"Cats never listen. They're dependable that way; when Rome burned, the emperor's cats still expected to be fed on time."
- Seanan McGuire
Health and Care
On average, the lifespan of the Siamese is about 12.5 years. Siamese and Siamese-derived breeds have higher mortality rate in comparison to the other cat breeds. Most deaths are caused by tumors, especially mammary tumors. They are also at higher risk of gastrointestinal problems, lung infections, feline OCD, vestibular disease and Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome.
These cats will quickly make their presence known in your home. You don’t want to raise a Siamese cat if you can’t dedicate your time to being around them. They like being around family members, they need attention, and their loud and distinctive meow will let you know when they want your attention. So, if you are a cat lover who likes having your cat by your side at all times, you’ll get along just fine with a Siamese cat.
Siamese cats are known to contract a form of heart disease more frequently than other breeds of cats. The condition is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. You can’t treat this condition with surgery, and there’s no cure. However, cat owners can speak to their vet about medications, as they can help extend your cat’s lifespan and quality of life.
Siamese cat cancer is something you should be familiar with as well. The breed is more likely to contract cancer than other breeds of cats. Again, there’s no way to prevent it, but if you buy your cat from a breeder, make sure you choose a breeder that properly cares for their cats. And, choose a breeder with no history of cancer if possible; you’ll also want to look for breeders with a history of cats with long lifespans.
This is more common when the cat is a kitten; some conditions your Siamese cat might suffer from include
- Bronchial disease
- Feline asthma
- Couching and sneezing
- Low airway disease
These conditions are a little easier to treat with the help of your vet. And, there’s also a cure with proper care. So, talk to your vet for medication or prescriptions that can help your cat recover faster if they suffer from these conditions when you first bring them home.
Siamese cats are also more prone to pancreatic and liver disease. They might also suffer from something known as Siamese squints. This is when their eyes are cross-eyed; although this won’t affect their health in any way, it’s something you should understand before bringing your new kitten home.
back - forward