Siamese cats are among the cat breeds that are generally considered as hypoallergenic breeds. Being hypoallergenic means that these cats are less likely to motivate allergic reactions or cause them at all. Siamese cats will still produce allergens and there is no complete guarantee that they won’t cause allergies; they just seem to less likely cause them.
So, let’s start with the main question are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? And know how to deal with a cat allergy, also what the precautions you should consider before adopting one.
What causes cat allergies in the first place?
Allergies, in general, happen due to having a hypersensitive immune system that can be easily triggered towards certain things and send data to the mind as if there is a deadly danger. Pets produce certain kinds of allergens that can be found in their dander, skin, urine, and saliva. If a person having any kind of pet allergies directly contacts any of the mentioned items, they can face an allergic reaction. As a matter of fact, these reactions are not dangerous in general, however, if someone faces a severe reaction they need to be taken right away to the doctor.
In conflict with the popular belief, people can not face allergic reactions just because of their cat’s hair. In fact, they are allergic to the saliva, urine, and dander that sheds all over the house. Cats produce a unique protein called the Fel D1 protein when they groom themselves they transfer the protein to their fur. Then the dried saliva triggers the allergic reaction when you touch the fur. Besides, this dried saliva can be carried in the air and when people breathe it in, they get allergic reactions. People with a severe sensitivity may experience swollen eyes, itchy eyes, massive hives or a closed airway.
On the other hand, cats like Siamese cats produce fewer amounts of the protein than the other breeds. Not to mention Siamese cats have certain genetic features that affect both their health and appearance. These genetic differences play a role in changing how people with allergies would react to them, that’s why they are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Are Siamese Cats good or bad for people with Allergies?
Siamese cats release fewer amounts of the Fel D1 protein that triggers allergic reactions. As we mentioned earlier, there is no guarantee that they are totally hypoallergenic. However, people with severe allergies should also be careful while dealing with Siamese cats.
Do Siamese Cats shed?
Luckily, no, not as much as other cat breeds do; they have short and smooth fur that does not shed frequently. However, a good combing, smooth brushing to their fur is highly recommended in order to keep their fur silky and beautiful the way it is.
What Are the Symptoms of Cat Allergies?
There are the most common symptoms caused by cat allergies:
Sneezing, coughing and wheezing
Itchy or swollen eyes
Massive rashes on the chest and or the face
Some cases may also have runny or itchy noses
If the cat scratched or bitten some of their body’s part, that part would become red and itchy
How to deal with a cat allergy? What are the precautions you should consider?
As a matter of fact, people who suffer from cat allergies can, unfortunately, face serious reactions. These severe reactions can vary from severe rashes to difficulties in breathing that may lead to the emergency room. If you or someone you know has this kind of cat allergies make sure to check with your doctors. On top of that, having the appropriate medications are must-do things they should keep on the list!
The sensitivity and severity of the allergic reactions can vary, therefore you need to keep an epinephrine shot handy, after consulting your doctor first. Besides, you may also take allergy pills and/or inhalers according to your case especially if you are dealing with a cat frequently.
Living with your lovely cat does not seem like an impossible thing to do if you follow the following procedures:
Wash clothes on a daily base
Vacuum daily
Prevent cats from entering certain places in the house such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
Caring for your Siamese Cat
There is a possibility that you may keep your Siamese cat’s allergens even at lower levels by grooming your cat in a proper way. This may not be an easy task as it seems because many cats do not like baths at all. So you may start with training your Siamese cat from a young age to get used to the water without fears or stress. The sooner you start, the better you handle the situation and keep your kitty clean and healthy.
Limiting your cat’s movement around the house is highly recommended. By saying limiting, we mean set certain places where your cat can sit, sleep or walk to better handle the potential allergies. Not to mention, make sure you wash your cat’s toys, blankets, covers in hot water. Besides, clean their bed and make sure to clean their litter box every day. You may also consider covering all of your furniture with washable covers to reduce the spread of allergens.
Siamese cats can be considered hypoallergenic, even though not entirely, in comparison to other cat breeds. Due to the low production of the Fel D1 protein, which is responsible for producing the allergen, that makes them a good choice for cat lovers who may face allergic reactions. In addition, Siamese cats do not shed much, compared to cats of other breeds, which reduce the effect of dander spreading.
Siamese cats make the perfect pet for all cat lovers as they are very affectionate and loving creatures. Therefore, make sure to provide them with a human company. If you are very busy and can’t get along with them all the time, consider getting two Siamese cats in spite of only one. They will make the perfect playmate, and they will not get bored or get sad while you are not home.
