Breed information
Essentials
Colour: Traditional Siamese are cream/beige, with darker points (face, paws and tail). There are more than 30 slight colour variations to the breed.
Coat: Short coat, needs minimal grooming.
Life span: Up to 15 years, and reaches senior age at 12.
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Click on the hotspots illnesses seen in a Siamese
Mouth and gum disease
Like most breeds, Siamese may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime. Gum disease occurs when some (or all) of a tooth’s deep supporting structures become inflamed. This begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. When this undermines the gum the condition is called gingivitis. Eventually, small spaces can form between the gums and the teeth creating pockets of space for bacteria to grow, resulting in what is known as periodontal disease. The bacteria from infected gums can spread around the body and damage the liver and kidneys. This condition can be prevented with basic routine care such as feeding cats dry food and brushing their teeth, helping them to lead a normal, pain-free life.
Fact
Mouth problems are the second most common illnesses we see in Siamese
Heart disease
Heart disease in cats refers to when the heart’s structures aren’t working as they should be. There are two categories of heart disease: congenital (meaning the cat is born with it) and acquired (meaning the disease develops later in life). Congenital heart diseases include defects in the wall of the heart, abnormal valves and blood vessels. Siamese are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. Whilst this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.
Fact
We paid £3,616 to treat Sox the cat for heart problems in 2016
Liver disease and pancreatitis
Liver disease can affect all cat breeds and Siamese are particularly prone to it. It can arise because of various infections that directly affect the liver, or can occur if a cat is also suffering from an inflammation of the gall bladder or kidney tissue, or inflammatory bowel disease. In Siamese cats it frequently coincides with pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas caused by trauma, parasites, infection, or drug reactions. Treatment for liver disease and pancreatitis involves various medicines depending on the cause, and is likely to include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, fluids and pain relief.
Fact
Pancreatitis is the third most common illness we see in Siamese
Gastrointestinal disorders
The Siamese, like all cats, can suffer from problems affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long, winding tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, with various twists and turns along the way. Conditions such as gastroenteritis caused by infections (like feline enteritis), poisoning or an obstruction within the bowel (due to the cat eating string for example) commonly cause vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Treatment depends on the exact cause, but prompt intervention usually results in a full recovery.
Fact
In our experience, Siamese are most likely to need treatment for
gastrointestional
problems
Kidney disease
Cats’ kidneys are responsible for filtering the waste products from their blood into their urine. Siamese may be affected by kidney disease caused by infections, blockages, tumours or toxins (especially licking anti-freeze) as well as age related changes. Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidney function deteriorates gradually over a period of time. Treatment depends on the cause and the extent of damage, but usually begins by flushing the kidneys using intravenous fluids, followed by special diets and medications. Unfortunately kidney disease is irreversible, but with the right support many cats can enjoy a reasonably normal life.
Fact
We paid £3,315 to treat Mikey the cat for urinary system disorders in 2016
