Siamese Cat

Siamese Cat: Cat Breed Information Guide

The sleek and enchanting Siamese cat is world-famous. Hiding beyond those beautiful blue eyes and silky, elegant exterior is an intelligent and loving little rascal. Are you thinking about adopting a Siamese? Here’s the information you need to know.

An ancient breed from Thailand, which used to be called Siam, these cats were popular among the royal family and were highly revered. They believed that the Siamese cats would receive the souls of royal family members after they died.

The Siamese who received the souls were taken to a temple and lived their lives in luxury. Perhaps this is why these adorably elegant cats have a reputation for being a little bit demanding.

They’re closely related to the Oriental Shorthair and the Oriental Longhair.

In the late 19th century, they debuted at the Crystal Palace cat show in London. Later on, one of the first Siamese cats to arrive in the United States was the First Lady of President Rutherford B. Hayes, Lucy Hayes. The cat was sent by the American Consul in Bangkok. After that, they have only grown in popularity.

If you’re thinking about adopting a Siamese cat, you’ll need to learn about the wants and needs of these kitties. You may want to adopt this cat because of their beautiful fur, but you should also be prepared for their big personality.

Here at Spot Pet Insurance, we understand that becoming a pet parent can be a bit of a learning curve, so we’re hoping to prepare you for your Siamese friend by giving you the education you need to give your kitty a happy home.

What does a Siamese cat look like?

Siamese cats have a very distinctive look. Their sleek coats are usually one color, a tannish white, but at their extremities (tip of the tail, legs and paws, ears, and face). This particular look is called pointed.

Although many other breeds are pointed, the Siamese is probably the most well-known. Another famous characteristic of the Siamese is their bright blue eyes, which is common among many other cats with the pointed pattern.

Most people think of the traditional Siamese breed with the seal point pattern (the black tips), but there are many possible color variations like chocolate, blue, and lilac. There are also some less well-known variations, like red.

These cats tend to have long, muscular bodies, rounder heads, and large ears.

Are there different kinds of Siamese cats?

Although the types of Siamese cats are only differentiated by color, there are several similar breeds derived from Siamese cats, like the following:

What are the health risks for Siamese cats?

Like humans, animals can become ill. Sometimes it’s because of a virus or bacteria; other times, it can be a hereditary illness. Although reputable breeders try to screen their stock for health conditions so they don’t pass on the genes that cause these hereditary issues, it’s impossible to prevent every potential illness.

Spot provides plan options that can cover eligible treatments and vet visits for hereditary accidents and illnesses. Your vet can discuss potential health issues with you and signs to look out for in your Siamese.

Some potential problems are various cancers, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), crossed eyes, and Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. We have gone more in-depth on some other issues that Siamese cats have below.

Personality of the Siamese

Are Siamese friendly? Or are they aloof?

Many cats are characterized as unfriendly and aloof, but usually, this isn’t the case, especially with Siamese cats. A Siamese loves it when you're around; they will follow you pretty much everywhere.

Siamese cats are also very opinionated. They will tell you what they think of everything with some very vocal meows. One opinion they always will always have is that you are their favorite human.

Do Siamese need exercise?

All pets need some form of exercise, although different animals need different amounts. The same goes for different breeds. Some cat breeds are more energetic than others.

Siamese are one of the more energetic breeds, so they’ll need more to keep them occupied. Interestingly, the Siamese is one of the few cats that is okay with walking on a leash. They might also enjoy playing fetch or going through agility training.

They’re also willing to climb onto anything and everything, so make sure you cat-proof your house before bringing a Siamese kitten home.

Do Siamese cats get along with kids?

Your Siamese will get along with kids. They enjoy attention and activity, so they’re pretty happy if they get the recognition they want.

You should probably keep an eye on children when they interact with your kitty. Even if your cat absolutely adores children, there’s only so much fur pulling they’ll tolerate, although they will probably respond by hiding rather than nipping.

How are Siamese cats with other pets?

If you have other cats or dogs at home, it’s important to find a cat that will be comfortable around other pets. Siamese cats are not only comfortable around other pets, but they also need companionship, so they tend to get along with other pets pretty well.

If you’re busy and can’t spend most of the day with your Siamese, it might be good to get another pet. Siamese cats need company, so they will find a companion in other pets that you have around.

Of course, if you’re a doggy parent, we can’t guarantee that your pup will enjoy having a new cat around, but your Siamese likely won’t mind.

Are Siamese cats intelligent?

Siamese cats are some of the most intelligent cats. They can learn tricks if you use a clicker. You can teach them to go through an agility course or give them puzzle toys to work on.

Of course, this also means that they’re good at figuring stuff out. If your Siamese gets bored or doesn’t get the attention they want, they might do things like turn on the sink or open all the kitchen cabinets.

Are Siamese good on their own?

Siamese cats are very intelligent and affectionate. They want to have someone around almost all the time. They are companionable cats, so they need a companion. However, they can suffer from separation anxiety.

To help prevent this issue, it’s a good idea to get a companion for your cat or be a work-from-home pet parent. You can also help your cat adjust to being alone for short periods of time as a kitten, but you still shouldn’t leave them alone for long periods.

How to care for Siamese

What is the coat of a Siamese cat like?

They have short fur that is very sleek and silky. They shed minimally.

Siamese cat colors:

Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic?

Not exactly. Siamese cats still produce the cause of the allergen, but not as much as other cats. Their fur is particularly short, which means they produce less dander than many other cats.

What kind of grooming does a Siamese cat need?

They need weekly combing and the occasional bath and nail clipping. They also need their teeth brushed regularly.

What is the lifetime care cost of a Siamese cat?

The lifetime care cost of a Siamese cat is around $10,575-$105,013.

How to be the best pet parent for a Siamese?

Every animal has their own specific needs and wants. Siamese cats are no exception.

How much does a cat or kitten cost?

Adoption fee: $15-$1,100

[Expense: first year, following years]

Food: $120-$240, $120-$240

Water/food bowls: $10, N/A

Collar and ID tags: $15, $0-$15

Bed: $30, $0-$30

Toys: $30, $0-$30

Vaccines and routine care: $420-$2,100, $420-$2,100

Monthly medications: $60-$420, $60-$420

Litter: $120-$4,800, $120-$4,800

Litter box and scoop: $35, N/A

Total: $840-$7,680, $720-$7,635

If you want more information about general cat care costs, you can check out our post about it cost of cat care.

Behavior etiquette for your cat

What type of foods should a Siamese never eat?

Like all cats, Siamese can’t have some kinds of human food. These foods include, but are not limited to:

Your cat might also have allergies or sensitivities to some kinds of food, but these can only be determined by testing the individual.

Exercising tips to keep your cat to stay fit and healthy

Your Siamese is probably going to need quite a bit of exercise, both mentally and physically. They do exercise themselves physically as they explore your house, but it would be helpful to play fetch with them every once in a while. They’ll also love it if you take them for a walk.

Walks can also help them exercise their minds since they can explore, as long as you have them on their leash. You can also teach them tricks, get puzzles toys, or install bird feeders so your cat can watch.

Siamese cat life stages

Although your kitten will sleep more than their older counterparts, they are adorable little bundles of mischief that will try to learn everything about anything. Adult Siamese cats have a fully developed personality, and they’ll follow you everywhere, telling you what they think. Although they might be slowing down, your senior Siamese is still just as curious as ever. You might also notice their fur getting darker as they age.

Kitten: 0-6 months  |   Adult: 2-10 years    |      Senior: 10-15 years

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