How long do Siamese cats live? What is the typical Siamese cat lifespan? They live longer than usual, on average 15-20 years. Some last longer. Read on to learn more…
These cats are best known for their distinctive, sleek appearance. These pretty kitty’s coats come in an array of colors, from white, cream, and brown to orange hues with dark color points at the paws, tails, and face. One of the most common color schemes is the silver-grey variety known as the lynx point siamese cat – a mix of tabby and Siamese, with blue eyes.
You might not know that environmental temperatures and genetics play a role in determining its coat and eye color. Most of these cats are white at birth, developing marking in the weeks after birth.
After exposure to cooler conditions outside the womb, the cats start to develop their color. It shows up on the paws, face, and tail first. The process takes a few weeks, and they change color more each day.
The Siamese cat breed is one of the world’s oldest breeds. The common theory is that the breed appeared in Thailand, appearing in manuscripts as early as the 14th century. Thai royalty had a special affinity for the breed due to its unusual and beautiful appearance.
The Thai Royals believed the Siamese cat would claim their soul when they passed. As a result, the cats of kings and queens would spend their remaining days in a temple after their royal owner’s passing. The cat would spend the rest of its days pampered by the servants of the royal court. But how long do these cats live?
What Age Do Siamese Cats Die?
A cat’s breed is one of the most significant determining factors in its lifespan, along with genetics. Most pet owners are aware that purebred cats typically don’t outlive mixed breeds due to the animal’s superior genetic stock, but that’s not always the case.
Compared to other cat breeds, the Siamese cat lifespan is one of the longest. Typically, these cats live between 15 to 20-years, depending on their genetics and family history. That’s at least 10% longer than the time other cats spend on earth and a unique trait not seen in many different cat breeds.
They thrive when they receive the right care. Like other breeds such as the Maine Coon, Siamese cats can even live into their twenties with the proper medical care and attention. This level of longevity gives the breed one of the longest lifespans of any purebred cat.
Most other purebreds don’t last anywhere near this long. For example, the Singapura cat only manages to survive between nine to 15-years with the right care and attention. Breeds like the Manx might only have an average 8- 14year lifespan.
The Siamese cat can even outlive mixed breed cats, which tend to outlive most pure breeds. Mixed breed cats typically have a lifespan of up to 15-years. The Siamese likes hanging around people, and it’s common for them to spend more time indoors than other breeds.
Indoor cats last longer than those cats that like to spend their time outdoors. Indoor cats receive fewer injuries over their lifespan, allowing them to last longer.
What Health Problems Do Siamese Cats Have?
The Siamese is a pure breed and one of the oldest in existence. Like all other cats with a pedigree, the these cats are prone to health complications compared to other sturdier mixed-breed cats.
Purebred cats have less longevity than mixed breeds due to the breeding programs that produce them. Many of the pure breeds go through inbreeding or selective breeding to ensure the feline’s bloodline remains true to its genetic stock.
However, despite its title as a pure breed, they manage to last longer than most others, and they even outlive many mixed breeds.
The Siamese is at risk of developing certain genetic problems that might limit its lifespan. Some of the factors include the following.
- Cross-eyed cats – Might cause problems with vision and hunting prey.
- Kinked tails – Might cause issues with balance.
- Dental issues – Might stop your cat from grooming itself.
- Bladder stones – May cause infections.
- Eye problems – Glaucoma and retinal atrophy are common in senior cats.
- Heart Disease – It’s relatively uncommon for this breed of cat to develop heart disease, but it can happen.
- Certain types of cancers – As with all living things, Siamese cats are at risk of developing cancer.
How Do I Ensure My Siamese Cat Has a Long Lifespan?
All the health conditions in cats listed above might sound like a nightmare for owners. However, it’s important to note that your cat might not have to deal with any of them during its lifetime. Typically, cats that develop these disorders come from bad breeding programs where inbreeding weakens the animal’s genetic stock.
To ensure you get a feline friend with a long lifespan, make sure you get the cat from a reputable breeder. Good breeders typically charge more for a cat, but the few extra hundred dollars you pay add years onto your cat’s lifespan.
A reputable breeder issues you with papers on your cat and a guarantee of health. With a good breeder supplying your cat, you don’t have to worry about health issues manifesting in a few years after purchasing your furry friend.
To ensure your cat lasts as long as possible, you need to take an active interest in its health. Make sure you take your kitty to the vet for regular checkups and maintain their vaccination schedule. Vaccinations protect cats from diseases and parasites they encounter when they’re out wandering around the neighborhood.
What are the Factors that Determine the Life Expectancy of My Cat?
We all want our feline friend to last for as long as possible. While genetics are important when selecting your Siamese, other factors affect your cat’s lifespan as well.
Here are our top tips for extending the life of your cat.
Indoor or Outdoor Cat?
Siamese cats prefer being indoors most of the time – it’s in their nature. However, like any other animal, there are personality differences. Your cat might be one of the few that decides it wants to spend its life outdoors.
Cats that live outdoors face far more risk in life. There’s the chance of getting wounded in a fight with a stray or getting caught in the weather. Outdoor cats might also eat poisoned rats and mice, perishing on the toxins due to secondary exposure.
Indoor cats don’t have to worry about any of these risks to their health or life. Since your cat is around more often, it’s easier to sport if they’re showing signs of ill health.
Nutrition
Some owners might overfeed their indoor cat with too many treats or too much food. Overweight cats typically have shorter lifespans.
Some cats have stronger appetites than others. If your cat is always looking for a meal, you’ll need to ensure you’re feeding them the right amount of daily calories to keep them healthy.
Overfeeding your cat leads to weight gain, and that takes a toll on their health. Cats that eat too much might end up with blood sugar disorders and other health issues relating to their overweight condition.
Overweight or obese cats are also at a higher risk of contracting diseases and parasites. Due to the ill-effects of carrying too much body weight, the cat might even have a weakened immune response, making it harder for the cat to recover from illness.
Obesity can also lead to arthritis and skin conditions that arise from the cat failing to groom itself properly.
Playtime
Exercise is critical for maintaining your cat’s health. Cats have different personalities. Some like to be active and play, while others prefer to lay around and do nothing all day.
Playing with your kitty gets their circulation going, and it improves their physical and mental health. Playtime stimulates them physically and mentally, wearing your cat out.
It’s important to play with your cat as much as you can before bedtime. This strategy wears out your cat and more likely to spend the night sleeping than chasing things around your house.
Limiting Stress
Cats get anxious, just like us, humans. Like humans, cats can also handle stress with biological processes designed to drop cortisol levels in the blood.
Both humans and cats can handle short periods of stress. However, extended periods of dealing with stress lead to the development of health issues. If your cat is under constant levels of high stress, it shortens its lifespan dramatically.
Stress like moving to a new home or apartment or dealing with a new cat arriving on the scene can overly stress your feline.
If you see your cat getting stressed out, comfort them. Consider giving your kitty some catnip to calm them down. If you have more than one cat, make sure you don’t spend time with one and ignore the other, or it results in behavioral changes in the cat.
Wrapping up – Key Takeaways
- The Siamese cat is one of the world’s oldest breeds.
- As a pure breed, they have one of the longest lifespans of any feline.
- Siamese cats typically live for between 15 to 20-years.
- Some types of Siamese cats can live longer than the average with the right care.
- How you care for your cat makes a difference in its quality of life and its longevity.
