies recognize the breed. The standard describes a medium-sized, elegant cat with a copper-coloured body and a semi-long, silky coat.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- Thailand
- Origin period
- Documented in the Tamra Maew (c. 14th–18th century); WCF/Thai cat fancy recognition
- Coat type
- Long
- Coat colors
- Copper/golden-brown solid (the traditional Sam Sawet colour)
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Sam Sawet (สามสวรรค์, meaning 'three heavens') is one of the eighteen auspicious cat breeds of ancient Siam recorded in the Tamra Maew. The manuscripts describe the Sam Sawet as a cat with a distinctive copper or golden-brown coat considered auspicious for its owner. The WCF and Thai cat fancy have standardized the breed for international exhibition; the longhair division reflects the semi-long coat expression found within the Thai domestic cat gene pool.
Standard
The working standard describes a medium-sized, lean, elegant cat with a slightly wedge-shaped head, medium-large ears, and oval eyes. The traditional colour is copper or golden-brown — a warm, richly pigmented solid. The longhair division has a semi-long, fine, silky coat with the same copper colouring, a plumed tail, and light ear furnishings.
Tamra Maew and Thai Heritage
The Tamra Maew (ตำราแมว, 'cat book poems') is a collection of illustrated manuscripts produced in Thailand approximately from the 14th to the 18th century, describing eighteen breeds of auspicious and inauspicious cats. The manuscripts are preserved in Thai national libraries and in the British Library. The Thai cat fancy's revival of ancient breeds like the Sam Sawet, Suphalak, Korat, and Khao Manee is directly grounded in the Tamra Maew's descriptions, making these breeds among the most historically documented of any recognized cat breeds.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
- registry-breed-profile — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tamra Maew?
The Tamra Maew (ตำราแมว) is a collection of Thai manuscripts, dating from approximately the 14th to the 18th century, that document eighteen auspicious and inauspicious cat breeds of ancient Siam. The manuscripts describe each breed's appearance and the fortunes they are believed to bring their owners. The Tamra Maew is the source of historical documentation for the Sam Sawet, Suphalak, Korat, and several other Thai breeds.
Is the Sam Sawet related to the Suphalak?
Both the Sam Sawet and the Suphalak are ancient Thai breeds documented in the Tamra Maew with warm, solid-coloured coats. They are standardized as separate breeds by the Thai cat fancy and WCF, distinguished by subtle differences in body type and coat colour described in the manuscripts.
Is the Sam Sawet related to the Burmese?
Both the Sam Sawet and the Burmese have warm, solid-coloured coats of Southeast Asian origin. Some researchers believe the Burmese breed may trace partial ancestry to Sam Sawet-type Thai cats. However, the Sam Sawet is standardized as a separate breed by the Thai cat fancy and WCF, with a specific colour standard and Tamra Maew documentation distinct from the Burmese's documented breed history beginning in the 1930s.
