Siamese cats have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other cats. First of all, it is an unusual color - light fur with dark spots on the face, paws, ears and tail.
Scientists say that this color is associated with incomplete manifestation of albinism. In other words, Siamese cats can be considered albino in some way. It is interesting that kittens are born completely white, and dark spots on the body appear later.
Moreover, the older the cat gets, the less pronounced albinism becomes.
If previously strabismus in Siamese cats was the norm, today it is a genetic defect, so such cats are rejected from breeding. In addition to strabismus, a hallmark at the end of the tail was previously considered a birth sign. Today it is also a genetic defect.
Breed Features
The homeland of Siamese cats is Thailand, which several centuries ago was called “Siam”. These graceful pets were first brought to England. A cat of the named breed has ears, tail, paws, and face that are darker in color than other parts of the body. The lifespan of Siamese cats depends on many factors.
It is noteworthy that at birth the kitten is completely white and only over time acquires dark spots. It is also interesting that previously strabismus in Siamese cats was considered normal , but now it is a serious defect.
This also applies to the crease in the tail.
About the breed of Siamese cats
On the Internet, on TV, in newspapers and magazines you can often hear an amazing fact about the life of Siamese cats who lived to be 20 years or more. The Siamese cat breed originated in Thailand, which was formerly called "Siam". Some royal families used Siamese to perform certain rituals. Thai cats are descended from Bengal cats. Now there are about 40 varieties of “Bengals”.
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Blue-eyed representatives of the cat world weigh about 3-4 kilograms, have a pointed muzzle, and long thin paws. Siamese cats love attention, care, and especially love to talk to people. They are also considered the smartest pets among other felines.
The Siamese appeared in the west in the late 18th century, when it was first brought to England. The cats were famous for their special color - the tail, paws, and head were noticeably darker than the main coat. Siamese have short fur and require minimal grooming. Simple brushing and occasional bathing will be enough.
Thai cats are unpretentious when it comes to food, but a rich diet of the animal will have a positive effect on the condition of the body as a whole. Siamese cats get along well with children, although in a specific way. They will not allow their territory and rights to be infringed.
Life
It is difficult to establish the average lifespan of a four-toed house dweller.
Representatives of the British breed can live the same amount of time. It happens that an animal dies 2-3 years after birth, it all depends on the lifestyle, health and atmosphere in which it lives.
The life expectancy of a Siamese cat is affected by:
- heredity. Long or short life is directly related to the genetic characteristics of the genus;
- care. Good food, hygienic care and love from the owner/mistress will give the pet longevity;
- quality treatment. Regular disease prevention and timely medical care.
Health
One of the most important aspects of a cat's longevity is good health. Pure breeds are more prone to a variety of diseases than mixed breeds. Pets can suffer from a variety of diseases, including urolithiasis, kidney disease and eye disease. All of these diseases affect the life of a pet.
It is almost impossible to give a clear answer to the question “how many years do Siamese cats live?” We can only say that on average, Siamese cats live longer than males. The most important thing is that the pet is always in good condition . To do this, you need to undergo regular examinations at a veterinary clinic, create a daily menu, regular walks in the fresh air, and receive attention and sincere love.
All these actions are actually completely easy, perhaps unnecessary in some places, but it is thanks to them that the Siamese cat will live a long life at home, experiencing love and tenderness for its owners. In such an atmosphere, Siamese cats can live 23 years, if not more.
Siamese cats live an average of 20 years if he is forced to move more often and given more attention. Even in old age, an animal should not be left to chance and allowed to sleep all day long. We need to create a motivating environment for them so that they themselves want to run around the house and play. At home, Siamese cats live a very long time if there is care and sincere love around them.
Longevity
It is impossible to predict the lifespan of a particular Siamese cat. As a loving owner, you can always make sure that your pet is in good condition for as long as possible. Maintaining your cat's overall health includes regular veterinary checkups, eating a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and plenty of love and attention. All of this can be really difficult, so make sure you do your best. Remember that your blue-eyed furry friend loves you and is counting on you.
Considering the unique character and magnificent external characteristics of the Siamese cat, whose photos are so popular on the Internet, one cannot help but admire these creatures. The living conditions and behavior of animals of this breed have their own characteristics that must be taken into account when getting such a pet.
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How long do Siamese cats live and what does it depend on?