Cats! The exact definition of rebellion, arrogant, aloof and lazy. Or that’s at least what some people think. But do you think its right? If yes, why they are living with us in the first place? They will be better at taking their independence once and for all. But no! Cats, when they appreciate a person they stick to him for life. They care mostly about the personality and the attention given. Many people think that only by giving food to cats they will approach you. Sorry about that, but that’s not the case. The first thing that a cat can sense is feelings, and once she believes that she’s not welcomed even if there is food, she will run away.
But no one can deny that cats are a great source of affection. They might show it in their own way though! Expressing affection is different not only for cats but also for us, humans. Some give it through expressions; some via touches like cuddles or hugs, and others show it through actions. Some people even show it in the opposite way, like picking up on someone or arguing with him. And that’s exactly the same thing for cats. They differ from a breed to another; some breeds can even be extra affectionate too. And one of these breeds is the Siamese cats.
These cats are very affectionate, they tend to be fluffy, loving, trustful and enjoy Humans Company. And do you actually realize how much they can be depressed and sad if they are left alone?
Let’s have a look at how they show their affection and what you should know about their separation anxiety.
Why are Siamese cats so affectionate?
One thing is for sure. It’s not a sudden, it’s a fact. Affection is a big personality trait of the Siamese cats. They need human companionship and attention, and they will make sure they get it. Completely just like dogs, they can grow depressed or even self-destructive if left alone for extended periods of time.
Some people ask if Siamese cats can be stubborn and jealous. Well, yes. And easily offended too! It’s not uncommon for a Siamese cat to ignore a family member for a few days, because they didn’t give it the attention he wanted, when wanted. Siamese cats need just as much love as they put out. Compared to other breeds, they aren’t very independent. Therefore, Siamese cats need owners who will be there to show them all the love that they want.
However, there may be some factors that can affect how affectionate a cat may be, such as their environment, socialization, and whether they are spayed. In this state, a whole combination plays together to bring up an affectionate cat, not only the breed.
How do Siamese cats show their affection?
As said earlier Siamese cats are a real source of affection, just like dogs. Yet, they can be very sophisticated when it comes to expressing their love. Sometimes it can be even overlooked. Because unlike dogs that shower you with sloppy kisses and wagging tails. Cats, on the other hand, show their love to their human companions in a very restrained manner.
In order to show you that they love you. Siamese will try to play, cuddle, sit on your lap or even speak to you as a way to say that they miss you, probably. Here are some signs of cat affection that every Siamese cat parent should know.
1. SLOW BLINKING
There is a quote that says: “Eyes speak the unsaid words. Eyes express feelings. Eyes convey emotions”. So like humans, cats show affection with their eyes. They can’t help it, because eyes can’t lie.
So if you catch your Siamese cat looking at you with half-closed eyes and blinking slowly, then that’s it; love. Yes, blinking is a sure-fire sign that your feline friend trusts you and enjoys being with you.
2. KISSING:
Well, yes cats do give kisses, but not the normal ones that you know. Absolutely not! Cat kisses are these slow blinks that a cat does when she loves you. So basically, if your cat is staring at you and slowly blinking, that means they kissed you! Meow. And you can even slowly blink back at your cat to offer your own love, showing your cat that they are loved and safe around you. Who knows, your cat may even respond with more kisses.
3. BITING GENTLY
While you may think that your cat biting you means they don’t like you, it’s often a sign of the opposite. When a cat truly cares for someone, they might show this through gentle “love bites”. Because in love, kisses are not always enough. You will need way more than that. And that’s trough biting. They normally do this with your hand when you’re petting them, as an indication that they don’t want you to take your hand away.
4. CHEEK RUBBING
Siamese cats can express their affection by rubbing their cheeks. They are trying so much to steal your attention by squeezing their cheeks to look cute. Apart from being a sign of affection, cheek rubs also signify an invitation for socializing. It’s like their way of saying “Hey, I like you so much. Can we cuddle?”
Cats, in general, have numerous scent glands on their cheeks that produce pheromones. Rubbing their cheeks and mingling their scent with their human companions, is their way of marking their “ownership”.
5. TAIL WEAVING
If you’ve ever found yourself wrapped up in the tail of your feline friend, don’t take that moment to be annoyed. Instead, be appreciative. They’re showing you love! This is the cat equivalent to humans holding hands. If your cat feels comfortable enough to wrap their tail around you, it’s a sign of “true friendship, love, and trust.”
Siamese cats just like dogs convey their emotions through their tails. When combined with body language and other mannerisms, they can communicate a range of emotions from fear and rage to affection and exhilaration.
