Siamese Cat
Siamese Cat
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Origin: Thailand
- Other names: Meezer, Mese
- Scientific name Felis catus
- Higher classification: Cat
- Cat Rank: Breed
Siamese Cat Breed Information
It is one of the distinctly recognized and rare cat breeds hailing from Thailand. The sophisticated Siamese cat looks dressed for a masquerade ball with rare to encounter blue almond-shaped eyes. They are the foundation stock of other breeds developed by cross-breeding with other cats like Oriental shorthair, and Colourpoint Shorthair.
Different Colours
- Blue
- Seal point
- Chocolate point
- Fawn
- Caramel
- Tabby
- Tortie
- Cinnamon
- Cream
Characteristics
Siamese comes in two types: show and traditional. The Show Siamese has a tabular body, long legs, wedge-shaped head with large triangular ears, and a long tail. Both types have large blue eyes that set them apart from the rest.
Though they are particularly found in cream and dark color, there exist 4 color combinations of the same- seal point, chocolate point, blue point, and Lilac Point.
Their tempting and mysteriously adorable fur provokes cat lovers to adopt one.
Average Weight
A typical Siamese has an overall height of 8-10” and a body length of 11.5-14” (29-35cm). The male Siamese cats can weigh anywhere between 11-14 pounds and the females around 8-12 pounds. The Siamese cats stop growing around the time they are 2 years old. While you may notice a change in the fur with growing age, the height remains the same.
Personality
Siamese cats are equally adored for their personality as for their looks.
So, if you are planning to adopt one just for the looks then you need to be cautioned. Siamese cats are curious heads and smart. They are passionate about their owners and engage themselves easily when they aren’t around. Nick-named Meezer, they are talkative cats and can talk all day long expressing opinions on anything and everything.
Siamese cats are adored by people of all ages and share an affinity with them. They love to remain in the company of the owners and inmates and be entertained.
Yes, they love to be the center of attraction. These cats are sporty and require lots of toys to keep them engaged. Consider adding it to your family only if you have another pet to accompany it. They are “Talkative balls of fur”.
Health Issues
All cats are prone to catch diseases and thus Siamese is no different. The modern Siamese cats with wedge-shaped heads may develop respiratory and dental problems. But the good news is Siamese have a good lifespan in comparison to other breeds. Despite this, they are prone to developing serious health issues like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), mammary tumors, and lower urinary tract disease.
Amyloidosis is one of the common diseases affecting Siamese cats. It is caused by the building of a protein known as Amyloid in the body’s organs. Its symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, thirstiness, and an enlarged lower abdomen.
Furthermore, Siamese Cats are prone to catching serious ear issues known as Vestibular Disease. It causes loss of balance and leads to dizziness. Although, it isn’t a serious issue, but requires proper medication and care.
Other issues reported in the cat include Glaucoma (eye problems), cancer, and progressive heart diseases.
Siamese are prone to gain weight and this further makes them vulnerable to catching deadly diseases. Thus, as the owner, you need to have a tab on the nutrition content and diet to prevent the cat from gaining weight.
Diet
Siamese cats are friendly and loving. Having unique characteristics demands a good nutrition diet as well. Siamese cats have a delicate digestive system. Thus, the food for Siamese cats should be aimed at avoiding excessive weight gain and cater to lean muscles. The optimal food for Siamese cats would be a combination of dry, wet, and fresh feed.
At the kitten stage, the focus should be on providing food that is loaded with fats and proteins. At the adult stage, they should be provided with a properly balanced diet. Apart from protein and fats, it should contain vitamins, Omega 3, and 6 fiber. This helps in providing strength and controlling the body weight.
Diet includes chicken, turkey fish, beef tallow, and egg products.
Eye Color
The thing that distinguished Siamese from other cat breeds is their blue eyes. The blue color of the eyes. The different Siamese breeds flaunt different shades of blue concerning eyes.
That’s all about Siamese cats. Hope you like the information. Stay tuned for more.
Exercise
Spending around 10-15 minutes with your cat in any form of physical activity would work. According to research, excessive weight could result in a shortened lifespan. Thus, keeping Siamese cats engaged in playful activities for at least 15 minutes can help them stay healthy.
Shedding
Most cats shed and the Siamese is no exception. Siamese also shed but shedding in this breed is less in comparison to other breeds.
They shed in winters and get rid of the thick winter coat when they are preparing for warm summer days. Moreover, they shed again when they are beginning to grow a new coat. With proper care and nutrition needs, you can prevent the fur from shedding.
Shedding is the reason for allergies. The cause behind allergies is FeID1. This protein is found in cats’ urine, saliva and skin when it enters the skin, it causes allergies. Keep your cat well-hydrated and include proteins like A, E, and B in their diets.