Siamese Cats
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Middle Age: 8 years
Siamese cat life expectancy: 15 - 20 years
Siamese cats, known for their personalities, color points, and striking blue eyes, are a sweet, smart addition to your family. However, before deciding to add a Siamese cat to your home, you first should know some of the most critical things about this cat breed.
The Siamese Cats’ History
This breed is some of the oldest domesticated felines, which date back to Thailand, their country of origin. They received their name because modern Thailand was, at one time, referred to as Siam. These beautiful animals were immediately regarded as royalty due to their striking appearance. As a matter of fact, only royal members were allowed to have one, which dubbed them “Royal Cats of Siam.” Records vary of when this breed came over to the western world, yet these days, all major feline fancier associations recognize this cat breed.
Siamese Cat Size and Siamese Cat Appearance
How big do Siamese cats get? Generally, Siamese cats are medium-sized, with females topping the scales at 8 lbs. and males ranging from 8 to 12 lbs. They’re more notably characterized by their gorgeous blue eyes, which sometimes are cross-eyed, a genetic tendency of this cat breed. Also, Siamese cats are well-known for their kinked, long tails which they’ll frequently wrap around tables, lamps, or their owners’ legs. In addition, this breed has straight, long noses and long body types.
There are 2 distinct kinds of Siamese cats that showers and breeders recognize. The first one is the more traditional one with a triangular, wedge-shaped head and a skinny, long body. This kind of Siamese cat is the cat which dates back to modern Thailand. The second kind of Siamese cat came about more recently and often is referred to as Appleheads because their body is stockier, their head is rounder, and they typically have longer hair. The cats might’ve been the result of cross breeding between Persian or Himalayan cats and Siamese cats.
Generally, Siamese kittens have smooth, short coats and are available in various colors. Although, they’re known for their pointed pattern, meaning that their ears, nose, paws, and tail are a darker shade than their body. They may be red, blue, lilac, seal, or chocolate pointed.
Siamese Cat Temperament and Siamese Cat Personality
Like the royalty they came from, the Siamese cat personality is very intelligent, caring, and dignified. They’re well-known for their capability of learning tricks, and they love to place their athletic, long bodies to use. They often can be found hopping on counters, on beds, or on cat trees. They’re an excellent companion to cat owners who want a friendly, loyal friend.
They need more attention and do not enjoy being left alone for lengthy time periods and may develop separation anxiety. If you own a Siamese cat and work in the daytime, you may want to consider getting your pet another cat friend. They are are social and like to love. They’re also very verbal and are well-known to share their opinion with anybody who’ll listen. They’re excellent for pet owners wanting a social butterfly.
Siamese Cat Health Issues
Because these felines have wedge-shaped heads, they’re more susceptible to dental and respiratory issues. They also are known for their genetic eye issues, which includes glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy. Below we list some typical health problems this breed is vulnerable to.
Respiratory Issues
Typical respiratory issues like upper respiratory infections and FVR (feline viral rhinotracheitis) present themselves in younger Siamese kitties and quickly can be treated. In keeping your kitten updated on vet vaccines and appointments, it’s possible to assist in preventing this condition.
Eye Issues
Around 1/3 of these cats have a mutated gene related to progressive retinal atrophy. Thankfully, your pet probably will not exhibit symptoms if they just have the single gene, yet if two carriers have kitties, they have a greater chance. Additional Siamese cat eye issues involve Siamese Nystagmus or feline glaucoma. Siamese Nystagmus is frequently viewed as normal and doesn’t present health risks.
Kidney Stones
Nephrolithiasis or kidney stones, are more typical in breeds like Persian, Siamese and domestic long-haired kittens.
Siamese Cat Lifespan
How long do Siamese cats live? Siamese cats actually are one of the genetically healthier purebreds and may live for up to 15 years. The aforementioned conditions might be more typical in Siamese cats, yet may be also found in other cats. With proper vaccines and check-ups it’s possible to help keep your cat(s) healthy.
Grooming for Siamese Cats
One reason humans have enjoyed this breed for centuries is their lack of grooming. Owners of Siamese cats receive the best of both worlds – a gorgeous coat that’s silky and shiny, but without the long hair on additional purebreds such as Maine Coons or Persians.
And with that being said, your Siamese friend will benefit from routine maintenance grooming. Consistent finger brushing and petting will assist in dislodging dead hair, as well as encourage new growth. Also, your cat always will require nail trims and ear cleanings. These cats may be an outstanding match for the ones who are allergic to the longer-haired breeds.
Are They Good with Children?
Siamese are playful, very intelligent, and exceptional for the entire family. If your kids know how to play delicately with these furry creatures, they’ll provide countless hours of companionship and fun. They’re social felines and benefit from playmates all throughout the day.
