Siamese is one of the longest-living cat breeds. They are well-known for their blue eyes and point coloration. They have quite a distinctive vocalization and are extremely intelligent. This breed has a long life expectancy but just like other cat breeds, their lifespan will depend on their overall health and life circumstances.
What is the Lifespan of a Siamese Cat?
Siamese cats have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. While it is impossible to predict how long a specific Siamese cat will live, there are many ways to ensure that it stays in good health for as long as possible. Every cat is different and their lifespan depends not just on health factors but on their lifestyle.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Siamese Cats
The following factors can greatly affect the lifespan of a Siamese cat:
1. Indoor vs Outdoor
An indoor cat’s life expectancy will not be the same compared of an outdoor cat. Outdoor cats face more risks than indoor ones and they are more prone to injury or illness. The threats that they experience include running cars, extreme weather conditions, and fights with cats and other animals, among others.
For indoor cats, one specific issue that can affect their lifespan is increased sensitivity to changes in the environment which can cause them stress. They may also easily lack exercise which is necessary to maintain their physical health.
2. Stressors
Stress is quite common in cats and can be detrimental to their health. Chronic stress can cause physical illness and negative behavior. It can lead to physical ailments like urinary tract problems, skin conditions, and in rare cases, cancer. They may also become restless, groom excessively, scratch at furniture and other items, and have inappropriate urination and other litter problems.
3. Diet and Exercise
Obesity in cats is the most frequently observed nutritional disorder among domestic cats. It should be taken seriously and addressed because it can seriously compromise the quality of life of a cat. It can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, diabetes mellitus, and impairment of cardiovascular health. Feed your Siamese the right foods in the right amounts and allot time each day for playtime and exercise.
4. Breed
Breed primarily determines the cat’s lifespan. Some cat breeds can be more prone to certain health problems, which for Siamese cats will be discussed in the next section. Poor breeding can result in genetic defects which may affect the lifespan.
5. Health Concerns
Although Siamese cats are one of the longest-living cat breeds and have fairly good health, they are still affected by a number of breed-related health problems:
Amyloidosis
This happens when the protein amyloid is deposited in various organs and causes damage by replacing normal cells. For some Siamese cats with this disease, the amyloid deposits into the liver and affects its normal function. Later on, the liver will not be able to function properly which will lead to liver failure.
Asthma
Siamese cats are one of the breeds that are susceptible to asthma which can be fatal if not managed well. It is characterized by chronic inflammation of airways in a cat’s lungs. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing, labored breathing, and persistent coughing. When an asthmatic attack happens, the airways constrict which makes it difficult for a cat to breathe normally.
Mediastinal Lymphoma
This form of cancer affects the lymphoid tissue in the chest cavity. The common symptoms of this include rapid breathing, coughing, and shortness of breath. A cat can also become anorexic, regurgitate, drool, and have difficulties swallowing. The most common treatment options for this are surgery and chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Siamese cats have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. There are many factors that play into the life expectancy of a Siamese. Aside from breed-related health conditions, way of living, diet, and exercise, stressors and breed features are the most important factors.