Thai Lilac
The Thai Lilac is a GCCF-recognised variety of the traditional-type Siamese (Thai) restricted to lilac colouration — a warm pinkish-grey that is the double dilution of seal brown.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
14–18 years
Weight
3–6 kg (6.5–13 lbs)
Height
25–30 cm (10–12 in)
Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Thai Lilac is a GCCF-recognised variety of the traditional-type Siamese (Thai) restricted to lilac colouration — a warm pinkish-grey that is the double dilution of seal brown. The Thai Lilac was developed in the UK from traditional Siamese and Burmese breeding lines that carried the dilute and chocolate genes. It is recognised as a separate variety by the GCCF in the UK and has a dedicated following, particularly among those who appreciate the traditional (rounded) Siamese type rather than the modern extreme wedge head. The lilac colouration — a soft, warm, pinkish-grey — is one of the most delicate and unusual cat colours.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Same moderate, traditional body type as the Thai — rounded, moderately wedge head, Siamese-type blue eyes in the pointed variety or vivid green/gold in the self (solid) variety. The coat is short and close-lying. In the self variety the coat is a uniform warm lilac; in the pointed variety, lilac points contrast with a pale magnolia body.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Length
short
Coat Type
smooth
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Affectionate, sociable, and vocal — sharing the Thai's moderate version of the Siamese personality. Gentle and people-oriented.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Preferred
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
quiet
Stress Signals
hiding, withdrawal, over-grooming
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Minimal grooming. High social needs — pairs recommended. Regular dental care.
Nutrition Notes
Double-recessive lilac colour. GCCF variety. Same Korat/Siamese health profile. Very rare.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Gangliosidosis possible (Korat heritage). Double-recessive dilute colour. GCCF only. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same as Thai/Siamese — amyloidosis, PRA, HCM, dental disease.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
GCCF only. Double-recessive. India: moderate climate fit.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,000
Adoption Fee
$75 to $350
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Lilac is a genetically complex colour requiring two copies each of the blue gene (dilute) and chocolate gene — making lilac cats the "double recessives" of the cat colour world, which explains why lilac was one of the last Siamese colours to be stabilised.
The Thai Lilac's pinkish-grey coat has a warm quality quite different from the cool blue-grey of Russian Blues or Korats — the warmth comes from the residual yellow pigment in the diluted chocolate base.
