04.06.2022

How long do Siamese cats live? Untamed explains it all

As a Siamese cat parent, you probably have many questions about these charming felines. Should you be worried about the roughhousing or continual meowing, and are you providing the best care to your Siamese kitten?

Siamese cats are amiable and affectionate, and it's only natural you want this friendship to last forever. Keeping your kitty active, showering them with attention, and providing the best healthcare, diet, and grooming will make them happy and healthy, but the time will come when the best care in the world won't help anymore.

How long do Siamese cats live? We answer this burning question and offer practical advice on the best cat diet and illness prevention to boost their longevity and well-being.

What is the average Siamese cat's lifespan?

Siamese, Ragdolls, Balinese, Savannahs, and Burmese are cat breeds with the longest lifespan. Siamese cats live between 12 and 15 years, but some experts claim that if cared for properly, they can significantly extend their life expectancy and live well past 20.

Here’s how it all began.

Source: liliy2025

Every cat is unique, so making predictions is tricky because various factors influence your cat's life expectancy. The following should be considered:

1. Whether the cat lives indoors or outside
2. Lifestyle
3. Genetic factors
4. Sterilisation status
5. Regular check-ups and healthcare
6. Dietary habits and weight

Cats living indoors typically live longer

Unlike indoor cats who are safe and pampered, felines living outside face numerous risks, such as:

• Traffic
• Predators
• Bad weather
• Catfights
• Difficulty finding food and water

These factors can significantly shorten a feline's lifespan.

I see you, tiny mousey. 

Source: klimkin

Since Siamese cats love going outside—which is unquestionably healthy, as they will get more exercise—it would be best to create an enclosed outdoor space where your feline can play.

Lifestyle can massively impact a Siamese cat's lifespan

The healthier the lifestyle, the longer your Siamese cat will live.

Two factors are critical for your feline's well-being:

1. Activity levels—Siamese cats are energetic, so keeping them active is crucial. Playing with your kitty will help them stay fit and happy. You should provide a lot of fun toys so your kitty can entertain themselves while you're busy
2. Stress levels—Siamese cats need a lot of attention. If you ignore them, they will become stressed, which leads to behavioural problems, such as biting and other forms of aggression. Common stressors also include:
1. Changes in the environment
2. Other pets
3. New family members
4. Modifications in their routine

Genetics plays a vital role in a Siamese cat's longevity

Genetics is the crucial factor for your feline's longevity. If their ancestors lived long lives without hereditary diseases passed down through generations, you can expect your Siamese cat to live a long and healthy life. Keep in mind that good genes are only a head start. Without a proper meal and exercise plan, keeping lifestyle-related illnesses at bay will be challenging.

Your cat's sterilisation status is also important

There are several benefits to sterilising your feline companion, besides preventing unwanted litter.

Check out how sterilisation can improve the quality of life of males and females:

The only disadvantage of neutering is that felines become more susceptible to weight gain, but a high-quality diet and regular and well-portioned meals can keep it in check.

Regular check-ups are crucial

Siamese cats are generally a healthy breed, but they are still prone to some health niggles, which is why regular check-ups are necessary.

Vet visits are necessary even if your cat seems perfectly healthy.

Source: webandi

Since cats can suffer from an illness long before you notice any symptoms, it's necessary to schedule regular vet visits. Many diseases can be kept under control or completely cured when caught early. Start taking your kitty to the vet at an early age to avoid tantrums upon every visit. It's better not to change vets because cats can have difficulties accepting new people in their environment.

Diet and weight affect your cat’s well-being

The quality and quantity of food are equally important in your cat's meal plan. Some ingredients must be avoided entirely, while others are not toxic but don't add nutritional value to your feline's diet.

Because of the high-carb content, cat food containing vegetables and grains can lead to:

• Digestive problems
• Urinary tract infections
• Cystitis
• Struvite crystals
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes

Congenital illnesses that could affect your Siamese cat's life expectancy

The following hereditary health conditions are common in Siamese cats and can reduce their lifespan:

1. Asthma
2. Amyloidosis
3. Aortic stenosis
4. Mediastinal lymphoma
5. Gingivitis

Asthma

Asthma entails the chronic inflammation of the airways and causes breathing difficulties. The most common symptoms are:

• Laboured breathing
• Wheezing
• Persistent coughing

If not appropriately treated, feline asthma can be fatal.

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis causes the protein amyloid to build up in various organs by replacing healthy cells. It often gets deposited in the liver and kidneys, disrupting their normal function. As the illness progresses, the cat experiences fatal organ failure.

Symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Dehydration
• General weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

If your cat is diagnosed with this disease, you will have to introduce specific dietary changes and medication prescribed by the veterinarian.

Aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a congenital condition in which the exit of the left ventricle of the heart is narrowed, disrupting blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body. The symptoms commonly include:

• Fatigue
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing

Without proper treatment, the disease leads to congestive heart failure.

