All about your Siamese Cat
Graceful and intelligent, while always ready to discuss the matters of the day.
Siamese cats are sociable, elegant and loud, with a very striking look. Find out what you need to know about this fun-loving lap cat, from his temperament and how he should be groomed, to his health and exercise needs.
Breed information & advice
Originating in Thailand, the Siamese cat has distinctive bat-like ears, bright blue eyes and a thin tail. He is a loving companion who thrives in social situations and might trail you from room to room, maybe even making his trademark yowling noise as he goes.
- You may want to fit child locks on some doors, as this breed is exceptionally determined and inquisitive by nature.
- His short coat is low maintenance and any stroking or grooming you do will be more about forming a bond, and keeping his fur shiny.
- Typically he will weigh between 2kg and 5kg, when fully grown.
- A healthy Siamese cat will usually live for 15 to 20 years.
Recommended exercise & nutrition
Being both a lively and intelligent breed, you'll need to exercise both your Siamese's body and mind. Your cat will be very fond of human interaction, so playing games – such as fetch, or just patting a ball back and forth with him – are great ways to keep his mind active and help to build a great relationship between the two of you. Installing an indoor climbing tree will allow him to work his muscles.
Feed your cat a high-protein diet, with plenty of chicken and fish, twice a day and try to avoid any fibre or grain-based ingredients. Portion sizes will vary depending on the age, weight and lifestyle of your cat, and always read the food packet instructions.
Talkative and athletic
The Siamese cat isn’t shy about expressing his opinion, and loves exercise and testing his intelligence.
Common health problems & illnesses
There’s no reason why your Siamese shouldn’t live a long and happy life. However, being aware of the ailments your cat will be more prone to, along with the associated symptoms, can help you to deal with any health issues that crop up.
1. Breathing issues
Feline asthma is one of the breed's more common health issues – a condition that causes the airways to narrow, making breathing difficult. It is not always clear why it happens, but it can be due to an irritant such as pollen or cigarette smoke. Symptoms to look out for in your cat include wheezing and laboured breathing.
Asthma accounted for 5% of all Tesco Pet Insurance claims for this breed in 2016.
2. Pancreatitis
Siamese cats can be susceptible to pancreatitis, a condition which can damage the liver and intestine. You might suspect this in your cat if he’s vomiting, has a fever or a loss of appetite. Once your vet has confirmed pancreatitis, it’s likely that treatment will be recommended to manage his symptoms and lessen the side effects of the disease as much as possible.
3. Kidney problems
Although it is much more likely to develop in older cats, felines of all ages are at risk of kidney disease – when the kidneys are unable to filter waste from the blood through the urine. Signs to watch out for vary, but if your cat is drinking a lot more water and urinating frequently, vomiting, and appearing lacklustre, your vet can investigate the cause. Many cats with kidney disease go on to live long and happy lives with treatment, but this will depend on the severity of the condition.
4. Constipation
Siamese cats naturally eat a lot of meat and little fibre, while they can suffer from delicate constitutions, and one side effect of this is that they can become constipated. Your cat will be naturally shy about using his litter tray in front of you, but try to keep an eye on his bowel habits – if you see him straining, or noticeably in pain when trying to pass a stool, he could be constipated. Once diagnosed, treatment includes prescription laxatives or an enema, rehydration with intravenous fluids or even surgery.
5. Cystitis
As well as being prone to constipation, Siamese cats may also suffer from bladder-related illnesses such as cystitis – an inflammation of the bladder often caused by dehydration, stress or damage to the tube that carries urine. Signs that your cat has this health issue include frequent urination, blood in the urine or difficulty passing urine. You can help prevent cystitis in your cat by encouraging him to drink plenty of water, while your vet may advise treatment such as pain relief and medication.
Cat name popularity
If you’re struggling to think of a name for your Siamese, take a look at the most popular ones at Tesco Pet Insurance for inspiration.
| Thoe | |
|---|---|
| Cecil | |
| Tazz | |
| Ivory | |
| Splodge |
Average treatment costs
Wondering whether pet insurance for your Siamese cat is worth it? We’ve put together the top five conditions claimed for by Tesco Pet Insurance customers in 2016, and the average cost of treatment
| Condition | Average treatment cost |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | £439.71 |
| Pancreatitis | £799.14 |
| Kidney/renal failure | £335.54 |
| Asthma | £112.62 |
| Heart failure | £468.88 |
Tesco Pet Insurance claims data from paid treatments including excesses from 01/01/16 to 31/12/16.
Considering Siamese cat insurance?
We know your cat is an important member of the family, so give them the protection they deserve with Tesco Pet Insurance.
Tesco Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc.
Grooming your Siamese cat shouldn’t be hard work, thanks to the breed's short, fine coat. A weekly combing session should be enough to ensure that all of the dead skin is removed and the oil within his coat is evenly distributed. Be careful, as over-brushing can damage the colour and feel of his fur. Setting a grooming routine when your cat is a kitten is best practice, to get him used to all the attention.
It’s a good idea to maintain a high level of dental hygiene with your cat. Try to brush his teeth on a regular basis to stave off any potential bacteria and tartar build-up. Use a specialist feline toothbrush and toothpaste for the best results.
A scratching post will help him to keep his nails short, but you may need to trim your cat's claws if you can hear him clicking around on a wooden floor.
- One of the oldest breeds of cat, the Siamese was first brought to Britain in the 1800s.
- The breed can be over 30 different colours and patterns.
- Rod Stewart, Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe have all owned one of these elegant cats.
- Oscar the Siamese became an internet sensation thanks to his acrobatic efforts when opening a freezer door.
- The breed hit the silver screen with a memorable appearance in the 1955 Disney animation Lady and the Tramp.
Important information
KEY INFORMATION
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately. Tesco Bank Pet Insurance has a partnership with vetfone™ which means that as a customer, you can benefit from their advice as part of your policy.
Tesco Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc. The vetfone™ service is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.
All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.
WHAT IS VETFONE?
vetfone™ is a 24/7 helpline that provides expert advice from nurses qualified with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). If your pet has a medical emergency, or you need reassurance on grooming, feeding or general advice, vetfone™ is there to help.
As a Tesco Pet Insurance customer, you can access expert veterinary advice provided by RCVS registered vet nurses as a standard benefit with your policy, and the service is provided at no additional cost. A quick call could answer any questions you have about your pet, give you peace of mind and could even save you an expensive trip to the vet.
Tesco Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc. The vetfone™ service is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.