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Siamese cats are known throughout the world as affectionate and beautiful pets. In addition to their elegant coat color, they have a calm character. Many owners of a Siamese cat want to learn about the intricacies of growing an animal. If you believe the well-known expression, the cat family lives not one life, but 9. However, such statements are hardly worth believing - real life expectancy is measured in average values.
Average life expectancy at home
The lifespan of each animal depends on many factors, however, thanks to statistical data, it is possible to create a rough analysis of mortality among certain breeds. A Siamese pet in a favorable environment lives on average 15 years.
In the case of strong immunity and good pedigree, the age can reach 30 years or more, although such cases are rare.
It is generally accepted that Siamese animals have a long life expectancy because the breed has an important character trait - endurance. Native to Thailand, the cat family has adapted to survive in difficult situations. These facts are not without meaning and indicate that the Siamese breed really surpasses others in the number of long-lived cats.
A striking example is the Siamese representative, listed in the Guinness Book of Records: a cat named Scooter celebrated his 30th birthday in 2021.
Pets are often susceptible to diseases from poor nutrition: dry food can negatively affect the cat’s important organs. It is important to understand that the long life of a pet directly depends on the conditions of keeping, care and immunity of the cat.
In addition to diseases that are associated with care, there are a number of ailments that appear in Siamese cats more often than others. These diseases significantly shorten a pet's life, so it is important to be aware of them and prevent them before complications arise. Here is a list of common problems among Siamese representatives:
- glaucoma;
- strabismus;
- renal failure;
- problems with the respiratory system.
With favorable development, a Siamese pet can survive an average age of 15 years and approach the mark of 25, but you should always consult with veterinarians: some cats find it difficult to live, that is, they lose vision and have heart attacks. In these cases, it would be humane to euthanize your beloved friend to relieve him of pain.
Care
The lifespan of a cat will be largely influenced by care and nutrition. The main activities depend on where the newly arrived family member comes from. If you purchased it from a responsible breeder, then everything is much simpler. As a rule, kittens are sold only at 2.5-3 months. At this time, they are able to feed themselves, they do not depend on their mother and will endure separation from her almost painlessly. By 3 months they receive their first vaccinations: usually this is a complex vaccine against several microbes at once.
In the future, revaccination is required every year - it is necessary to strengthen immunity. If for some reason the vaccine is not administered on time, then repeated injections are given. Only double vaccination can create strong immunity against infections.
The Siamese breed is characterized by good health. They are little susceptible to pathologies of internal organs. Therefore, the only thing your pet needs is an annual examination by a veterinarian with blood and urine tests. These studies will help identify possible diseases at an early asymptomatic stage.
Siamese, as representatives of the East, grow up quickly. early sterilization is used for them.
. During estrus, both males and females behave excessively active, meowing loudly and protractedly. Already at 6-7 months they are operated on, because the best results can only be achieved with sterilization before the first heat.
How long do they live?
Castrated
Many cat owners mistakenly assume that castration or sterilization of an animal shortens its life by a significant period. This statement contradicts real facts: castration does not shorten the life of a little friend, but, on the contrary, increases the average life expectancy by 2-5 years!
Moreover, a neutered cat, even at an advanced age, maintains an active lifestyle and playfulness.
In addition to the above data, castration of a cat can also harm longevity: poor nutrition after surgery, tissue infection and other ailments are hidden behind insufficient attention to the postoperative period. To avoid negative consequences, you need to carefully monitor your four-legged friend, because his future life depends on it.
Homeless
Even purebred cats often find themselves without a roof over their heads. Stray animals significantly reduce their existence due to malnutrition and many infections, so that on average a stray Siamese cat lives 3-4 years. This is due to the fact that animals get sick, and no help can be expected from humans.
Also among yard animals there is a high risk of death from an accident: without their own home, once pets are forced to sleep in the open air, which leads to adverse consequences.
Ways to increase an important demographic indicator
Vigilant owners are attentive to the health of their pets.
There are several tips that you can follow to maintain your Siamese cat’s immunity for a long time.
- Examination by a specialist - at least once a month. Such frequent communication with the veterinarian is due to the fact that diseases can develop rapidly in cats. To prevent complications in the bud, it is better to visit the veterinarian more often.
- Sterilization puts a strain on the cat’s body: animals often gain weight after surgery. This happens due to the fact that metabolism slows down, and food arrives in the same volume. After castration, it is necessary to follow a certain diet, thanks to which the cat’s body will not be oversaturated with food.
