If properly cared for, the Siamese will be your best friend for many years to come. However, how many years do they actually live for? What could affect their lifespan?
So, how long do Siamese cats live? On average, the Siamese cat can live from 11 to 15 years. However, some cats may have shorter lifespans, while some can live way longer. If cared for properly a Siamese can even live for 20 or years or more!
In this article, we will tell you what can affect your Siamese cat’s lifespan, what are the things you can do to keep your kitty alive longer and how to care for your Siamese cat properly.
What Can Affect The Siamese Cat’s Lifespan?
The Siamese is one of the longest-lived cat breeds, and they live up to 15 years on average.
This breed is considered to have fairly good health. However, they are affected by several breed-related health problems.
While this doesn’t mean that your Siamese is going to have any of them, you need to be aware that any health issue can affect your kitty’s life expectancy. Hence, causing it to pass away sooner rather than later.
These diseases can affect a Siamese cat’s lifespan:
Amyloidosis:
Happens when the protein amyloid is deposited in various organs and causes damage by replacing the normal cells. In some Siamese cats, the amyloid tends to deposit into the liver and disrupts its normal function.
With time, the liver is no longer able to function properly and a cat experiences liver failure.
Asthma:
Just like in people, some Siamese cats can suffer from asthma. This condition is characterized by the chronic inflammation of airways in a cat’s lungs. When a cat experiences an asthmatic attack, these airways constrict making it hard, if not impossible, for a cat to breathe normally.
Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, labored breathing, coughing, and persistent cough among others. You need to understand, asthma is a very serious condition that can potentially be fatal if not managed properly.
Thus, it is extremely important to get your cat to a vet as soon as possible if you think that she is experiencing an asthma attack.
Aortic Stenosis:
This is a congenital condition that affects the blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body. The most commonly seen symptoms of this illness include fatigue, cough, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, this disease results in congestive heart failure which is usually a slow and painful way for a cat to go.
Mediastinal Lymphoma:
Is in most cases associated with feline leukemia virus which can cause malignant changes in the thorax to affect the cat’s lymph nodes.
The most commonly seen symptoms of this disease are associated with the respiratory system and include rapid breathing, coughing, and shortness of breath. A cat can also become anorexic, regurgitate, drool, and have difficulties swallowing.
The cancer treatment varies depending on the severity of the case and can include, chemo, steroids, and/or surgery.
Gingivitis:
While not considered a fatal disease, gingivitis can become extremely painful and affect the quality of your cat’s life. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is characterized by the reddening of the gums around the base of the teeth.
Regular dental hygiene is the only way to stop this condition from progressing and causing serious pain to your cat.
How To Ensure That Your Siamese Cat Stays Healthy?
While all diseases listed above sound extremely bad, chances are that your cat may not develop any of them. But, keep in mind that purebred cats are more prone to genetic health problems and that every breed has at least one weak spot.
One way to ensure that your Siamese cat will live a long and fulfilled life is to get her from a good breeder. Reputable breeders will give you a health guaranty and will have the kitten tested for common genetic problems.
Therefore, you won’t have to worry about any serious health problems popping up a couple of years down the line.
You should also take your Siamese cat to regular vet checkups and keep her vaccination up to date. This way, your vet will be able to spot any potential problem early on which will give your cat a chance to make a full recovery.
And by getting your cat vaccinated you will keep her protected from feline transmitted diseases and/or cancers that are linked with feline leukemia virus.
How To Encourage Longevity In Siamese Cats?
There is no way to tell how long your Siamese cat is going to live. But as a loving cat parent, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy for as long as possible.
A nutritious and healthy diet means a world of difference for your cat’s health and her longevity. A diet that is high in proteins, low in carbs, and has moderate fat levels is the way to go.
Furthermore, since this breed is prone to dental problems you should try feeding canned food or pick an effective dental formula that will scrub off plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth.
Regular exercise is also beneficial for your Siamese and can help her live longer.
The best way to keep your kitty active is to play with her daily and encourage her to jump, climb, run, and stretch.
Keeping your Siamese cat indoors will do wonders for her life expectancy. Despite common beliefs, cats aren’t any less happy living inside and your kitty won’t mind it one bit!
Indoor living will prevent your kitty from getting into fights with other cats for females or territory and diminish the chances of her being hit by a car.
Last but not least, don’t forget to play and interact with your Siamese!
This social breed likes to spend time with its people and can become depressed or destructive if neglected, which in turn can impact her lifespan.
Therefore, have fun with your cat every day! Play, pet, and cuddle your cat to ensure that she has a fulfilled and stress-free life for many years to come.
Related Questions
Do Siamese cats get darker with age? As your Siamese gets older you will notice that her fur doesn’t look the same as before. Most Siamese cats tend to get darker as they age because their skin temperature drops. You may also notice that your kitty has more gray hairs, but all of these changes are normal and a part of the aging process.
How long do indoor Siamese cats live? The Siamese enjoys indoor living and will contently stay inside your home for the rest of its days. On average, indoor-only Siamese cats can live from 10 to 20 years which is a true testament to the longevity of this breed. Keep your Siamese indoors only to increase her lifespan and keep her healthy.
Do Siamese cats get cold easily? Due to the lack of undercoat and the short fur, the Siamese gets cold easily. This breed isn’t a fan of colder weather and will seek warm places every chance it gets. Try to keep your kitty warm inside and don’t let her out in the rain or snow.
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