6. LICKING
Cats groom other cats close to them by licking their fur, and humans are not exempt from this sign of affection. Cats hold a lot of power in their tongues; their lick can indicate a multitude of things. Cats may lick their owners to let them know they want their attention, perhaps to play or be pet. But they could also be trying to clean you, which is a behavior they do to bond. On top of all that, licking is often a sign that a cat is calm around you, meaning they love you.
Apart from making them feel relaxed, grooming enables them to share their scent with their closest buddies. So, if you notice your Siamese cat licking your skin or even nibbling on your clothing, don’t shoot them away. It’s your cat’s way of saying “I like you”.
7. PURRING
Some people are not touched by acts but more by expressions. Don’t worry your cat will tell you this. Cats also express their affection vocally. Siamese cats, in particular, are very vocal cats. They purr, they trill, they chirp. They will try to make these sweet sounds to communicate affection and trust. And these sounds of affection are unique from a cat to another.
Of course, all cats purr, and it can mean a lot of things, but when accompanied by affectionate body language, then it’s a surefire sign that your cat is fond of you.
8. PAWING
To mark their scent on you, cats do rub their cheeks on you. The main reason behind this is that they have scent glands in their cheeks, and they are trying to emit their pheromones on you. Another place cats have these scent glands is? Their paws… When they caress you with their paws, that’s another chance for them to get their scent on you.
Cats also can knead you to show you that they need you. The act of kneading is where cats push forward with their front paws, alternating between left and right. It’s an act they start doing as kittens when nursing, so it’s a motion that reminds them of a “time when they felt content.”
9. FOLLOWING
Like said before, owning a Siamese cat is like owning a dog. Siamese cats show their affection by following their human companions everywhere they go. And this goes even for the bathroom! A cat that trusts you and enjoys your company will cling to you like glue.
However, it’s also your Siamese cat’s subtle way of telling you that he or she is more important than anything else that you’re doing. And maybe an act of missing you too!
Which Siamese cat gender is more affectionate?
Till here the reason behind this sudden affection is nothing but being etched in the character. However, the majority of Siamese owners say that there is a difference between the male and the female. The male Siamese cat tends to be more affectionate than their female counterparts. They are cuddlier and more into physical interactions than females.
Simply because, females tend to have more character; but still they do show affection as much as the males, in their own ways at least. It may just be more challenging to win over their affection in the beginning!
On the other hand, there are owners of both male and female Siamese cats that say their female felines are more affectionate. So ultimately, it still boils down to the cat’s individual personality and how he was brought up.
How to communicate with your Siamese Cat?
Since cats can’t talk, we can’t really know what they want to tell us. Still, it doesn’t mean that they don’t communicate with us. Those beautiful creatures are really intelligent; they use an eloquent body language to communicate their needs.
The elements mentioned above, are really useful to know the affection that your cat is trying to show you. Besides love, you might really want to know what’s inside your cat’s head, right? Then let’s start.
First the tail; you can tell a lot about how cats are feeling by looking at their tail. If your cat is swishing or wiggling her tail, it means that she is trying to be playful; slashing or whipping it, be careful she’s on guard, she’s angry and ready to attack! As for slow swishing or twitching the tail, it’s nothing else but watching something really exciting for your cat, and once it’s twitched up that means she’s curious. While if the tail is straight up, held up high your cat is waving “hi” to you. However, if the tail is tucked down between the legs, it means that your cat is feeling scared and powerless. Or if it’s puffed up and bristly, look out! Your cat is telling you, I’m extremely upset and alarmed!
Secondly the ears; if your cat is moving her ears it’s one of the two possibilities. Whether the ears are bothering her, so it should be treated properly, or she’s miffed about something. If the earns are turned sideways or back, it means your cat is angry. And once it’s pressed flat against the head, it means that your cat is scared, and he needs you. But if the ears are turned forward, that’s a sign that your cat is interested, happy or playful.
Well, and there are more ways that your cats use to communicate with you, as the vocalization. Soft meows indicate a hello, medium ones indicate a hello and some level of demand, and a big meow means business, buster.
Also, the eyes and the body too, so in general you should admire the whole creature to know what’s going on. Still, the behavior of your cat doesn’t depend on its instinct, but on the way she was raised and its personality.
Having a Siamese cat at home it’s like having a baby. It needs the exact amount of care, attention, and affection. While growing at home you need to analyze the behaviors of your cat and try to understand every signal to be able to communicate with her. This way your cat will grow found of you and will always be close to your heart, and of course close to each other.
Yet, it’s really important to give her love back and pay attention to her; because Siamese cats can be easily affected. They can go through depression or anxiety due to your careless attitude or by letting them alone for a long time. So, give love to receive it back!