If you want to own a Siamese cat, be certain that you consider their degree of stimulation when you are away because they don’t like being left alone. You may want to think about getting another dog or cat as a companion. Siamese cats enjoy loving their owners and you’ll get what you give with this pleasurable breed.
Exercise Requirements for Siamese Cats
Siamese cats are extremely playful and love exercise, games, and company. Before you invest in a Siamese cat, be certain to have enough play space, like a cat tower or other spaces for your cat to run and jump. Due to their athletic type of body, they adore leaping high and running far. They also enjoy playing fetch like puppies. They’re highly social and love other cats, dogs, and children. They make a wonderful companion for a pet owner who does not have the time for grooming yet has a lot of time for play. This cat breed is ideal for all ages, loving, athletic, and smart.
Health Problems Related to this Breed:
- Kidney Stones
- Eye Diseases
- Cat Glaucoma
Like glaucoma in human beings or glaucoma in canines, feline glaucoma happens as the fluid inside their eye, directly located behind their lens, builds up and doesn’t properly drain.
The fluid is referred to as aqueous humor and isn’t to be confused with tears that coat the exterior of the eye. Aqueous humor and tears don’t interact or do the same functions. Aqueous humor is only inside the eye and exists to assist in supporting and maintaining the eye shape as well as nourish fragile tissues and structures.
The fluid is generated by something referred to as the ciliary body then drains back inside the blood stream as a method of keeping pressures inside the eye inside normal limits. The pressure inside their eye is referred to as IOP, or intra-ocular pressure. As drainage of fluid and production of fluid remains about the same, intra-ocular pressure will stay fairly steady.
But, if there’s too much intra-ocular pressure, like with glaucoma, the imbalanced pressure will push against delicate interior eye structures and press against the optic nerve. If there’s long-range pressure against the fragile interior eye workings, it may cause lasting and severe damage, and also permanent blindness.
Normal intra-ocular pressure in cats and humans (dogs, as well) ranges from 10 to 20 mmHg. As people suffer glaucoma, their pressures may be measured as anywhere from 20 to 28 mmHg. Animals tend to have sharper ends of the stick, as intra-ocular pressure in animals that have glaucoma may reach 30 to 50 mmHg and greater, which causes enormous pain and pressure in conjunction with any damage.
Kinds of Glaucoma in Cats
Like with dogs, cats suffer secondary and primary glaucoma. Primary glaucoma results from physiological and physical eye irregularities such as an incorrect drainage angle, which causes an increase in intra-ocular pressure.
Usually, the abnormality is breed-related and genetic. Unlike canines, primary glaucoma rarely occurs in cats. However, when it does occur, it is almost inevitable that the feline will obtain glaucoma in both eyes.
More common in felines is secondary glaucoma, which may happen in one or both eyes. Veterinarians don’t have the ability to predict whether or not a feline will be infected in both of the eyes or not, because it may be slightly random. A cat might suffer serious glaucoma in a single eye, to the point of permanent blindness, then never obtain it in the other eye.
Secondary glaucoma may be associated with eye inflammation, referred to as uveitis, in which the interior of the eye gets inflamed. IOP infections which cause scar tissue, as well as debris to hinder fluid drainage may cause glaucoma.
Eye tumors, cataracts, as well as subluxations and luxation, in which the lens slips out of place inside the cat’s eye also can produce damage which hinders drainage. A ruptured lens, oftentimes from trauma or injury may cause swelling, interfering with the drain angle. Blood clots inside the eye also are culprits of glaucoma, and cause increased intra-ocular pressure, as well as blocking healthy drainage of aqueous humor fluid.
As pressure is high, the interior lining of the eyeball referred to as the retina, and the optic nerve that carries signals from the retina to the cat’s brain informing your cat how to see, get compressed, which results in impaired vision.
Kidney Stone Symptoms in Cats
Your pet is part of the family. As a family member, you wish to give him the best care you can, and ensure that he’s healthy, happy, and comfortable. However, sometimes, unpredictable health problems can come up, like kidney stones, and cause discomfort and additional health issues.
Also referred to as uroliths, kidney stones involve crystalized formations inside your cat’s kidneys, resulting from the concentration of mineral salts discovered in urine. They also can form in the urethra, ureters, or bladder of your cat. If you think your cat is experiencing stones, it’s vital that you get in touch with the vet as soon as you can. If possible, collect one sample of urine inside a little container right from your cat's urine stream.
While all cats may be susceptible to the development of kidney stones, some cat breeds are much more vulnerable to specific types of stones. They’re known as “stone former” cat breeds and may include Siamese and Persians. They may be uncomfortable and also cause urinary tract inflammation, infection, tissue damage, and potential urinary tract obstruction.
