Siamese Cat Insurance | Cat Breed Guide

Siamese cat breed

Elegant and regal, Siamese cats are sociable felines that make great family pets. Learn about the Siamese temperament, diet, exercise and more.

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Siamese cat breed information and advice

Siamese cats are an ancient Asian breed known for their long, lithe body and striking blue eyes. They are believed to have originated from Thailand, which was previously known as Siam. The Siamese cat breed appeared in the UK in the 19th century and is one of the most popular breeds today. A graceful cat with long legs, they’re very talkative and won’t fail to charm you.

This breed guide covers everything you need to know about the Siamese, from temperament and training to common health problems.

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Siamese cat facts
Lifespan	15 – 20 years
How much	£250 – £850
Size	20 – 25 cm
Weight	Males 4 – 7 kg; females 3 – 5 kg
Colours	Chocolate, lilac, blue, cinnamon, caramel, cream, apricot, tabby point, caramel
Grooming	Regular grooming required
Temperament	Extroverted, affectionate and talkative
Exercise	High

Pet insurance for your Siamese cat

Keeping your Siamese cat fit and healthy will be a priority for you, which is why it’s a good idea to take out cat insurance. Siamese cats can suffer from a range of inherited health issues and pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills.

Common health problems that can affect the Siamese cat breed include:

Cats can become ill at any age, which is why you may want to take out pet insurance when they’re a kitten.

How to care for a Siamese cat

Siamese cats may look regal, but they don’t need any special care, apart from regular grooming. As with most pets, they should have a balanced diet and lots of exercise. Still, Siamese cats are active, fun-loving and curious, so they’ll keep you on your toes. With plenty of bonding, playtime and enrichment, your Siamese will be happy for years to come.

Feeding and nutrition

You should feed your Siamese cat based on their lifestyle, age and body condition. They have slim legs so don’t cope well with gaining extra weight so its important to monitor their food intake.

It’s best to keep up a routine as Siamese cats don’t like changes. Try to feed them the same food to avoid an upset tummy and follow the guidelines on cat food packaging.

If you want to change their food, do so gradually to avoid any upset tummies.

Grooming

Siamese cats have a short and close-lying coat, making them very easy to care for. A weekly brush or comb will take care of their smooth and glossy coat. They tend to shed more in spring and autumn, so you’ll need to brush them more often.

The Siamese also like to use their front paws like hands, and you may find them getting into cupboards and drawers. Clipping their claws can help to keep your furniture damage free.

Exercise

Siamese cats are energetic and playful. They can be kept as indoor or outdoor cats, but if kept indoors, they will need lots of toys to keep them stimulated and out of mischief. Providing scratching posts will protect your furniture. They are athletic and agile and will enjoy having a perch so they can climb and look down from their vantage point. Siamese cats also love a cosy hiding place to curl up and have a nap.

Training

Siamese cats are intelligent and will quickly pick up things like toilet training. Try to get your Siamese used to a litter box as soon as you bring them home. They’re naturally curious and playful, so they’ll enjoy games such as playing ‘fetch’ as well as puzzle games to stimulate the mind. With time, patience and positive reinforcement it’s also possible to train Siamese cats to walk on a lead.

Temperament and behaviour

Siamese cats like a routine so try to feed them at the same time every day. They love human attention and will often follow you around the house. As one of the most vocal cat breeds, they’re very chatty and will let you know if they are happy or not. They’re affectionate cats and will enjoy sitting on your lap and having a cuddle. Siamese cats are also very active and inquisitive, so life will never be dull.

This breed has a high hunting and chasing instinct, so Siamese cats are likely to bring in ‘presents’ from outside on a regular basis.

Is a Siamese cat right for you?

Siamese cats make great family pets and are good around small children. But, it’s wise to supervise young children around pets. This breed loves attention and can be demanding. They also don’t like to be left alone for too long, so consider getting another cat, or cat-friendly dog, for company. But don’t forget that they tend to have lots of energy and need to be kept entertained. If you want your own lap cat with a lot of affection to give, the Siamese cat might be the breed for you.

Frequently asked questions

How long do Siamese cats live?

Siamese cats are considered a long-living breed with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. They’re a generally healthy breed, but are unfortunately predisposed to certain health conditions.

Are Siamese cats born cross-eyed?

In the past Siamese kittens were born cross-eyed. This was due to a mutation in the connections between the eye and the brain. To compensate for this, the cats became cross-eyed. This condition has now been bred out of the breed. The original breed also had a kinked tail which has also now been bred out.

When do Siamese cats stop changing colour?

Siamese kittens are born white, then change colour and develop their distinctive markings when they are a few weeks old. Their coat colour is determined not only by their genes, but by the temperature of their surroundings.