16.06.2022

How to take care of Siamese kittens—all you need to know

If you have a pregnant Siamese cat, you know you are in for some fun, and if you are thinking about getting a Siamese kitten, you will quickly learn why these felines are among the most popular cat breeds worldwide. Their pointy ears, blue eyes, soft fur, and terrific character make them irresistible. Siamese cats are talkative, mischievous, playful, and have a dog-like demeanour (yes, that means you can even take them for a walk, and they will love it!).

While Siamese cats are generally hardy and easy to take care of, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. That's why it's crucial they receive proper care, starting from kittenhood. This article will help you learn how to take care of Siamese kittens to ensure they grow up happy and healthy.

A guide to caring for Siamese kittens

The way you care for your cat when they are young is critical. Good care will build a solid foundation for their lifelong health. To make sure your Siamese kitty has a long and happy life, you need to:

1. Provide plenty of entertainment
2. Groom them regularly
3. Feed them a quality diet
4. Visit the vet regularly

Let's have a cattastic time!

Woah! This contraption is a great exercise for my balance!

Source: Arina Krasnikova

Siamese cats like to play with humans and require constant attention, otherwise, they might become lethargic. When Siamese cats get stressed, they might exhibit problematic behaviour, such as biting and being generally aggressive. When they are younger, your kitten will need a bit more of your time because of frequent feeding, but half an hour of your day spent playing with them will ensure they are happy and active.

Besides your time, a Siamese kitten will need a fun environment. These cats are full of energy, and they love to climb and play, so you should consider purchasing the following:

• Perches—Place them throughout your home, so your kitten has places to climb
• Scratching post—Your kitten will need a place to scratch, so they don't damage your furniture
• Cat tree—If it's within your budget, a cat tree is a great structure where your Siamese can climb, play, scratch, and sleep

Grooming time

All cats require regular grooming consisting of:

• Brushing—Even though kittens don’t have long hair, you should still brush them every week with a soft-bristled brush in the direction of hair growth so they can get used to the sensation as early as possible. Once their fur is fully grown, they may require more tending. During the moulting season, you might even have to brush these oriental cats every day. The good news is that Siamese cats don't shed as much as some other breeds (for example, Ragdolls and Maine Coons), so you won’t have issues keeping your home cat-hair-free
• Cleaning the teeth—You should clean your cat's teeth as frequently as possible. If your kitten doesn't like the toothbrush, you can put gauze on your finger and gently rub their teeth
• Clipping the nails—Trimming your cat's claws every once in a while can prevent them from breaking and splitting. Make sure to cut only the sharp tip of the nail
• Wiping the fur—The chances are that your kitten won't be too thrilled to take a bath, but wiping the coat with a damp cloth will do the trick (especially if your little feline spends most of their time indoors)

Feeding your Siamese kittens

The most important aspect of Siamese kitten care is their nutrition. A proper diet will give them all the necessary nutrients, which will ensure they grow at a steady pace and develop healthy eating habits. Throughout your cat's life, a good diet will help prevent illnesses, maintain normal weight, and keep the immune system strong.

Your Siamese kitten needs a high-quality diet to thrive. 

Image (c) Untamed

What should newborn Siamese kittens eat?

Once the kittens are born, their mother’s breast milk is the only appropriate food option during the first few weeks. If, for whatever reason, the mother is not present, cat parents can feed kittens with a kitten replacer formula. 

Here are a few tips on how to do it:

• Make the formula lukewarm—The formula should be at 35–38 degrees Celsius
• Keep the kitten warm—Staying warm helps kittens digest the food and absorb nutrients better
• Mimic the nursing position—Position the kitten flat on their bellies to ensure better digestion
• Give small portions—Two tablespoons of formula per 110 grams of their body weight a day is the optimal serving amount for a Siamese kitten
• Don’t change the formula—Kittens often have difficulty adapting to a new formula, and they may have trouble with digestion

Don’t make the mistake of giving cow milk as a replacement for formula. Cow milk contains lactose, too much fat, and other nutrients that don’t sit well with the feline digestive system. 

When do Siamese kittens start eating solid food?

Once your kitten is three to four weeks old, you can start feeding them solids. You can go for:

• Gruel—This is kitten formula mixed with other types of food. It’s a great transition from mother’s milk to solids because it’s mushy and teething kittens can chew and swallow the food easily
• Dry food—Although kibble is convenient to serve, it can be a choking hazard, and it often contains filler ingredients (such as grain and vegetables) that don’t provide kittens with the right nutrients 
• Wet food—Due to its soft texture and high moisture content, wet food is the best option for weaning kittens

Whichever type of food you choose, you have to be mindful of the ingredients. Steer clear of foods with high percentages of fat and carbs, plant proteins, meat derivatives, and artificial additives.

Basics of a good kitty diet

Cats are hardwired carnivores that require meat and fish to grow healthily. Once your Siamese kitten starts eating solids, you have to ensure that they are getting all the essential nutrients that will help them grow and develop correctly.

