Yes, Siamese cats make good pets because they are friendly and affectionate, and they are beautiful to look at because of their sleek bodies and blue eyes. However, they depend on human interaction so it is not advisable to keep them as pets if you are not home most of the day. They also tend to vocalize and meow more than other cat breeds which some find annoying.
Are Siamese cats good pets?
Are you planning to have a cat for a pet but cannot make up your mind about what breed to choose? You are not alone in your dilemma. Most first-time cat parents also went through the same struggle and confusion. Siamese cats make good pets because of their affectionate character and intelligence. But this breed also has its negative qualities since they are talkative and vocalize too much for some people. They also tend to become destructive if they are left alone for a long time. Read on for a detailed discussion on this breed’s temperament and attributes.
Pros and cons of the Siamese cat breed
The Siamese cat which originated from Thailand, formerly called Siam, is considered one of the oldest breeds of the Oriental cat. It is often referred to as the royal feline breed of the cat world and first became famous for being the breed kept by Siamese or Thai royalty.
The breed’s most striking features include baby blue eyes, a sleek and elegant body, a glossy coat, and large ears. Males can weigh up to 4.8 kg. while females weigh from 2 to 4.2 kg. Their life expectancy is 15 to 20 years and they have at least 2 sub-breeds which are the modern or show-style Siamese and the traditional or old-style Siamese. The common colors of this breed are seal or dark brown, chocolate, lilac, and blue. The breed is referred to as pointed since the coat is darker at the points such as the ears, face, paws, and tail.
Here are the pros and cons of the Siamese cat breed:
Pros
1. Siamese cats are active and energetic.
This breed is known for its high energy level and they can easily be trained to play fetch. It is recommended that you provide them with plenty of toys like colorful balls and catnip-filled toy mouses. Siamese cats like to explore, rarely sit still, and do not take a few hours of an afternoon nap.
2. Siamese cats are smart and easy to train.
One surprising fact about this breed is its intelligence. They are smart and most of them can be taught how to walk on a leash, do the high five, use the toilet and flush, jump through hoops, and other tricks. The capabilities and intelligence will vary from one Siamese cat to another and the faster that they learn and remember tricks the more they are smarter.
3. Siamese cats are very sociable and they adore kids.
The cats like to be around people most of the time so they thrive best in a home with a sizable number of family members. They do not like to be alone so it is advisable to get a pair of these cats if you tend to be out of your home most of the time because they don’t want to be left alone. They love to follow people, especially their owners, around the house and they are communicative and responsive, too.
This breed also loves kids and they are gentle and patient with toddlers and even babies. They are considered among the best cat breeds that get along well with children.
4. Siamese cats are loyal and affectionate.
They are known for their sweet and affectionate nature which is also why they’re best suited for you if you have kids at home. They are extremely loyal to their owners and will bond strongly to their pet parents. Just some of the ways that they show their affection may include blinking slowly, weaving their tail, purring, and bunting or rubbing their heads and cheeks to you.
5. Siamese cats do not require much grooming.
It is a short-haired breed so they do not need to be groomed often and only need to be properly brushed at least once a week. Their nails need to be trimmed every other week just as it is with other breeds. Having trimmed nails is important to discourage clawing and it also makes a cat’s claws healthier.
Cons
1. Siamese cats are talkative.
This breed tends to be very talkative and they vocalize a lot. They have a distinct low-pitched meow which is often called the “meezer”. Sometimes their loud meows can become very annoying because some people say that it can become more unpleasant than the incessant crying of a baby. Their vocalizations may even be characterized as constant, annoying, and demanding. Thus, if you’re the kind who wants peace and quiet then this breed may not be a great choice as a pet.
2. Siamese cats need lots of human attention and tend to have needy behavior.
While this breed is known for its sociable nature it can also be a downside since they tend to demand a lot of human attention and interaction. Since they tend to bond strongly to their pet parent it can be difficult if they start to become extra clingy, following you everywhere in the house. If you work full-time away from home and there are no other people usually left at home then this breed may not be a good fit for you. If they are left without company for more than 8 hours or more they may develop separation anxiety while some may tend to be aggressive and destructive. Some Siamese cats also have the tendency to bite its owner.
3. They require a lot of stimulation and easily get bored.
Since they are active and energetic, Siamese cats tend to easily get bored so you need to provide them with lots of toys to play with. This is also why they thrive best when they have human company especially children. Kids are active and love to play just like these cats so they seem to be perfect playmates. However, because this breed needs lots of stimulation it may not be the right one for you if you are away most of the time during the daytime.
4. They can be costly
Siamese cats can cost more than many other breeds. For more information see our article on how much do Siamese cats cost.
5. Health issues
Not really a con of this breed in particular but Siamese cats, just like other cat breeds also have their share of health problems. Common health issues may include intestinal tumors and cancers like mediastinal lymphoma, wherein tumors are usually pressing on the windpipe and the heart’s large veins. A common eye condition is progressive retinal atrophy which may lead to loss of vision. However, given the proper care and good nutrition, Siamese cats are generally healthy and have a long life expectancy.
Final thoughts
Siamese cats make good pets especially if they complement well with your lifestyle and preferences. This breed is energetic, playful, affectionate, and smart. These cats are also physically beautiful and have striking blue eyes and an elegant, sleek body with a glossy coat. If you have kids and a family, have lots of time to play with cats, and will not mind the loud meowing and hyperactive energy level then this breed may be a good fit for you.