Other names: Meezers
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Size: 4–13lbs in weight, 11 inches in height
Coat: pointed or colorpoint
Eye colour: bright blue eyes
Temperament: sociable, affectionate, vocal and intelligent
Origin/native country: Thailand
Siamese cats aren’t hard to come by. Perhaps the most iconic example of this breed is the aptly named Si and Am in Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, who are the sinister villains of the show. But in reality, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Known for being affectionate, friendly, and sociable, Siamese cats are also loved by the masses for their distinctive narrow-faced look, fur coloring and beautiful blue eyes. This lap cat also has the pretty incredible ability to crave attention no matter the time of the day.
Another thing to keep in mind about the Siamese is that they are rather vocal, so they could be ideal for someone who lives alone, or those who much prefer noise and chatter in their home compared to peace and quiet.
And its reasons like this (and more) that have earned a ‘meezer’ the title of being one of the most popular cat breeds. We’ve compiled a guide on everything there is to know about this Velcro kitty and roped in the expertise of vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan.
Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic?
All allergy sufferers will be pleased to know that Siamese cats are classified as one of the hypoallergenic cat breeds due to their fur, which sheds a lot less than other breeds and the fact that they produce less of the Fel D1 protein, which can cause allergies in humans to flare up.
“These cats still produce the Fel D 1 protein in their saliva, which gets dispersed through their coat as they groom,” flags Dr MacMillan.
Therefore, Siamese cats may still trigger some. But they might be less triggering than other breeds for some allergy sufferers.
Are Siamese cats friendly?
Despite how they are portrayed in the Disney film, Siamese cats are very friendly cats. They are also very affectionate, too. So if you love lots of love and cuddles from your fur friend, this curious cat, craves companionship and will be more than happy to snuggle up on your lap in the evening as long as they have had enough stimulation during the morning.
“I do have a bit of a soft spot for Siamese cats,” says Dr MacMillan. “They are friendly, sociable, and enjoy spending time with people. However, they are also known for being vocal and demanding!”
So much so, life with a Siamese cat will be anything but quiet as this breed is known for being one of the loudest cat breeds.
“They make great pets if you have time to give them lots of fuss and attention,” Dr MacMillan adds.
Siamese cat health issues
Siamese are generally healthy and often live to 15 years of age or more. But like many pedigree cats, Siamese are prone to certain health complaints.
“Siamese cats can suffer from asthma, and I have diagnosed a few over the years,” Dr MacMillan says. “Inflammation of the airways causes breathing issues and wheezing in affected cats.”
Amyloidosis is an inherited condition that affects Siamese.
“It causes abnormal proteins to be deposited in various organs around the body,” the veterinarian explains. “This can cause problems with their ability to function properly. Kidney failure is very common in cats with amyloidosis.”
Cancer is often found in this breed.
“No one quite knows for sure why they are more likely to develop it than other cats,” explains Dr MacMillan. “Lymphoma is a common example and it can affect many areas of the body including the lymph nodes, digestive tract, chest, and kidneys. If detected early enough, it may be treatable with surgery or chemotherapy.”
Nystagmus is another condition often seen in Siamese cats. Explaining the health condition, Dr MacMillan says: “This causes their eyes to flicker slightly from side to side. It doesn’t seem to cause them any problems however and their brain is still able to process the visual information okay.”
How much exercise do Siamese cats need?
As is the case with all cats, Siamese cats will require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which can be broken up into small bursts.
Of course, pet exercise will look a lot different to human exercise. So while you wouldn’t expect your cat to be lifting weights, a Siamese will be more than happy to chase some of the best toys for indoor cats around or play with the best automated cat toys to keep their mind and body engaged.
But that said, this clever breed is an active and companionable four-legged feline. So the more engagement and mental stimulation it can get from you, the better.
What grooming do Siamese cats need?
Siamese cats tend to have short coats so they have minimal grooming needs.
However, you will still need to brush them with one of the best cat brushes to keep their coat looking and feeling healthy. This will help to keep their coat glossy and can help get rid of dead fur during shedding seasons, rather than seeing it pile up around your home.
It’s also important to stay on top of regular nail trims and ear cleaning.
How much do Siamese cats cost?
Generally speaking, Siamese cats can set you back anywhere between $250 to $2,500. But this will all depend on pedigree, breeder and the area you purchase your Siamese cat from and the rarity of colorations.
The higher end of the scale can make a Siamese cat quite expensive. However, if you are lucky enough to adopt a Siamese cat you can expect to pay up to $300.
Should I get a Siamese?
A Siamese cat is often known as a Velcro cat, as this breed would much rather be in the company of others than its own. This means a Siamese cat will expect a lot of attention and it will make this demand known with its vocal chirping and chatter.
Therefore, a Siamese cat might be best for extroverts or loud homes or perhaps someone who lives alone who might favor some companionship in the form of a fur friend.
Read next: Facts about Siamese cats
Having graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London as a veterinary surgeon, Rebecca is highly experienced in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Rebecca writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