- Water procedures in old age are bad . In old age, a cat's body slowly loses control over important life support systems. Sometimes it is better to skip a shower or bath intended for a Siamese cat: a slight draft will quickly create a threat of illness.
- There is no need to let the cat outside. Statistics from several years of studying cat mortality indicate that cats that regularly walk live several years less than cats that sit at home on a permanent basis. This is due to infections that wandering pets pick up and bring with them. This does not mean that you should absolutely not let your cat go for walks - just buy a collar and walk your little friend on a leash. This way he won't get into a trash can and fight with a street cat.
The above tips do not guarantee the longevity of the animal. Situations and heredity vary, and a sudden illness can quickly cripple a smooth-haired pet.
The main thing is to provide the Siamese cat with attention and affection, because the breed is one of the most demanding among the existing ones.
You will learn how long cats live in the following video:
When is the best age to neuter a Thai cat?
Although Thai and Siamese cats can start “walking” very early, this does not mean that the animal’s body is completely ready for castration at 5 months. If your cat has gone on a spree at this age, you will have to wait. You need to give him time to grow up a little, the cat must exchange primary teeth for permanent ones, he must gain sufficient body weight, only after that it will be possible to have surgery.
The recommended age for castration of Thai and Siamese cats is from 7 months to one year. This is optimal, because during this period the cat’s body will become sufficiently strong, the processes of “growing up” will be completed, the cat will turn from a kitten into a full-fledged sexually mature male, but will not yet have time to participate in matings and form behavioral habits.
If the cat is not castrated immediately, but is given the opportunity to first communicate with cats, his level of sex hormones in the body will gradually increase. A Thai or Siamese cat will definitely start marking and there is a chance that it will become a habit. In addition, cats of the Thai Isiam breed are themselves aggressive, this is a breed feature, and you need to understand that a high level of sex hormones will only “spur” this aggression, especially if the cat is not neutered and there is no possibility of mating with females.
How long do Siamese cats live?
The lifespan of Siamese cats directly depends on their living conditions. Veterinarians note that in nature, even purebred pets rarely live to be 10 years old. This is due to harsh living conditions, poor nutrition, stress, and illness.
Animals that live at home with people have a great chance of living for years, although not even years, but decades. The average age of pets is 12-17 years. It is not uncommon for cats to manage to cross the age barrier of 20 years. This figure may change, but it directly depends on the proper care of your furry friend.
What affects the lifespan of Siamese cats?
How long a Siamese will live depends on several important factors.
Among which:
- Living conditions of the animal. At home, Siamese cats live on average 5-6 years longer than the larger stray representatives of the breed. The reason is that the owner gives all his love to his furry friend, doing everything possible to make him comfortable and cozy. Living in an apartment, a cat is not exposed to stress, it does not have to get its own food or hide from other animals and people. The pet can sleep as much as he wants and where he wants.
- Predisposition to disease. This breed does not have very good health. It is not uncommon for Siamese to have diseases that are inherited. In addition, it should be remembered that these animals do not belong to the breed that can survive on the street. Pets originally lived in houses, so homeless representatives will not be able to resist all diseases.
- Good balanced diet. You need to think about what food to choose when the baby has just been purchased. This can be ready-made food - dry food or wet canned food, as well as natural food. If we talk about ready-made food, then you need to give preference to quality products. This can be purchased at pet stores. Young animals prefer drying. Active Siamese love to eat crackers. Elderly people love soft canned food. When deciding to feed animals the usual food, you should understand that these should not be dishes from the table. Cats do not need salt, spices and other seasonings that cause gastrointestinal problems in four-legged animals. Pets must be prepared separately. Be sure to give several types of meat, fish (but only a couple of times a week), several types of cereals, as well as vegetables and fruits. After consulting with your veterinarian, you need to give your pet special vitamins a couple of times a year.
Important! Proper care of cats greatly increases their time spent on the ground. Therefore, when buying an animal, you need to know how to care for it.
Choice of kittens
The issue of purchasing a Siamese kitten should be approached based on future plans for the pet. It is necessary to consider whether the animal will participate in exhibitions or simply live at home as a pet.
Where to buy and how much it costs
Due to the popularity of Oriental-type cats, many offers to buy animals of this breed have appeared on the market, but not all of them can guarantee purebredness. Therefore, it is better to buy an animal from breeders with a good reputation. It is worth keeping in mind that kittens with a pedigree are quite expensive - from 10 thousand to 30 thousand rubles. and higher. The price of an ordinary kitten is from 3 thousand rubles.
