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Siamese Cat

Siamese Cat

Remember Si and Am from Disney's Lady and the Tramp? Devious as they were, they won hearts with their unforgettable partnership, setting strong friendship goals for us. 

Remember Si and Am from Disney's Lady and the Tramp? Devious as they were, they won hearts with their unforgettable partnership, setting strong friendship goals for us. And just like their Disney counterparts, Siamese cats are popular for their unmatched friendliness and playful nature.

Siamese fur babies are temperature-sensitive and do not do well in colder climates due to their shorter coats. Though they prefer warmer temperatures, the strikingly beautiful Siamese breed is not too fond of extremely hot climates either.  

Siamese kitties belong to one of the oldest recorded breeds, descending from the Felidae family of cats. Several other cat breeds have descended from the Siamese, including Balinese, Javanese, and Bengal.

Key pointers:

  • Weight - 8 to 15 pounds.
  • Height - 8 to 10 inches. Some Siamese can have a greater height of about 12 inches.
  • Lifespan 15-20 years.
  • Coat - Short, glossy coat with a distinctive colour pattern.

Ratings:

  • Friendliness – Very friendly
  • Ability to adapt – Very adaptable
  • Behaviour towards other pets – Very accommodating
  • Behaviour towards humans – Very loving
  • Playfulness – Very playful
  • Tendency to obesity High
  • Overall health - Good
  • Life expectancy – Very good
  • Easy to train - Yes
  • Advisable for first-time owners – Yes

Physical Appearance

Siamese furries have a long, slender, and acrobatic physique with elegantly long neck and legs. They have short but shiny hair with a lighter colour on the body that darkens towards the extremities. Siamese fur kiddos have a distinctively coloured coat, usually cream or silver-grey and have a darker colour on their face that matches the colour of their tail and paws. Siamese munchkins also have beautiful almond-shaped blue eyes that glow with love and mischief.

Health

Siamese furry kids belong to the oriental breed and are often prone to certain cat diseases and health risks, like pancreatitis and liver diseases, heart diseases, kidney disease, and gastroenteric disorders. So, to make sure your Siamese baby lives a long healthy life free from diseases, it is vital to be aware of the causes and symptoms of common Siamese cat diseases and how to prevent them.

  1. Heart diseases

    Siamese cats can often suffer from heart diseases when their heart structures do not function in the usual way. Heart diseases in Siamese kitties are either congenital (inherent or born with the disease) or acquired (where the condition develops in the later stages of life). This breed also runs the risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition where the muscular walls of the heart thicken, leading to heart disorders. HCM can prove to be fatal in its advanced stages, but with treatment, your Siamese fur baby can live a long, normal life. The symptoms of heart diseases in Siamese cats are:

    • Laboured breathing
    • Weak pulse
    • Rapid breathing and heartbeat
  2. Kidney diseases

    Siamese beauties are often susceptible to kidney diseases, commonly resulting from blockages, tumours, or infections. Toxins from accidentally licking harmful chemicals can also lead to kidney disorders in Siamese babies. Unless treated on time, kidney diseases in cats can lead to gradual or complete loss of kidney functions. Medical treatment for kidney diseases in Siamese cats includes special diets and medications, as well as flushing their kidneys with intravenous fluids. Symptoms that can manifest into kidney diseases in Siamese furries include:

    • Lethargyz
    • Increased production of urine
    • Loss of appetite
    • Frequent vomiting
  3. Pancreatitis and liver disease

    Pancreatitis and liver diseases are common disorders in Siamese furry kids. Siamese cats suffering from liver diseases can result from ageing or can be caused by inflammatory bowel diseases and infections in the gall bladder or kidney tissues. Pancreatitis in the Siamese breed is often caused by parasitic infections, drug reactions, and trauma. However, liver disorders and pancreatitis in Siamese fur kiddos are easily treatable with fluids, vitamins, antibiotics, and pain relief medications. Common symptoms of liver diseases in Siamese kitties are as follows:

    • Stomach ulceration
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhoea and loss of appetite
    • Abdominal swelling and excessive urination

Grooming

Siamese cats are shorthair breeds, meaning they have a shorter coat compared to Maine coon or Persian cats, making it relatively easy to groom them and keep up their appearance. Because of their shorter coats, Siamese cats do not shed much and can be groomed by brushing their coat for loose hair once a week. It is a good idea to use a brush with soft bristles to gently brush your Siamese cat without causing it any irritation in the process. Siamese cats do not require vigorous brushing, and brushing slowly along the direction of the hair can be comfortable and relaxing for your cat as well. Once brushed, you can wipe your Siamese cat with a soft towel to remove loose hairs. Siamese fur babies are social and friendly and put up little or no resistance to grooming routines.

Clipping the claws of your Siamese baby is a good way of discouraging scratching. Also, clipping the claws once every 10 to 14 days can also prevent a build-up of germs. It is important to use a sharp clipper or veterinary-styled guillotine clippers so as to avoid discomfort. It is also a wise idea to brush the teeth of your Siamese kiddo weekly and plan veterinary appointments annually.

Playing

Siamese fur kids are known for their playfulness and friendliness. Active as they are, Siamese furry munchkins greatly enjoy playtimes, and if you own a Siamese cat or two, playing with them can foster deep bonds with you.

Do note that Siamese babies are extremely energetic and are easily impressed by even the simplest forms of entertainment, like cardboard boxes. However, you can also use interactive toys, food puzzles, fishing poles, and teasers to keep your Siamese fur kiddo stimulated and happy.

Siamese Cat FAQ

Do Siamese cats get along with other pets?

Though Siamese cats have a notoriety for aggression, they usually get along with other household pets. Most Siamese kitties are social with other animals, often expressing themselves in a characteristic loud, low-pitched voice. Siamese furries can be territorial, but Siamese can also be welcoming to new animals into their social circle.

Are Siamese cats friendly?

Due to their social temperament, Siamese furies are extremely friendly to those around them. This breed of kitties is playful and can develop a bond with their humans easily. Not only are Siamese highly intelligent, but the social, outgoing nature of Siamese cats makes them quick to trust their humans and interact meaningfully with them.

How long do Siamese cats live?

Siamese cats have a comparatively longer lifespan than most cats, including the Maine coon. The average Siamese cat can live up to 15 years of age, but some Siamese cats are known to have lived for 20 years and more. Long-haired Siamese cats, like the Persian, Burmese and Balinese cats, often display a similar lifespan. 

Are Siamese cats easy to groom?

Almost all Siamese cats have short hair, making it easier for cat owners to groom them. They require low maintenance, and brushing their coat on a weekly basis is sufficient for keeping them from matting. In addition, Siamese cats should be bathed at least every 2 to 3 months, and their claws trimmed periodically. Though Siamese babies have good teeth, brushing their teeth twice a week can be beneficial in keeping up with their dental hygiene. 

Do Siamese cats like to bath?

Though most Siamese cats like to splash around in the water, some of them show an aversion to it. Most Siamese fur kids groom themselves to keep out dirt, filth, and matting, so it is a good idea to give them a bath once every 2 to 3 months, regardless of their preferences. However, 
Siamese cats with longer coats may need more frequent baths, once every 1.5 months.

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