Essential macronutrients

The table below shows which macronutrients a growing feline needs:

When it comes to carbs, cats can’t benefit from this nutrient, and they can experience digestive issues upon consumption. You can offer small portions of carrots, green beans, broccoli, and other vegetables rich in fibre if your cat is struggling with constipation, but make sure carbs don’t make up more than 3% of their daily food intake.

Essential micronutrients

Your Siamese kitten’s diet should contain the following micronutrients:

Feeding portions and schedule for a Siamese kitten

The precise amount of food you give to your cat will depend on the type of food you serve—wet, dry, semi-moist, homemade, raw. It will also depend on the kitten's age, level of activity, and size. Kittens should be fed small but frequent portions since they need more calories to grow at a steady pace, but they shouldn't consume too much food at once because their stomachs are small. 

Below is the chart representing approximately how much and how frequently you should feed your Siamese feline while they are growing:

If you notice that your kitten is not progressing well, you must increase the amount of food you are feeding them.

In case you adopted a Siamese kitten from a breeder, it would be best to continue feeding them the same type of food, at least for a while. If you want to change it, you will need to do it gradually. Sudden changes in diet can cause kitten diarrhoea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. 

Choosing the best food for your Siamese kitten

Meowummy! That’s my favourite! 

Source: freestocks.org

When shopping for Siamese cat food, always check the ingredients list to determine whether the food in question is suitable for felines. If you notice any of the following on the ingredients list, look for another option:

• Animal derivatives, animal byproducts, meat derivatives, and similar
• Vegetable derivatives
• Minimum 4% of meat
• Grains
• Cereal
• Artificial food colouring and flavouring

The ingredients list should be minimal and free from known allergens, and the source of protein should be clearly specified. For example, high-quality cat food will have the following as its first ingredient:

• Chicken breast
• Tuna steak
• Salmon fillet
• Duck breast
• Mackerel
• Turkey

If you can't tell what's in the food, don’t buy it. Otherwise, your cat might experience gastrointestinal issues and allergic reactions to specific ingredients.

How can Untamed help you raise a happy Siamese cat?

Untamed knows how important it is to build a solid ground for your cat's development. We worked with vets and developed tasty recipes approved even by the fussiest eaters. By going Untamed, you’ll provide your kitten with balanced meals that perfectly meet their nutritional needs.

Always know what you are feeding your kitty.

Image (c) Untamed

Transparency is our policy, which is why our labels clearly state what we put in the food. All our meals are free from common allergens, and if your kitty is particularly sensitive, you can try our single-protein-source dishes—Chocka Chicken in Jelly and Tuck-in Tuna in Jelly. 

Untamed uses human-grade meat and steers clear of animal derivatives and other iffy ingredients. Our cat food is gently steamed, ensuring it is free of pathogens while remaining tasty and nutritious. 

Siamese cats tend to be picky when it comes to food, and it's not uncommon for them to turn their nose up at the sight of wet food. Since we care about both the quality of ingredients and the taste of our meals, even the pickiest cats love our gravy and jelly recipes! Order our trial pack for your Siamese kitten, and promote healthy eating habits right from the beginning!

You have all the info—what now?

Cat nutrition is made easy with Untamed.

Image (c) Untamed

Untamed’s tailor-made meals are easy to get! All you need to do to order your trial pack is follow these simple steps:

1. Go to our Try Now page
2. Give us some details about your cat
3. Select a meal plan and place the order

The trial pack will arrive the next day, and your kitten can decide which delicious dishes they love the most. When they give us a nod of approval, we will send you a month-worth of balanced portions regularly.

Feel free to make changes whenever you want, and enjoy watching your kitten grow happy and healthy. 

Members of our clowder report seeing numerous positive changes after a few weeks on Untamed, including better digestion, fewer hairballs, more energy, and better immune function.

Don't forget vet visits!

While a high-quality diet should keep common health issues at bay, providing regular veterinary care for your cat is a must. 

During the first year, you will visit the vet more frequently to check how the cat is progressing and ensure they get all the necessary vaccines, such as those against:

• Feline distemper
• Calicivirus
• Rhinotracheitis

A rabies shot will also be necessary. Your vet will put your kitten on schedule and ensure they receive all the required shots.

Meowouch! You lied; the needle wasn’t tiny!

Source: Helena Lopes

If you adopted a kitten from a shelter, it would be wise to get the cat's medical records, so you know if the kitten has already had any of the shots.

Topics for the vet

Besides vaccinations, you should also talk to your vet about:

• Worms and parasites—If your kitten has worms, you can easily treat them with deworming tablets
• Breed-specific health issues—Siamese cats are generally healthy, but they can be prone to some genetic and lifestyle-related illnesses. It's wise to examine the kitten and get some advice on preventing or managing possible problems. You should also know what symptoms to look out for so you can treat the issues immediately
• Obesity prevention—Siamese cats are prone to becoming overweight, especially if neutered or spayed. Your vet will tell you how to keep your cat at an optimal weight