Caring for a Siamese cat is not much different compared with other cat breeds. This popular cat breed is intelligent, sociable and very vocal. They are easily trained, have dog-like qualities and are renowned for their sleek bodies and almond-shaped blue eyes. Like most cats, they can eat both dry and wet food but they should not be overfed as their slender legs may not be able to support their bodies in case of obesity.
What do Siamese cats eat?
Siamese cats eat typical cat food just like other breeds. Being obligate carnivores, they favor meat and some of their favorites are cooked turkey and ham. Some of them may also favor human foods but caution should always be used as some humans food are not suitable, or even toxic to cats. Like most cats, Siamese should also be encouraged to drink ample water to stay hydrated.
What is the ideal diet for Siamese cats?
Just like other cats, Siamese cats should be fed with a balanced diet that comprises dry, wet and fresh or homemade food to support their specific needs. Their diet should not lead to obesity or weight gain but should promote lean muscle mass. This is because Siamese cats have long and slender bodies and usually weigh just around two to four and half kilograms. It should also be easily digestible since this breed is known to have a sensitive stomach.
A Siamese cat’s diet should have a proper balance of the following nutrients:
At least 28% protein (animal sources like chicken, turkey, fish, beef)
Advantages of protein: it has amino acids to help build and repair body parts like the skin, fur, claws and muscles; it forms enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters for the immune system.
Common protein sources for cat food: chicken, fish meal, beef tallow and egg products.
At least 36% carbohydrates
Advantages of carbohydrates: it is the body’s main source of energy to power muscular movements, generates heat to the body and provides building blocks for other nutrients.
At least 3% fiber
Advantages of fiber: it helps with the digestive functions and improves stool quality among cats with digestive issues; it is beneficial to address conditions like diarrhea, diabetes, constipation and obesity
At least 21% fat
Advantages of fat: it provides twice the amount of energy as protein; it helps produce hormones like estrogen, testosterone and progesterone; help create the feeling of fullness to avoid obesity; produces metabolites which prevent inflammation; it helps to transport nutrients across cell membranes; it creates a barrier against viral and bacterial invasions; it helps vitamins like A, D, E and K to be easily absorbed by the body
At least 2% vitamins
Advantages of vitamins: it is beneficial for the immune system. help strengthen bones and heal wounds, convert food to energy and repair cellular damage
At least 6% minerals
Advantages of minerals: it ensures that your cat will have strong bones and teeth; to keep the metabolism working efficiently; important minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sodium chloride
Also, your Siamese cat needs to have adequate water intake every day. This will make her hydrated and allow all body organs to function well.
Dry food for your Siamese cat
Siamese kittens need dry food that has lots of fats and protein to help them grow fast and adults need dry food that is composed of protein and fat along with fiber, vitamins, minerals and Omega three and six.
Our dry food recommendations:
- Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food & Wet Cat Food
- Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult Dry Cat Food
- Nutro Max Indoor Cat Adult Dry Cat Food
Wet food for your Siamese cat
Your Siamese cat should also east wet food as part of her diet. It should have protein and should also contain carbohydrates, Omega three and six and taurine. Other important components include iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. However, wet food should not be overused as it may cause plaque, bad breath and smelly feces.
A wet food diet may provide help with health issues like digestive disease, kidney disease, urinary tract formation, bladder stones and idiopathic cystitis, a condition that causes frequent urination and bloody urine. It also helps fight obesity
Our wet food recommendations:
- Purina Beyond Grain Free, Natural, Adult Wet Cat Food
- Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Feast Collection
- ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free & Limited Ingredient, with Superfoods
Homemade/ fresh food for your Siamese cat
Aside from dry and wet cat food, your Siamese cat can also be served homemade food to help to complement her diet. Some of their well-loved homemade food include slices of cooked ham and turkey as well as chicken, salmon and cod. It is best to cook these foods either by boiling or grilling. If you intend to serve homemade raw food, you can also include supplements to make sure that your cat will have balanced nutrition.
It is a good idea to adhere to a regular feeding schedule for your Siamese cat to avoid instances of overfeeding. Make sure to set a time limit for her feeding time, perhaps more or less fifteen minutes. If you have two or more Siamese cats, always feed them in separate bowls.
Final thoughts
Like most cats, the Siamese breed loves to eat meat like cooked ham and turkey. They also favor other protein sources like fish and chicken. These cats need to have a balanced diet composed of wet and dry food and you can also give her homemade and raw food for overall health. Siamese cats should be fed according to a regular feeding schedule to avoid obesity as their slender legs will not be able to support extra body weight.
Image: istockphoto.com / ovbelov