Mediastinal lymphoma

Mediastinal lymphoma is often associated with the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These viruses can cause malignant changes in the thorax.

The most common symptoms of this type of cancer are:

• Rapid breathing
• Coughing
• Anorexia
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Drooling
• Vomiting

Chemotherapy, steroids, and surgery are treatment options depending on how far the disease has progressed.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is not a fatal disease, but it can be extremely painful, affecting your Siamese cat's quality of life. The typical symptom is the red colour of the gums at the base of the teeth.

I brushed, I promise!

Source: TaniaVdB

Proper oral hygiene is the only way to keep this illness under control. If left untreated, this condition leads to periodontal disease. In more severe cases, you may have to take your Siamese to the vet to have tartar removed under general anaesthesia. Some felines suffering from severe cases of gingivitis may lose their teeth. 

Diet- and lifestyle-related illnesses Siamese cats can suffer from

Siamese cats are susceptible to several lifestyle-related illnesses that affect their quality of life and longevity. The most common ones are:

1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
2. Kidney diseases
3. Digestive issues

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM causes the thickening of the heart walls and can lead to heart failure if left untreated. Obesity is one of the biggest factors contributing to the onset of this disease, and weight management is the best way to avoid this health problem or at least keep it in check.

To keep your furry friend fit, you should provide:

1. A healthy diet—A high-protein diet without human snacks, such as nuts, crisps, or cake, will help in maintaining optimal weight
2. Adequate exercise—If your Siamese doesn’t go outside, you must ensure they get enough exercise through playtime and training

Kidney disease

Cats don't have a strong drinking drive. If your Siamese is on a dry food diet, they will likely suffer from dehydration, which can cause bladder infections and kidney problems.

Most vets recommend feeding your feline at least two portions of wet food a day, as it contains more than 70% moisture, as opposed to dry food that only has about 10%.

Although kidney damage can't be reversed, it's manageable with medication and a controlled meal plan.

Digestive problems

The most common digestive issues are caused by food allergies or low-quality food. The symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea
• Sensitive stomach
• Vomiting
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Digestive problems usually indicate that your kitty's diet is inadequate, so you should turn to high-quality wet food to soothe their tummy.

How can you maximise your Siamese cat's life expectancy?

The best you can do for your feline companion is to:

1. Provide enough exercise
2. Get them checked by the vet regularly
3. Give them high-quality food

My human is busy today. Do you want to play?

Source: webandi

Schedule quarterly visits to the vet, play with your kitty every day, and serve them food which mimics their natural eating habits. Their meals must contain:

1. Animal protein
2. Animal fat
3. Little to no carbs

Animal protein

As obligate carnivores, felines need meat to thrive. It is the only source of necessary vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, such as taurine and arginine. Meat should be the number one ingredient in cat food because they need it for:

• Energy
• Strong muscles
• Normal organ function
• Healthy skin and coat

The best sources of protein include:

• Chicken (cooked, not raw)
• Turkey
• Liver
• Duck
• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Shrimp
• Salmon

Animal fat

Animal fat is necessary because it:

• Provides essential fatty acids (linoleic, omega-3, omega-6, and arachidonic acid)
• Gives cat food an irresistible taste
• Acts as a secondary energy source

If you serve your picky Siamese jelly or gravy with a hint of animal fat, they won't be fussy about their meals. 

Little or no carbs

Carbohydrates provide a quick surge of energy followed by a sudden drop. The unburnt calories then turn into fat deposits, and your once active Siamese cat becomes obese and lazy.

Although many commercial products contain vegetables, such as peas, carrots, beans, potatoes, or sweet potatoes, cats lack the enzymes necessary to properly digest these ingredients, which can cause digestive problems. Small quantities of cooked carrots, green beans, bananas, or mango are fine as an occasional snack or if your Siamese cat suffers from constipation.

How can Untamed help you extend your Siamese cat's lifespan?

This is too delicious, but I have to watch my weight.

Image (c) Untamed

We created cat food that meets all feline nutritional needs, keeps them healthy, and tastes fantastic. Every Untamed meal is:

• High in exclusively animal protein—We only use the best quality whole meat, and each dish has more than 60% animal protein
• Made under the guidance of veterinary experts—Untamed collaborates with vets to make complete and balanced meals fit for cats at every life stage
• Free from known allergens—We don't use common allergens, so even sensitive kitties can enjoy our delish recipes
• Ethically produced—We cooperate with sustainable and cruelty-free suppliers, use 100% recyclable packaging, and keep our operations carbon neutral

Get Untamed to keep your Siamese fit and healthy! 

How to get Untamed for your Siamese

Ordering your starter pack is super simple—all you have to do is:

1. Tell us about your Siamese
2. Create a tailor-made meal plan
3. Place the order

The taster pack will be at your door in a day! Once your Siamese samples all the delicious recipes and chooses their favourites, we can resupply your stock every month.

Join many happy cat parents who have switched their feline friends to Untamed. Check out how they describe the Untamed effect in the table below: