Siamese cat Breed Grooming & Health Issues

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Aftab Tariq

Siamese cat is one of the first recognized breeds of Asian cats. For company, Siamese cats were only kept by very important people, like kings and queens.

They originally came from Thailand, where they amazed everyone with their good looks and fun personalities. Stories say they even protected temples and looked after special souls.

According to the Siamese Cat Society, these stories have been passed down for a long time. Siamese cats are famous for their sleek appearance. They have big ears and beautiful blue eyes. Their bodies are slim, and they have dark colors on their ears, face, paws, and tail.

Usually, Siamese cats come in seal, chocolate, lilac, and blue point colors, but there are also other types, like the tabby-coated Lynx Point Siamese. Typically, a Siamese kitten can range from $200 to $1,000.

Siamese Cat Origin

Formerly known as Siam, Thailand is the home of Siamese cats. They are a favorite kind of short-haired pet cat. Siamese cats have sleek bodies, thin legs, and long tails. Their heads are shaped like wedges, and they have blue eyes.

Siamese Cat Characteristics

Siamese cats are friendly and like being around people. They can fit in well with families and are easy to get along with. However, they are also curious and full of energy. So, you’ll need to play with them a lot or take them for walks to keep them happy.

Siamese Cat Description

Attribute	Description
Origin	Thailand
Size	Medium
Breed Group	Oriental
Lifespan	12-15 years
Coat	Short and silky, with color points on the face, ears, paws, and tail
Temperament	Intelligent, playful, and affectionate
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Training	Easy to train
Grooming	Weekly brushing

The Siamese cat has a sleek and athletic build, standing tall on thin legs with oval-shaped paws. Their ears are large and pointed, adding to their smart appearance, and they sit nicely on their triangular-shaped head.

Their eyes are almond-shaped and slant towards the nose, giving them a unique look. Siamese cats have long, slender tails that taper to a point. Their coat is short and smooth and lies close to their body. Siamese cats come in light colors with darker faces, ears, legs, and tail markings.

Siamese Cat Names

Certain cats depicted in cartoons and literature have gained significant fame. These distinctive Siamese cats are adored by many, possibly even by your feline companion.

• Sagwa
• C
• Tao
• Skippyjon
• Koko
• Yum Yum

Siamese Cat Size

Siamese cats are typically small to medium-sized. They stand about 8 to 10 inches tall and have bodies that are around 11.5 to 14 inches long. Siamese cat weight is between 8 to 10 pounds.

Siamese Cat Color

The Siamese cat colors are typically categorized into four main accepted colors, with variations within each category.

Chocolate point

Chocolate Points are lighter than Seal. Their main body color is ivory white. As the name suggests, the points on Chocolate Points are usually a cinnamon chocolate color. Because of the white body, these points stand out.

Seal point

When people picture Siamese cats, they often think of Seal Point Siamese. These cats have nearly black points, though the color is more of a dark brown. Compared to other Siamese, Seal Points have the darkest bodies.

Blue point

Blue Point Siamese cats get their name from their mostly white bodies with a bluish tint. As these cats age, their coloring often darkens gradually. The points on Blue Points are typically deep blue or slate-colored. Their coloration gives them a cooler appearance compared to other Siamese cats.

Siamese Cat Diet

To keep your Siamese cat healthy, give them good quality cat food recommended by experts like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

This food has everything your Siamese cat needs to stay strong and happy. It’s a good idea to talk to your cat’s vet for advice on choosing the right food.

Feeding Tips For Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are like wild cats they prefer eating smaller meals several times daily. This means giving them two or more small meals daily. Since Siamese cats are smart and like to keep busy, using food puzzles or lick mats during mealtime can make them happy.

But be careful; Siamese cats aren’t great at controlling how much they eat, so it’s not a good idea to leave food out all day for them to eat whenever they want.

How Much Food Does A Siamese Cat Need?

A Siamese cat’s food needs depend on age and activity. Your vet can figure out the right amount for your cat. If your cat gains too much weight, your vet might suggest a diet with fewer calories or special weight-loss food like Hill’s Metabolic or Royal Canin Satiety.