What to look for
For those who are going to participate in exhibitions and engage in breeding, it is important to confirm the purebred of the breed. In this case, you should pay attention to documents reflecting the pedigree, and it is advisable to get to know the baby’s parents. If the kitten will simply serve as a family friend, it is enough to focus on the appearance of the parents and compliance with the main indicators of the breed standard.
In addition, when choosing, you need to pay attention to general signs of health:
- wool quality and skin condition;
- the presence or absence of nodules and bumps on the body;
- condition of the eyes, ears, mouth and nose;
- mobility;
- body mass.
When choosing a pet, you need to take into account that Siamese kittens are born completely white. Color appears gradually from two weeks of age and may change during the first year of life.
How long do cats live after sterilization?
Sterilization is a procedure during which all organs of the reproductive system are removed from a cat. This leads to the animal becoming more affectionate and calm.
Important! Sterilization prolongs the life of a cat by 2-5 years on average. This is due to the fact that after ten years the risk of developing cancer of the uterus, ovaries, and mammary glands increases significantly.
Removal of the ovaries leads to the cessation of hormone production, so the incidence of breast cancer is reduced by 80%. As for cats, this is useful for them too, since the furry friend does not mark territory and behaves phlegmatically and relaxed.
By doing everything right, you can ensure that your Siamese lives a record long and happy life!
Average life expectancy of Siamese cats
Veterinary statistics show that a Siamese cat lives on average 15 years; by the age of 8 years, the pet will be considered elderly.
With good heredity and optimal living conditions, he can live 30 years.
Despite the fact that such a combination of external and internal factors is rare, the world knows several long-lived animals noted in the Guinness Book of Records.
The Siamese breed was formed in the difficult climatic conditions of Thailand, which are characterized by a constant change of seasons of sweltering heat and torrential tropical downpours.
Endurance, strong immunity, a well-developed muscular frame, which have become breed characteristics of the Siamese, as well as a quiet life at home are the key to the health and longevity of these cats.
Modern breeding with frequent inbreeding has greatly affected the health of animals, so the life of cats without a pedigree is often longer than that of their high-breed counterparts.
Is it possible to do without castrating a cat?
Yes, of course you can. But if you don't want your cat to experience discomfort, you will need to look for cats for him. One mating will not be enough to calm the cat. Therefore, the cat, having become excited, will again demand communication with the opposite sex. Due to mating and the presence of a cat nearby, the level of hormones in the cat's blood will be constantly high, he will make more marks and the smell of urine will be very strong. In nature, it is important for cats that the smell be as strong as possible, this is how the cat shows that he is the leader among other males. Thai and Siamese cats are no exception; your cat will try to make as many marks as possible to show how large his territory is, and communication with the cat and mating will only contribute to this process.
Longevity among the breed
Several years ago, the media wrote about a long-lived Siamese named Scooter. He was born on March 26, 1986 in the USA, and in 2021 he was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest living cat.
A leg injury that occurred in 2014 greatly undermined the pet’s health, but regular visits to the veterinarian extended his life by another 2 years.
Owner Gail Floyd claims that the secret to his longevity lies in an active lifestyle. Like his peers, Scooter loved to visit new places, enjoyed interacting with people, played wildly, and traveled a lot with his family.
What factors shorten a pet's life?
In order for a pet to have a long, healthy and happy life, the owner must pay attention to factors that negatively affect the condition of pets.
Chronic diseases
Acute and chronic diseases sharply reduce the life expectancy of a Siamese cat. The most characteristic pathologies for this breed are:
- Bowel cancer. Males suffer from it 3 times more often than cats.
- Psychological alopecia. Baldness associated with stress or emotional tension.
- Asthma or allergic bronchitis caused by dust, deodorants, tobacco smoke, etc.
- Congenital heart defect.
- Hyperesthesia, which is expressed in increased pain sensitivity. The disease is neurological in nature, accompanied by severe itching and the formation of bumps, abscesses and ulcers on the skin.
- Breast cancer.
- Mucopolysucrose. Often found among Siamese. It is a genetically dominant disease. Bone and muscle deformations lead to paralysis and paresis even before the age of one year.