Signs and Symptoms of Cat Kidney Stones
Below we list some indications that your cat might be experiencing kidney stones:
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Recurrent UTI’s
- Frequent urination which only produces small amounts
- Abdominal pain
- Licking at genitals
- Straining to urinate
- Pain while urinating
- Bloody urine
- Urinating in unusual places
Kinds of Cat Kidney Stones
There are many different kinds of kidney stones to be alert to. Bladder stones may reach 3 – 4” in diameter, as well as form from mineral salt precipitation. Calcium oxalate and struvite stones comprise 85% of canine uroliths. Kidney stones may form from many different types of minerals, which includes calcium phosphate, cysteine, struvite, calcium oxalate, and uric acid.
CBD Oil for Cats and Dogs with the Above Conditions
In specific states around the country, medicinal marijuana is a solution for those who suffer with numerous ailments and are seeking relief. Now, as studies continually emerge, both vets and pet owners are discovering that medical cannabis may also offer positive benefits for dogs and cats.
Whether a pet has seizures, anxiety, or cancer, cannabis oil will serve as an alternative medicine to assist in managing symptoms. Here is everything pet owners should know about cannabis oil for pets.
Cannabis Oil: What is It?
Cannabis oil is a liquid that comes from the marijuana plant. There are several ways to take oil from the plant, which includes CO2 extraction.
The marijuana flower has trichomes-- glands with essential oils. As the glands get separated from the plant, they may be formulated to discover the perfect ratio of cannabinoids.
Marijuana plants have 80 different cannabinoids, which includes tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element), as well as cannabidiol (CBD), the medical element.
As you utilize cannabinoids together, it is more efficient than separately, regarding the “entourage effect” provided by cannabis. On their own, hemp products contain less than 0.3% THC.
Cannabis oil does not have any psychoactive effect on canines when properly dosed. Depending upon the product’s nature, if it features little or no THC, the dog won’t get high.
Cannabis oil may be used in the management of nausea, seizures, anxiety, stress, back pain, arthritis, cancer symptoms, and gastrointestinal problems, among additional health conditions in canines. CBD studies have been shown that it may decrease cancer in patients. Relief is offered as the cannabinoids inside marijuana interact with the cat or dog’s endocannabinoid system It is a sequence of receptors which run through the body. The cannabinoids will interact with the body receptors and modulate things such as nausea, anxiety, and pain.
Unlike some conventional pain medication for canines, medical cannabis from Innovet Pet Products does not have any life-threatening side effects with correct dosage. It does not damage the GI tract, liver, or kidney. The dogs are not sedated or high.
Cannabis Oil: How is it Administered to Canines?
Although there are a few topical treatments, cannabis oil typically is given orally to canines. Also, it may be used along as a supplement with traditional treatments and medications. Emerging studies imply that there may be “synergistic benefits” between traditional medications and marijuana. There are few, if any, well-known substantial drug interactions you actually must be concerned with.
Again, the right dosage is critical. As is the case with any medicine, success has everything to do with the right dosage. If you properly dose pets, they’re going to receive the positive impact that you are searching for while not possessing any psychoactive side effects.
The best available option to cat owners during this time is to speak with a vet who has expertise with cats and dogs being treated with cannabis oil about correct dosage, as well as reputable manufacturers, such as Innovet Pet Products. Innovet Pet Products was founded by a couple of college buddies, David Louvet and Matt Terrill, who have degrees in Bio-chemistry and Engineering. All products we develop were inspired by our own pets and their special needs. Our unique pet, Maximus, was among them: he became blind at age 8, battled cancer two times, and lived to the old age of 16. Maggie, the pup who had an obsession with chocolate, was another. We have customized our line of products to match our own special needs because we found that if we require these products, other dog and cat owners likely will, as well!
Sources:
SiameseSiamese Cat Breed Information
7 Mysteriously Beautiful Siamese Cats and Kittens
Siamese Cat Facts
Siamese Cats: What You Should Know Before Getting One
The Siamese Cat
5 Facts About Siamese Cats
Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM was raised in north Louisiana. She graduated from LA Tech in 2011 with a degree in animal science. She then moved to Grenada West Indies for veterinary school. She completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University and graduated in 2015 from St. George’s University. Since veterinary school she has been working at a small animal and exotic veterinary clinic in east Texas, where she has experience treating all species that walk in the hospital. In her free time, she likes to travel with her husband Greg, bake yummy desserts and spend time with her 4-legged fur kids, a dog Ruby, a cat Oliver James “OJ”, a rabbit BamBam and a tortoise MonkeyMan.
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Sincerely,
The Innovet Team
Please do not ask for emergency or specific medical questions about your pets in the comments. Innovet Pet Products is unable to provide you with specific medical advice or counseling. A detailed physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinarian are required to provide specific medical advice. If you are worried that your pet requires emergency attention or if you have specific medical questions related to your pet’s current or chronic health conditions, please contact or visit your local/preferred veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center.
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