Siamese

Like every breed, the Siamese is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Children

  Often better suited to an adult home.

• Indoors and outdoors

  Usually happier with access outdoors.

• Being left alone

  Prefers company and is best not left alone for long.

• First-time owners

  Some cat experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  An inherited disorder in which part of the eye degenerates, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test is available.

• Asthma and chronic coughing

  Siamese seem to suffer more than other breeds from feline asthma, a disease of the lower airways caused by an allergic reaction. They also seem to vomit more than other breeds.

• Mediastinal lymphoma and intestinal tumours

  Some lines may be predisposed to cancers, including mediastinal lymphoma, a cancer of immune system cells, and intestinal adenocarcinoma.

• Lysosomal storage diseases

  Niemann-Pick disease, mucopolysaccharidosis and gangliosidosis have been described in Siamese. These storage diseases can affect the nervous system, growth and organs. DNA tests are available for mucopolysaccharidosis and gangliosidosis.

• Amyloidosis

  A condition in which proteins are deposited in organs and tissues, which can lead to organ failure.

• Pica

  Some lines of Siamese eat non-food items such as woollen clothing or plastic. The reason is not understood.

• Hip dysplasia

  The GCCF notes that the Siamese may be predisposed to hip dysplasia, a condition affecting the hip joints.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Siamese home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Siamese home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically 10–15 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Siamese suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Siameses do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.