- Primary endocardial fibroelastosis. Found only in Siamese and Burmese cats. It is expressed in impaired drainage of lymph from the heart and chronic edema of the endocardium. The period of death often coincides with the onset of clinical symptoms.
- Diabetes. It most often develops in older, overweight individuals.
- Urolithiasis disease. It is more often observed in sterilized cats, however, it also occurs in animals with preserved reproductive organs. Develops due to improper feeding and lack of movement.
Poor nutrition
A properly balanced diet plays a significant role in maintaining the health of a Siamese cat. Pets receiving a high-quality and nutritious diet can be recognized by their shiny, glossy coat, white, healthy teeth, toned silhouette, strength and beauty of movements.
Poor nutrition becomes the culprit of allergies, which manifests itself in skin rashes, itching, and eczema. They make the cat nervous and irritable. If a bacterial infection is added to the allergy, treatment will require the use of antibiotics, which will negatively affect the condition of the liver.
A diet rich in proteins and salts provokes the development of urolithiasis, which blocks normal kidney function.
Urination is disrupted, and in advanced situations it stops; the body suffers from intoxication. Without urgent medical attention, the cat dies within a few days.
Excessively high-calorie food with excessive fat and carbohydrate content leads to pet obesity. The load on internal organs increases. First of all, the liver and heart are affected. The animal becomes sluggish, sleeps most of the day, and its reactions are inhibited.
Life without movement is unnatural for cats; their immune defense is reduced and the body dies from concomitant diseases.
Castration and sterilization
Castration and sterilization is the optimal solution for any animal not used for breeding. Frequent births and a large number of kittens in litters exhaust cats, gradually destroying their body and greatly reducing life expectancy.
A minor surgical operation removes unnecessary hormonal surges, making pets calmer, balanced, and peaceful. The risk of cancer of the reproductive system is sharply reduced.
The life of a castrated cat is extended by about 3-4 years, a sterilized cat - by 2-4 years.
Nutrition
Rational feeding is an important point to ensure a happy life for a pet. Every living creature needs proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In the first weeks, proteins are of greatest value, as the most important building material.
Over the years, the need for proteins gradually decreases. An older animal will need a gentle diet. These should be foods that are easy to digest.
There are several feeding options:
- ready-made food;
- natural food;
- mixed.
Natural foods are the healthiest at an early age
. These are meat, vegetables and cereals, with the obligatory addition of vitamin complexes. The most important supplement for Siamese babies is often cottage cheese and milk porridge. These are important sources of calcium for the body, which quickly gains weight. Meat and offal must be of high quality and low-fat varieties. It is not advisable to feed your mustachioed ward pork and pork by-products, as they contain an excessive amount of fat.
Store-bought food is convenient because it does not need to be prepared. You just need to open a new package. They contain all the essential minerals and vitamins, so no additional nutritional supplements are required. Dry granules can be left in a bowl all day - it will not spoil. Canned food, on the contrary, should not be stored in the fresh air for more than two to three hours. They are more expensive than dry ones, but do not have their disadvantages: when eating a dry product, the wards must drink a lot. This is important for complete digestion of dried granules.
Mixed feeding is not recommended by veterinarians, as it will cause an excess of certain vitamins. Industrial feeds have a balanced composition, which the wards need depending on the number of years they have lived. The addition of natural substances leads to an excess of nutrients in the body, for example, cottage cheese - to excess calcium, liver - fat-soluble vitamins.
How to extend the life of an animal
A caring owner who thinks about the well-being of his pet is attentive to the recommendations of breeders and veterinarians:
- When purchasing an animal, be careful when choosing a nursery, breeding line, and litter. Explore forums, chat with owners who have already adopted and raised kittens from there. The presence of genetic diseases, developmental defects and disqualifying factors should block the way to even the most famous nursery. It is better to take a kitten from a little-known breeder if he works with healthy sires and does not have a negative reputation among breeders.
- Vaccinate the kitten and comply with quarantine conditions when immunity is formed in the small body. In subsequent years, strictly adhere to the vaccination calendar. This will protect you from most infectious diseases and make life with your cat happy and carefree.
- Choose a diet wisely, taking into account the breed and individual characteristics of the Siamese cat. Pet stores offer super-premium food lines with diets targeted at different ages, lifestyles, chronic diseases, etc.
- Consult trusted veterinarians if any health problems arise in your cat. Timely diagnosis and treatment are the key to a long, fulfilling life for your pet.
By following these recommendations, your pet can live longer than average.