Siamese cats are pretty easy to care for. They love their food, their play time and attention. Given free rein, they’d love to have all of these 24/7.
Siamese cats tend to be a long lived breed. It’s one reason we love Siamese. Like all purebreds they have some genetic quirks that can cause problems. For many years the kinked tail was a problem and in the breed standard, it is still considered a fault for a show cat. However, it is unlikely that this would cause a problem for a pet quality cat. Crossed eyes are the same way. Siamese cats tend to have bad teeth. They also tend towards cardiac problems, however as a long lived cat, this could be expected.
Current veterinary medicine says that Siamese tend to begin kidney failure younger than many other cats. However, Siamese tend to handle it far better than most other cats. In other words, their kidneys may show signs of failure at younger ages, meaning they need to have their diet managed a bit more carefully, but it does not progress at the rate it can in other breeds of cats.
One thing that I have noticed as a Siamese cat owner is that Siamese cats vomit easily. They tend to have sensitive tummies. Also at issue is the shape of their face. When they eat and are hungry, the narrow front of their face that would normally be used for tearing their food is not as effective as that of a cat with a wider jaw. When they are hungry and eating quickly, their food often goes straight back and down the throat without any chewing. It then hits the stomach, combines with the waters there and expands. They feel too full and regurgitate the extra food. Cats don’t mind vomiting the way humans do. However, it does cause a mess.
However, as you get to know your Siamese cat, it is important to take any symptom to your veterinarian to have it checked out. Vomiting can be a sign of a serious disease and certainly even the most ravenous of Siamese cats only vomits this way one or twice a week. Any other symptoms combined with vomiting suggest that a veterinarian be called immediately!
Siamese should be vaccinated per your veterinarian’s recommendations. They should also have an annual exam when your veterinarian can check their eyes, ears, tummy and teeth. They will listen to the heart and lungs and then make any recommendations for feeding or medication based on what is seen. Expect that you will be doing a fair number of teeth cleanings, particularly if you have a wedgie headed Siamese.
Common cat problems that your Siamese may encounter are upper respiratory infections and bladder infections. Upper respiratory infections are fairly common and cats may start to sneeze more regularly. They may stop eating. If cats can’t smell food, they won’t eat it. Your cat doesn’t do well metabolically if they aren’t eating for any amount of time. If your cat isn’t eating, this could be a serious problem and they need to see a veterinarian immediately.
Bladder infections can be life threatening to male cats. If a cat is straining or crying in the litter box (or elsewhere) call the vet. Male cats can get crystals which block their ability to urinate. If this is not relieved, their bladder can burst and they will die. This is very painful. Female cats can also get infections but typically they are more uncomfortable than life threatening. Changes in litter box habits can be a sign of infection as can blood in the urine, crying in the litter box or frequent visits. Always have a doctor check your cat any time something changes in the litter box!
With proper care and living a safe indoor cat life, many Siamese cats can live to be twenty or twenty five.