16.06.2022

Everything you need to know about Siamese cats

It’s easy to understand why Siamese cats are one of the most popular feline breeds. These kitties have many appealing qualities—they’re beautiful, outgoing, affectionate, and loving. Give them sufficient attention and care, and they’ll love you forever. 

If you’re wondering whether a Siamese cat is the right choice for you, keep reading to discover:

• What Siamese kitties are like
• How to take care of them
• What the ideal diet for Siamese cats is

Basic Siamese cat facts—origin and traits

The origin of the Siamese cat is shrouded in mystery. According to an ancient Thai manuscript, they originated in Thailand as early as the 14th century, which would make them one of the oldest cat breeds. 

During the 19th century, they were domesticated by royal families in Thailand and adopted by none other than the wife of the 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes. They soon became wildly sought-after and adored across Europe and North America.

The most prominent feature of Siamese cats is their pointed pattern. Due to a mutation of the heat-sensitive enzyme involved in melanin production, their extremities are darker than the rest of their body. 

Can you believe how beautiful my eyes are?

Source: klimkin

Here’s a quick overview of basic Siamese characteristics:

Siamese cat personality traits

“We are Siamese if you please, we are Siamese if you don’t please.” In Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp,” the two sniffy Siamese cats capture the breed’s personality to a tee. 

Hey, hooman, it’s playtime!

Source: Leah Kelley

Siamese have strong personalities and are:

• Vocal—Siamese felines are loud and talkative, with a low-pitched voice (also known as a “meezer”). When something isn’t to their liking, they’ll let you know it right away. If you can’t handle a chatty busybody, Siamese might not be the best breed for you
• Dependent—Siamese cats are very picky with their humans, but once they deem you “their person,” they’ll soon become attached to you, sometimes even too much. They hate being alone and can suffer from separation anxiety. As a Siamese cat parent, you should expect to be followed around non-stop
• Intelligent—Many people consider this breed to be the most intelligent of all. Siamese cats are very curious and mischievous by nature and love to explore and snoop around the house
• Playful—Siamese kitties are more playful and sociable than most breeds—they act like kittens their whole lives. Whether you’re playing catch or challenging them with puzzle toys, they will enjoy the playtime 

Can you train a Siamese cat?

Siamese cats’ intelligence and friendly personality make them easy to train. Whether it’s litter-box and obedience training or simple tricks that’ll be useful during playtime, these kitties will learn it all without any hassle. Your feline will see the time you spend training them as a sign of affection, which will make your bond stronger. 

Make sure to start training them as early as possible to improve your chances of success. The two most successful training methods you can try are:

1. Clicker training—Use a remote control that makes a clicking sound that’s unpleasant for your feline companion—it’ll make them stop bad behaviour over time
2. Reward system—Positive reinforcement goes a long way with sensitive Siamese felines. Every time they obey a command or use their litter box, give them a tasty treat

Combining these two methods will bring the best results.

Although Siamese cats are trainable, and you can get them used to a litter box in no time, don’t think they’ll abide by your every command—their intelligence comes with a willful side. That’s why you’ll have to be patient.

Is grooming necessary for your silky Siamese kitty?

This breed is a dream come true for people suffering from mild cat allergies as they don’t shed a lot. Siamese cats have a short coat that's easy to maintain—compared to long-haired breeds, such as Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats, and Persians—but they still require regular grooming.

It’s time for scratchies???

Source: Leah Kelley

Brush their coat weekly with a soft bristle brush—they’ll enjoy grooming more, and it won’t pull on their silky fur. Use this time to check for any potential injuries or parasites. Once you’ve brushed them, use a damp cloth to clean and freshen them up. 

Besides brushing, you should also clean your feline’s ears and trim their nails every 10–14 days.

