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The Treatise on Cats (Thai: ตำราแมว, RTGS: Tamra Maeo, pronounced [tām.rāː mɛ̄ːw]), Since the Ayutthaya period, Thailand, The Treatise on Cats has been a part of Samut Khoi (a folding book manuscript widely used by many Buddhist cultures) which is made from natural materials, such as the bark of mulberry trees and plant-based paints, and sometimes imported materials from China and Europe were used as paints. The paper was made from blackening techniques with lampback or lacquer in order to make the paper stronger and protect it from insects and moisture. The inclusion of 23 illustrations shows the appearance of the cat with the poetic verse explanation of various types of cats demonstrating the depth of knowledge and interest in cats that existed in ancient Thailand. It is also noteworthy that much of this information has been transformed into modern breed standards. (Igunma, 1800) Unfortunately, the lack of an author name, illustrator name, or date in the manuscript is a common feature of Thai manuscripts, but it does not detract from their cultural significance. The fact that there was a tradition of producing treatises on animals that played important roles in the royal court and monasteries underscored the importance of animals in Thai culture and the reverence with which they were held. The mention of elephants, horses, and cats as animals that played important roles in Thai culture is also noteworthy. The breeding of Siamese cats was originally reserved for the royal family highlighting the importance of these animals in Thai society and their connection to the country's cultural heritage. There are 8 versions of the treatise on cat and 15 copies in different Thai poem formats (meter) kept in different locations, such as the National Library in Bangkok, the National Museum in Bangkok, and the Museum of Indian Art in Berlin.

• 2 version in meter "Khlong si" (โคลงสี่สุภาพ)

• a version in meter “kap chabang sip-hok” ( กาพย์ฉบัง๑๖ )

• a version mainly in meter “kap yani sip-et” ( กาพย์ยานี ๑๑)

• a version in meter “klon pleng yao” ( กลอนเพลงยาว)

• a version in "prose" ( ร้อยแก้ว )

The cats in the treatise are classified into two main types which are 17 auspicious cats and 6 inauspicious cats. The auspicious cat is a type of cat that brings good luck or is considered lucky, while the inauspicious cat is a type of cat that brings bad luck or is considered unlucky.

Auspicious cats

1. Nilrat

The physique of the Nilrat cat is short and robust, with its chest standing out. Its claws, tongue, teeth, eyes, and bones are all covered in a black color. It has a long, thin tongue and a mouth full of fangs and claws. It has a long, slender tail. The cat is renowned for its superb health and for moving with ease and evenness. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

2.Vilas

The Vilas cat's ears, tail, and stomach are all white, and it has a recognizable white pattern on its neck and stomach. Black and white patterns are mixed on the legs, and there are black and white splotches on the forehead. It has green eyes. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

3.Supalak

The color of Supalak's cat is a stunning, vivid copper. They are really adorable and alluring animals with sparkling eyes. Those who are raised will be excellent and pure of evil. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

4.Kao Taem

Nine black dots or spots are scattered across the cat's mostly white coat, including the neck, head, anterior and posterior thighs, and the back. These patches have an intriguing and distinctive pattern. Raising Kao Taem cats will bring prosperity in trade. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

MARAT

5.Marate

This cat has a grayish coat, which is described as resembling a gray cloud in the rainy sky. Their eyes are also described as gleaming, perhaps giving the impression of a cat that is alert and aware of its surroundings. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

6.Samsavej

This cat is characterized by a black and white coat, with sleek and short hair and a slender physique. Its eyes are said to resemble the twinkling glow of fireflies, creating a striking appearance. There is a belief that if this cat is treated well, it will display loyalty and gratitude towards its owner. This suggests that it is seen as a faithful companion that has a good memory for those who show it kindness. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

7.Rattanakampon

This cat has a predominantly white coat that is compared to a conch shell. It also has a black belt-like pattern around its chest, which creates a striking contrast against the white fur and yellow eyes. A belief that owning Rattanakampon's cat will bring a rank of fear in others. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

8.Wichien Maat

This cat's fur is initially white, but as it gets older, it will turn a light cream hue. However, there are nine specified places on the cat's body where the hair will stay brown or black in color, including the face, tail, paws, ears on both sides, and genitalia. Additionally, the cat has brilliant blue eyes that are sometimes characterized as shimmering. They will bring prosperity and wealth, thus raising them has great worth. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

9.Ninjak

The body of this cat is all black. Except for a collar-like band of white fur around the neck. It is believed by some that taking care of cats and treating them with kindness and respect can bring positive energy and blessings into a person's life, potentially leading to wealth and prosperity. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

10.Mulila

A cat with a black body and white ears, with yellow eyes resembling chrysanthemums, is well-suited to be a pet for a priest or someone seeking a good education. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

11.Krobvaen

A cat with a saddle-shaped birthmark on its back is highly valuable, potentially worth up to a hundred thousand gold taels. This belief may be rooted in cultural or spiritual significance attached to the marking, or simply in the rarity of such a feature in cats. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

12.Padsavej

This cat has a primarily black body with a white strip running from its nose along the spine to the tip of the tail. Its yellow eyes shine like precious gems. According to belief, raising this type of cat can bring about greater prosperity than others in the same social group, and can also bring good fortune. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

13.Krajok

This cat has a round body with black fur and white around the mouth, with striking yellow eyes. According to belief, raising this type of cat can bring about good fortune, including gaining land and money. Some believe that owning this cat can lead to social advancement, with commoners becoming masters among their peers. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

14.Singhaseab

This cat has a black body with white fur around the mouth and neck, a white nose, and yellow eyes. Its graceful movements resemble that of a lion. It is believed that raising this cat will bring auspiciousness and good fortune. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

15. Karaveak

A cat with a black body, white nose, and golden eyes. Believed that those who raise this cat for 7 months will receive great blessings and honor. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

16. Jatubot

A cat with black fur and white paws, and yellow eyes like Sesbania flowers. It is believed to bring luck to its owner, but is not suitable for everyone. It is recommended to be kept by high-ranking individuals or royalty. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

17. Konja

A black cat with yellow eyes like ripe bellflowers, and a long slender tail. Its walking posture is majestic like a lion. This cat is well-bred and has great value. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

Inauspicious cats

1.Tupparaphect

A white fur mixed with light brown, with eyes as red as blood. Believe that whoever raises it will suffer consequences and experience intense anger and destruction. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

2.Panpayak or linesuer

Panpayak has a fur pattern similar to a tiger, with fur that appears to be coated in salt and pepper. Its eyes are a deep red color, and it makes a sound like a ghostly wail echoing through the mountains. It is considered another type of cat that brings bad luck. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

3.Pesart

Believe that Pesart eats its own offspring, even if they are dead or alive. It gives birth to many kittens, but it devours all of them. It has a scruffy coat, a thin body, and tough skin. It is considered a wicked cat and should not be kept as a pet. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

4.Hintode

A brown cat with white fur on its belly,believed that it will bring bad luck and disaster into the owner's house. Whoever keeps it as a pet will not be blessed. When it gives birth, it often has dead kittens in its belly. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

5.Koppeang

A mysterious cat that likes to hide and avoid people, even its owner. Whenever it sees people, it either walks away or quickly runs away. Whoever keeps it as a pet will suffer consequences. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

6.Nepsaneat

This is a cat that looks like a civet and likes to curl its tail under its butt. It has a deformed body shape. Keeping it as a pet will damage one's reputation and honor. (Puttasaramahateara, 1957)

Further reading

• Clutterbuck, Martin R. (2004). Siamese cats : legends and reality ([2., enl. ed.] ed.). Bangkok, Thailand: White Lotus. ISBN 9789744800534.