Siamese Cat Lifespan

Siamese cats from Thailand typically live around 15 years, but some can reach 20 years old. People adore Siamese cats because they’re friendly, playful, and amusing. Their intelligence also makes them trainable.

Behavior And Training Tips For Siamese Cats

In this section, we’ll explore behavior and training strategies tailored for Siamese cats. These tips focus on understanding their unique traits and employing positive reinforcement methods for effective training.

Siamese Cat Personality And Temperament

Siamese cats are known for being lively and chatty. However, each cat has its unique personality, explains Louviere.

Siamese cats can be fantastic companions for families looking for an affectionate pet with a lively nature, even those with children and other pets. Introducing them slowly and carefully to other animals and kids is important, just like with any cat.

Siamese Cat Behavior

Early socialization is crucial for any friendly cat, but Siamese cats especially thrive on love and attention.

While they often form strong bonds with their favorite person, don’t be surprised if you find them cozying up to your guests. When they feel ignored or want to chat, Siamese cats aren’t shy about meowing loudly or making other vocalizations.

Siamese Cat Training

Siamese cats are known for their gentle nature and respond well to positive reinforcement during training. They’re incredibly intelligent and enjoy participating in activities with their humans, making them great candidates for leash training, learning tricks like high fives, and other engaging training sessions.

Enjoyable Things For Siamese Cats To Do

• Going on adventures with a harness and leash
• Trying out clicker training
• Using puzzle feeders and snuffle mats for meals
• Playing with interactive toys
• Watching birds from a safe spot
• Enjoying cuddles, pets, and brushing sessions
• Being in the company of people

Siamese Grooming Guide

Despite their regal ancestry, siamese cats don’t need any royal treatment for their skin, coat, or eyes when it comes to regular maintenance.

Coat Care: Caring for the coat of a Siamese cat is simple. Their short, colorful fur is easy to manage and doesn’t shed a lot. Brushing your cat once a week is a good habit, although your friendly Siamese might want more grooming time. There are also fluffy Siamese relatives called Balinese that need a bit more grooming.

Skin Care: Taking care of Siamese cats’ skin is easy. You don’t need to give them baths or do anything special. But if you see your cat scratching a lot or having skin problems, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for a checkup.

 Ear Care: Taking care of Siamese cat ears is easy. Normally, you don’t need to take any special action. However, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a checkup if you observe any unusual discharge from the ears. These dark specks resemble coffee grounds (which could be mites) or an unpleasant smell emanating from the ears.

Eye Care: Taking care of Siamese cat eyes is straightforward. You don’t need to do anything special. But if you notice your cat having trouble seeing, like bumping into things, it’s important to speak with your vet. Redness, unusual discharge, or irritation might mean your cat has an eye infection, which your vet can treat with antibiotics.

Health Issues Of Siamese Cat

Siamese cats typically live for about 15 years on average, but some can even reach their 20s. Due to their susceptibility to certain health issues, you should consider getting pet insurance for your Siamese kitten.

1.      Asthma

Cat asthma is like human asthma, causing coughing, trouble breathing, and wheezing. Things like reducing dust and using special cat litter might help. But for some cats, especially those with severe asthma, they might need to use an inhaler or take medicine for their whole life.

2.      Pica

Pica in cats means they eat things that aren’t food, which might be because they can’t help it. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that Siamese cats and other oriental breeds are more likely to have pica, especially if they suck on wool.

It is equally frequent and sometimes harmful to eat hair knots and strings. Talk to your vet if your Siamese cat eats something odd or stops eating their usual food. Eating non-food stuff can make them sick or block their insides, which could be bad.

3.      Retinal Degeneration

Some Siamese cats might inherit a condition called hereditary retinal degeneration, which is more commonly seen in Abyssinian and Somali cats. This means their eyesight can get worse over time. Signs of this problem usually start showing when the cat is about 1 or 2 years old, beginning with trouble seeing in the dark and eventually leading to complete blindness.