Common health issues in the Siamese cat breed

Siamese cats are generally a healthy breed and have an impressive lifespan of up to 15 years (some felines have even reached 20 years of age). Although they aren’t as prone to falling ill as some other breeds, they’re still at risk of particular:

1. Genetic diseases 
2. Lifestyle-related health problems

Genetic diseases in Siamese cats

Siamese cats are genetically predisposed to the following illnesses:

Lifestyle-related health problems of Siamese cats 

Bad eating habits and low activity levels can cause the following health niggles in Siamese cats:

• Dental diseases—Poor oral hygiene and nutrition high in carbs and sugar can lead to dental issues, such as tooth resorption or periodontal disease. Brushing your Siamese cat’s teeth regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste is the first step to preventing these problems. Dental food is another way to maintain your kitty’s oral hygiene. Their diet should consist of high-quality meat-based wet food, and it shouldn’t contain sugar, artificial colouring, or other unhealthy ingredients 
• Obesity—Siamese cats can gain weight pretty easily and are prone to obesity. Unhealthy weight gain can lead to various health issues, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, UTIs, etc.
• Diabetes—Obese cats typically suffer from diabetes mellitus and require insulin shots and a strict diet. To avoid this issue, make sure your cat's food is low in carbs (the content of this nutrient should be under 3%) and high in exclusively animal protein 

You can prevent lifestyle-related issues and keep your feline healthy and fit with exercise and adequate amounts of highly nutritious, protein-based food.

The ideal nutrition for your Siamese cat’s tummy

Siamese cats require the following nutrients to live a long and happy life:

1. Animal proteins—Lean meat, such as chicken, liver, tuna, and salmon, provide amino acids (e.g. taurine) essential for developing a healthy muscle structure, maintaining brain and bone health, and boosting your feline’s immune system. Steer clear of plant-based proteins (e.g. carrots, peas, corn, sweetcorn, and similar) since cats lack the enzymes to process plant proteins properly and won't benefit much from consuming them (they might even gain weight!)
2. Fatty acids—Animal fat is rich in fatty acids and has a great taste. Not only will it reduce inflammation, increase the metabolism rate, and help maintain a shiny coat, but it’ll also ensure even the fussiest of eaters enjoy their meals. Make sure your Siamese cat’s food doesn’t contain more than 20% animal fat since overconsumption can lead to obesity and, consequently, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, etc.
3. Water—In the wild, cats stay hydrated by hunting and consuming freshly killed prey. In an indoor setting, they often neglect drinking water since their thirst drive isn’t high. To avoid struvite crystals and other dehydration-related issues, make sure your feline's food is hydrating. Wet food is a much better choice than cat kibbles as it is high in moisture—most canned products contain around 70% moisture, while kibbles contain only 10%

Untamed—a Michelin star restaurant for your feline companion

Providing your Siamese cat with meat-based meals that are healthy and tasty has never been this easy because Untamed has your back! 

Untamed provides your Siamese cat with healthy and tasty recipes!

Image (c) Untamed

Our jelly and gravy formulas will make your feline purr with excitement! 

We use prime-quality, ethically sourced whole meat and fish. We've teamed up with cruelty-free and dolphin-safe suppliers, and our tins and boxes are 100% recyclable. 

Untamed is the right choice for your cat because we:

• Use human-grade ingredients—All our recipes are made with prime cuts of whole meat and high-quality ingredients that are easy on the tummy
• Offer vet-formulated recipes—Our dishes have an ideal protein-to-fat ratio to keep your feline healthy and control their weight
• Don't overcook our meals—Untamed recipes are particularly tasty because we gently steam our food instead of overprocessing it. It is the only way to preserve the nutritional value and lock in the delicious flavours 
• Don't use common allergens—Our recipes are free of allergens and iffy ingredients. If your Siamese cat is super sensitive and prone to food allergies, you can try one of our hypoallergenic products—Chocka Chicken or Tuck-in Tuna in Jelly

Click here to take our TRY NOW quiz, share details about your feline, and create a perfect meal plan!

What’s so great about Untamed?

Many Siamese cat parents who have already switched their felines to Untamed have noticed the following improvements:

How to sign up

You can join our clowder in a few clicks! Here’s how to order our custom-made trial pack with vrious delicious meals:

1. Take our Try Now quiz and share details about your Siamese cat
2. Select the products for your Siamese
3. Complete the order

Once you’ve completed your order, let us take the wheel. Your cat's new favourite food will arrive at your doorstep in a day! If your Siamese kitty finds the meals satisfying (and we have no doubt that they will), you’ll get regular monthly supplies—shipping is always free. 

Wish to change, postpone, or cancel your order? No problem—contact us, and we’ll do it immediately!