Siamese Cat
As a cat once purely bred for royalty, the Siamese cat breed is one of the oldest breeds in existence. Recognized by their regal, stunning features and playful, affectionate nature, the Siamese cat has become a popular household companion. While they’re a relatively healthy breed, you must understand their unique quirks to give them the care and attention they need.
Siamese Cats At A Glance
| Lifespan | Average life expectancy is 15 – 20 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, curious, playful and very affectionate |
| Suitable | Great for families with children and those who are home often as they thrive on human attention and affection |
| Health | A generally healthy breed but can be prone to respiratory and gastrointestinal issues |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
Siamese cats are known for their high intelligence, which makes them curious, playful, and energetic. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and owners often teach them tricks like ‘high five’ or ‘fetch’! They can also be easily harnessed or leash-trained to walk outside with you. Siamese cats love interactive play to help make your training sessions fun for everyone. They’ll also lap up positive reinforcement training, loving treats, and extra attention from their owners.
Grooming
Siamese cats are low-maintenance and don’t need royal treatments for their skin, coat, ears or eyes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Skin: No bathing or skin care is needed. However, if you see your Siamese overgrooming or itching, it may have a skin allergy or condition and a visit to your vet is recommended.
- Coat: A Siamese’s short coat doesn’t shed excessively, but brushing it once a week is a good idea to remove hair and dead skin cells. You may find your Siamese loves this pampering session and vocalizes wanting more.
- Ears and eyes: No particular ear or eye treatments are needed. However, if you notice signs of infections, discharges or loss of sense, it’s best to visit your vet. Some Siamese cats have crossed eyes, a quirky trait requiring no
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Common Health Complaints - Siamese Cat
The Siamese cat breed boasts an impressive lifespan due to their selective breeding and genetic makeup. They may, however, experience some specific health conditions that can be seen in this cat breed. Having cat insurance for a Siamese can help you cover the costs of unexpected vet bills. Siamese cat health concerns may include:
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Respiratory Issues: Due to their shorter skull structure, Siamese cats are prone to respiratory issues like Feline Asthma
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Progressive Retina Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative, inherited disease in which a Siamese’s retinas deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness
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Periodontal Disease: Common in Siamese cats, causing inflamed gums, tooth decay and loss and chronic infections which can spread to organs
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Gastrointestinal Issues: Due to their sensitive digestive tract, allergies and picky eating, Siamese cats can experience vomiting and diarrhea
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Pica: Siamese cats can be predisposed to Pica, a condition where they eat non-food items like plants, wool, clothing or electrical cords
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Obesity: If a Siamese doesn’t get their required exercise and are overfed by their owners, they can be prone to obesity, so a controlled diet is needed
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Cancer: Siamese cats are prone to Lymphoma, a condition that affects their white blood cells, leading to cancer anywhere in their body
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Vestibular Disease: The Siamese breed is susceptible to this disease that affects their inner ear, leading to issues with balance, coordination and vertigo
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Hip Dysplasia: A genetic disease where the femur doesn’t fit correctly into the hip socket, causing wear from constant rubbing, inflammation and pain
- Amyloidosis: Caused by an abnormal deposit of fibrous protein amyloid into bodily tissues, leading to possible liver failure and kidney disease
Exercise Requirements
Siamese cats are energetic and love to play, craving attention and entertainment. Your furry family member will need many interactive toys to entertain them, especially when you’re not around. They also love to look outside, so providing window perches is a great way to keep them happy. A decent climbing frame, cat tree or scratching post will also be well used. It’s recommended that a Siamese has at least 30 minutes of activity each day to keep them happy and healthy, which can include a walk on a leash.
Intelligence
The Siamese breed is known for being one of the most intelligent cat breeds. Their inquisitive nature can sometimes get them into trouble! They are very vocal cats, wanting to tell you about everything they see happening around them, whether it’s birds outside or household activities. Due to their high intelligence levels, Siamese cats are easier to train, with many owners being able to teach them fun tricks to entertain everyone. It’s best to keep your Siamese cat entertained (especially when you’re not home), so lots of interactive toys and puzzle games will work a treat.
Family Friendly
Siamese cats are very social and love being with their humans, preferring to spend time with you rather than exploring the outside world. They thrive on affection and attention and will develop strong bonds with those in your family (and even your guests). This breed is known for being good with children and can tolerate other pets in your household. However, introducing your Siamese kitten to family members and other pets must be done slowly and carefully to ensure no one is overwhelmed.
Indoor/outdoor?
Due to the single-layered Siamese coat, which can’t tolerate temperature changes, this breed should not be left outdoors. Their loyal, affectionate nature makes them ideal indoor cats who’ll love nothing more than being by your side. Their intelligence makes it easy for them to litter train so they won’t leave presents around your home. Provided they are entertained, Siamese cats are well-behaved indoor cats.
Responsible Breeding
When buying a Siamese cat kitten, it’s best to source a reputable, responsible breeder to ensure you receive the healthiest cat possible. An ethical breeder cares for the health of your new Siamese kitten, choosing breeding pairs that have been genetically screened to avoid passing on common Siamese cat health conditions. Your breeder should have also provided vaccinations and started socializing your Siamese kitten, allowing it to happily adjust to their new home environment with you.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Siamese Cats
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Siamese Cats. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