Even though this condition can’t be fixed, cats that can’t see can still have a happy life with some extra care. Responsible Siamese cat breeders need to check the genes of the parent cats to prevent passing on this condition to their kittens.

4.      Understanding Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a disease where a strange protein builds up in the body’s tissues. It can cause serious problems like liver or kidney disease. Siamese cats might be more likely to get this disease because of their genetic mutation.

5.      Dental Care for Siamese Cats

Siamese cats, like all cats, can have problems with their teeth. Brush them at home with special cat toothpaste to keep their teeth healthy. Your vet will check your Siamese cat’s teeth every year and might recommend cleaning if needed.

Siamese Cat Personality Problems

Following are different Siamese cat personality problems.

Siamese Cats And Feeling Alone

Siamese cats really like being around people. They get really attached to their human families and can feel sad when left alone for a long time. These cats can feel separation anxiety more than other types of cats.

When lonely, they might meow, do bad things, or even not want to eat. If you’re not home much, getting another cat to keep your Siamese company might be a good idea. But make sure to introduce them slowly so they can become friends without fighting. Giving them lots of love and playtime when you’re around can also help them feel better.

Active Siamese Cats

Siamese cats enjoy playing and have a lot of energy. They enjoy exploring their surroundings, climbing on things like cat trees, and having fun with their human friends or other cats. Sometimes, their high energy might seem like they’re always hyperactive.

If your Siamese cat is always on the go, giving them lots of things to do and keeping them busy is important. This can include playing with toys together, having scratching posts, and spending time playing with them. If a Siamese cat is left alone for too long, they might get bored and start doing things that aren’t good, like breaking things or scratching furniture.

Siamese Cats And Their Feelings

Siamese cats are usually very loved but can also be possessive and jealous. They form strong bonds with their human family and might not like it when others try to get close.

Sometimes, they might act mean, like hissing or swatting, if they think someone is taking attention away from them. But it’s not because they’re bad cats; it’s just because they really want your love and attention. Making sure they feel safe and loved can help stop these behaviors.

Dealing With Siamese Cats And Other Pets

Siamese cats can sometimes act aggressively towards other pets. They like having their own space and might not want to share it with another animal, especially if they think it’s taking away attention from their human.

Siamese cats are known for being strong-willed, so it’s important to introduce new pets slowly and watch them closely until you’re sure they can get along. Giving each pet an area for eating and sleeping can also help prevent fights.

Adapting To Change

Siamese cats like having a routine and can find it hard when things change. This could be moving to a new home or switching their daily schedule.

When things change, they might get stressed and start acting differently, like meowing a lot or hiding. It’s important to introduce changes slowly and give them lots of love and comfort during those times. Keeping as much of their routine the same as possible can also help them feel better.

Siamese Cat Price

The cost of a Siamese kitten can vary depending on factors like the breeder, where you’re located, and the cat’s quality. Generally, you should pay between $200 and $1,000 for a Siamese kitten. In some cases, the price can go as high as $2,800.

Just remember, the price range can be influenced by the breeder’s reputation, ranging from less reputable breeders to more trustworthy ones.

Considerations For Pet Parents

When you bring a Siamese cat home, be ready to spend time playing and bonding with them. Siamese cats are called “Velcro cats” because they prefer human company over being alone.

Provide interactive toys, food puzzles, window perches, and cat trees to keep your Siamese cat entertained and content. Even though they can live happily in apartments, Siamese cats tend to be vocal and may meow loudly when they want attention. With proper care and attention, you’ll have a loving companion who brings lots of joy and energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Origin Behind The Name Siamese Cats?

Siamese cats derive their name from their historical roots, tracing centuries to Siam, known today as Thailand. These felines were revered as sacred guardians of Buddhist temples within the region.

How Can One Cater To The Dietary Needs Of Siamese Cats?

To address the dietary requirements of Siamese cats, it’s advisable to provide a balanced blend of wet and dry food made from premium, natural ingredients.

Are Male Siamese Cats Rare?

No, male Siamese cats are not usually rarer than females. In Siamese litters, the number of males and females is generally about the same, similar to other cat breeds.