“We are Siamese if you please, we are Siamese if you don’t please.”
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I don’t know about you, but whenever I see or hear about a Siamese cat, I can’t help but think of the two mischievous singing cats from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. Although this breed may not be out to sabotage a poor Cocker Spaniel, they are certainly playful!
This month’s spotlighted breed is all about the Siamese cat, so keep reading to learn more about this exquisite feline.
Basic Characteristics of Siamese
Siamese cats are very distinguishable from other cat breeds. They are known for their long, sleek bodies. In fact, they are known to be about 15 to 20 inches long, and that’s not even including their tail! Although they are long, they are not bulky or heavy – their sleek build weighs in around 6-14 pounds.
They have a short coat that has gorgeous contrast in color, typically called pointing. This means the fur on the body is a different color than the feet, ears, and tail, but the colors blend beautifully together. Their fur can be one of four colors: chocolate, lilac, blue, and seal.
Siamese cats may appear to be preparing for a masquerade ball, thanks to their dark mask that covers their eyes and nose. Pair this svelte body frame with a triangular-shaped head along with stunning almond-shaped, piercing blue eyes, and you’ve got yourself an elegant cat.
Temperament
Talkative, playful, and affectionate are just a few ways to describe this pretty kitty. Pet parents can expect a very loving companion when it comes to this breed. However, if you want a cat because you think they are quiet, calm pets, this cat is definitely not for you.
Siamese are known to voice their opinions, and because of their high level of intelligence, expects their owners to follow their conversations! Don’t expect a cute little meow, these cats have a loud, raspy voice and they definitely use it to its full potential.
Thanks to their long bodies, Siamese cats are very agile and athletic. Toys they can chase or climb make these cats super happy! To keep them mentally stimulated, pet parents have provided puzzle toys to help their cats use all that intelligence they possess.
As social as these cats are, they are very demanding of their family’s attention. If you are sitting down, you can expect your Siamese to be in your lap for the majority of the time. They are extremely playful, so make sure you are ready to play or provide a lot of toys for them to self-entertain.
Exercise
As previously mentioned, these Siamese cats are very active and love to play. As far as exercise goes, these cats will get a lot of their exercise through playtime. If you are the type of pet parent who likes to be included in physical activity, it is worth noting that some Siamese cats have been trained to walk on a leash, thanks to their high intelligence and trainability. Buying or building your cat a scratching post or climbing tree, would be a great toy for your Siamese to jump on and climb. Other examples of exercise include fetch (that’s right! Fetch is not just a game for dogs, cats love it too!), playing catch with laser toys, or even hide and seek. The good news is with this breed, your Siamese won’t care what activity they are playing as long as you are engaged with them!
It’s important to note here that it is extremely easy to malnourish or overfeed a Siamese, due to its picky appetite and level of exercise. Their bodies are not built to support an overweight frame, so pet parents need to ensure they do not overfeed their cat.
On a final note, Siamese cats do not like being left alone, so consider getting them another cat (or dog) friend, or hire a pet sitter to come by to play and talk to your kitty.
Grooming
As far as grooming goes with a Siamese, it is pretty limited! Their short coat makes it easy for them to maintain cleanliness, however pet parents may want to brush them once a week to help remove dead hair and skin. The biggest part of grooming pet parents want to focus on is cleaning their cat’s teeth and cleaning their ears. Brushing their teeth daily is ideal, however brushing at least once a week is recommended.
As far as cleaning ears, use a damp cotton ball to wipe off the surface of the ears. Pet parents do not want to clean the canals. If you need help with any grooming needs for your Siamese, check out some of our favorite groomers in the area.
Vet/Medical Care
Although the average lifespan of a Siamese is roughly 12-15 years, they are prone to a few health issues that pet parents want to watch out for.
Systemic amyloidosis. This fatal disease occurs when protein builds up in various organs and prevents them from working properly. It typically leads to kidney failure or liver damage.
Asthma. Yup! Just like humans, cats can also get asthma. Siamese cats, in particular, can suffer from this medical condition. The good news is asthma is treatable in pets. Your veterinarian will typically treat it with anti-inflammatories or bronchodilator therapy.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This is a genetic eye problem that can eventually lead to blindness.
Hip dysplasia. This is a health concern seen in many animals and is a lameness in the abnormal development that causes lameness in the back legs. Hip dysplasia is not a treatable health condition, but there are some techniques that can be discussed with your veterinarian that can help to control the disorder.
Mediastinal lymphoma. This form of cancer builds up fluid around the lungs. Through chemo, steroids, and surgery, pet parents will want to consult with their veterinarian to determine the best course of action for their Siamese.
Pet parents are always encouraged to have a discussion with their vet regarding any health concerns they may have with their Siamese. It is crucial to stay up to date with routine vet care and always be in tune with your pet and their behavior.
If something seems “off” with your pet, make sure you seek veterinary assistance to help treat conditions to prevent them from getting worse. It is no secret that vet bills can escalate quickly, especially when it comes to an emergency or surgery. It is never a bad idea to consider getting your fur baby a pet insurance policy to assist in paying those vet costs.
Bringing a Siamese Cat Home
It’s safe to say that as beautiful as Siamese cats are, they are not a breed for everyone. Potential pet parents need to take into consideration all the attributes of this breed prior to bringing one home. A Siamese cat can cost anywhere from $400 to over $1,000. Factor that price in with toys, food, and vet care and you have a pretty pricey pet, so make sure when you bring that pretty kitty home, you can afford to care for her.
The “Adopt, Don’t Shop!” option is always a great way to go when bringing home a new furry family member. There are multiple resources online to help you adopt a Siamese (or any breed for that matter) rather than purchasing from a breeder.
Regardless of where you choose to get your new pet from, please remember, Space Coast Pet Services is available for all your fur baby needs, including cat sitters, walkers, and even home visits. Contact us or visit our website today for a full list of services.
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