Tom Alexander
Siamese cats are among the oldest cat breeds in the world. They have had several thousands of years to evolve, which has undoubtedly helped them become one of the cat breeds with the longest lifespan.
How long do Siamese cats live?
As a general rule, the lifespan of a Siamese cat is 15 to 20 years. This is several years longer than other purebreds who live 8 to 15 years on average. To reach this old age, Siamese cats require specific care to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Several factors impact the lifespan of your Siamese cat, and there is a lot that you can do to ensure a healthy and happy life for your kitty.
What’s the oldest Siamese Cat?
It is a well-known fact that Siamese cats have a long lifespan. On average, they live longer than most other purebreds, who generally don’t live past 15 years.
In 2016, Guinness World Records crowned the Scooter, the oldest living (Siamese) cat in the world, at 30. Scooter was still in good health, waking his owner up at 6:00 am every morning. Sadly he passed away not long after that but had lived a wonderful and fulfilling life.
So, Siamese cats are an exception to the rule, and let’s not forget that 15-20 years in ‘cat years’ compares to 76-92 ‘human years’. On the other hand, Siamese cats are not the only cats living very long lives.
The Burmese, Savannah Cat, Ragdoll, Balinese, American Shorthair, and Bombay breeds have long lifespans. In fact, the Balinese and Burmese are related to the Siamese breed.
What influences a cat’s life expectancy?
Generally, cats live longer than many other pets, like dogs or birds, and you might think that Siamese cats are particularly strong. Indeed, their breed does give them an advantage, but it’s not a guarantee of a long and happy life.
Apart from things that are out of our control as cat owners, like disease or accidents, there is a lot that we can do that goes a long way to extending your cat’s life.
We’ll explore a couple of factors to consider. Some of these will apply to all cats, but a few are particularly important for Siamese cats.
Here is what you can do to keep your Siamese cat healthy and ensure a long and good life.
Manage your cat’s diet and nutrition
A healthy diet for your Siamese cat is essential, and although this might seem like an open door, a wrong diet is one of the most common causes of cat health problems.
Obesity in cats is a huge issue, and studies show that a whopping 59% of all cats are overweight, which is even higher than the human population in the U.S., of which “only” 39% are obese.
Weight problems in cats are a gateway to other, more severe health issues like diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure, and heart failure. All of these are dangerous and could shorten your cat’s lifespan.
Your vet can advise you on the best diet, specifically for your Siamese cat, but there are a few simple ground rules that always apply.,
- High-protein food is vital for all cats. They are carnivores and need meat to survive.
- Feed a diverse diet to avoid a shortage of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
- Feed both wet and dry food since both have benefits.
- Your cat’s dietary needs change over time; make sure you alter your cat’s diet as he grows older.
- Feed at set times throughout the day. Do not free-feed cats, and give (healthy) treats in moderation.
- Whenever possible, feed your cat quality food from a good brand.
Avoid Stress
Cats are susceptible to stress, and one might say that especially Siamese cats can stress out over anything.
Like humans, cats can deal with stress for short periods, but prolonged stress is very unhealthy for cats and can literally kill them.
Examples of stressors for cats are:
- Kids; make sure a cat has a place to go or hide to avoid active kids
- Other pets: Avoid introducing new pets to your family as your cat ages. If you do, make take it slowly.
- Loud noise; cats generally hate loud noises, especially for prolonged periods.
- Relocation; cats are very territorial and don’t like to move around much. If you have to move house, prepare your cat and give him time to adjust to a new environment.
Cats need ample exercise
We all know that cats are natural hunters. They love being active, climbing trees, and running around. It keeps their bones strong and muscles healthy.
If you have an outdoor cat, you probably don’t have to worry, and your cat will get sufficient exercise. However, if your cat stays indoors, ensure there is an opportunity for your cat to work out.
Cat exercise toys like a treadmill, climbing gear, or toys to keep them busy are a must-have. This does not apply to kittens only. Especially adults and senior cats need the exercise, even though they might be a bit harder to motivate.
Setting aside time daily to play with your cat is a good idea. Siamese cats love playing with you and will be very grateful for the extra attention.
Insufficient exercise leads to obesity, a slow metabolic rate, and issues with joints and muscles. These can shorten your Siamese cat’s lifespan.
Don’t let your cat get lonely
Especially Siamese cats are at risk of getting lonely and slipping into depression as a result. Siamese cats are easily bored and need more attention than other cats.
It’s great to keep them busy with toys, but they need daily human interaction. As a minimum, set aside 60 to 90 minutes per day to spend with your Siamese. This doesn’t necessarily need to be 90 minutes of intense interaction. It can also be cuddling, and some light play.
Siamese cats have a loving personality, and a lonely Siamese is heartbreaking to see. They need a lot of attention, and that’s something to consider before getting a Siamese cat as a pet.
Also, consider that cats often get more affectionate with age. Being neglected causes stress and will certainly shorten their lifespan.
Indoor cats live longer
To be perfectly honest, I’m a bit on the fence about this one. Going outside has several benefits to cats, like getting sufficient exercise, fresh air, and mental challenge from enacting the hunt.
On the other hand, being outside also poses several risks to cats, such as getting into fights with other cats, getting hit by a car, eating something that’s unhealthy, or getting lost.
You need to make a choice for your cat and several things to consider. Generally, we would say that if your cat can be outside safely, it’s worth considering.
Of all the things you can do to prolong your cat’s life, the choice between indoor and outdoor is probably the most ambiguous.
Have regular vet checkups
All cats benefit from regular health checkups, but purebreds can be more prone to health issues.
Make sure your Siamese gets the necessary vaccinations and keep them up-to-date. Schedule annual checkups for your furball. This helps to catch potential issues early and give preventive treatment.
Cats are very good at hiding health issues, and because of that, you might not always be aware of a lingering problem. Checking your cat’s health regularly will benefit their overall health (and your wallet) and make sure they live as long as possible.
Final words
As you can see, there is a lot that we, as cat owners, can do to make your cat’s life enjoyable and healthy. A healthy cat has the potential to grow old.
Although the above tips apply to most cats, Siamese and other purebreds are more prone to health challenges than regular mixed breeds.
As a responsible pet owner, you can enjoy your cat’s companionship for many years by taking care of a few basic needs.
As always, we aim to provide you with insights and tips. Feel free to consult your veterinarian and discuss what is best for your cat in your special circumstances.
Want to see how the average life expectancy of your cat measures up to other breeds? Have a look at our handy Cat Age Chart.
Related questions
What are common health problems for Siamese cats?
Siamese cats are prone to several common health issues. The most common one is progressive retinal atrophy, but urinary tract disease and gum diseases are common for Siamese cats.
Why do Siamese cats meow so much?
Siamese cats meow a lot because they crave human attention and interaction. They often resort to loud and frequent meowing if they feel lonely or need some stimulation. Their frequent meowing has earned Siamese cats the applicable nickname “meezers”.