As the name suggests, the Siamese cat breed is originated from Thailand (previously known as Siam). The Thai meaning of the Siamese word is the moon diamond. Siamese cats can live between 12 and 15 years in general, some cats can make it to the age of 20 years old. But overall, the 15 years is the general maximum average age. People prefer Siamese cats because they are sociable, ongoing, playful and affectionate. Training a Siamese cat is super easy due to their intelligent nature and ability to learn quickly.
Siamese Cat Size and Appearance
Siamese cats are generally medium-sized; Siamese male cats weigh around 8 to 12 pounds (5.44 kg) while females weigh up to 8 pounds (3.63 kg). In general, they are known for their gorgeous blue eyes, kinked tails that usually wrap around tables or between their human legs. In addition, they have long straight noses with long bodies.
Generally speaking, there are two main types of Siamese cats that you can easily recognize. The first one is the traditional Siamese that has a wedge-shaped triangular head with a long body. The second one has a rounded head with a stockier body and long hair.
Longevity and Health
Unfortunately, the Siamese cat has a higher rate of death compared to several cat breeds. There are some health factors that can affect the lifespan of Siamese cat such as difficulties in breathing, glaucoma, calcium oxalate bladder stones, chronic renal failure and crossed eyes. As a result of these health issues, the cat’s lifespan can negatively be affected.
As a caring pet parent, all you can think about is making sure that your Siamese cat stays in good health for as long as possible. Keeping your cat healthy requires routine veterinary checkups, a well-balanced nutritionally diet, much love and attention, and a lot of physical exercising to keep them fit and active.
What prolongs a Siamese cat’s life expectancy?
In general, every breed has at least a weak spot, accordingly purebred cats are more exposed to genetic health problems. In order to make sure that your Siamese cat is safe and potentially will live longer, get them tested for common genetic problems. Therefore, you will not worry about any serious health conditions that show up at all.
In other words, you have to make sure you take your Siamese cat to the vet for regular checkups and also make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Regular vet checkups will help the vet detect any possible health problems at early stages, as a result, your cat will be given a chance to get a full recovery.
Giving your Siamese cat all the up-to-date vaccinations will protect them from feline transmitted diseases and/or cancers that usually linked with leukemia virus.
How to encourage longevity in Siamese Cats?
In fact, there is no certain way to tell how long will your Siamese cat live. But as a caring Siamese parent, you should consider the following things to make sure your cat maintains good health and stays happy for a long time.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can help your Siamese cat maintain a healthy, long and happy life. The best way to ensure this is to keep your cat active, encourage them to jump and climb as well as playing with them. Keeping your Siamese cat indoors will prevent them from getting into fights with other cats over territory.
Keeping your Siamese cat indoors will do wonders for her life expectancy. Despite common beliefs, cats aren’t any less happy living inside and your kitty won’t mind it one bit!
The indoor living will prevent your kitty from getting into fights with other cats for females or territory and diminish the chances of her being hit by a car.
A Well-balanced Nutritious Diet
A nutritious diet extends the longevity of your Siamese cat as well as keeping them healthy. Consider a diet that is high in protein and low in carbs with moderate fat levels to keep them fit.
What shortens a Siamese cat lifespan?
Speaking about the life expectancy, the Siamese cat breed is one of the longest-lived breeds. However, they can be affected by several health problems and diseases such as:
Amyloidosis
This disease occurs when the protein amyloid is collected in several organs and lead to damage replacing the normal cells. The amyloid deposits inside the liver and disturb its normal function for some Siamese cats. As time goes by, the liver becomes unable to function leading to liver failure.
Asthma
Siamese cats can suffer from Asthma in the same way that people suffer. This medical condition is recognized by the inflammation of airways inside a Siamese cat’s lungs. When a cat suffers from an asthmatic attack, usually their airways make it almost impossible for the cat to take a breath normally. The symptoms of asthma may include wheezing, coughing, and difficulties breathing. You have to keep in mind that asthma is a serious medical issue that can sometimes be a deadly one. Therefore, you have to get your Siamese cat checked regularly by the vet and take them immediately to the vet if you think they have an asthmatic attack.
Aortic Stenosis
This is a congenital condition where the blood flow from the heart to other areas in the body gets affected. The most known symptoms for this medical issue include fatigue, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you do not treat this disease, it could lead to heart failure.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is not considered a deadly disease, however, it can be extremely painful that it can negatively affect the quality of the Siamese cat’s life. It is the first phase of periodontal disease that you can avoid by maintaining regular dental hygiene.
Respiratory Problems
There are some common respiratory problems including upper respiratory infections and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) that can be found in young Siamese kittens and these problems can be treated quickly.
Eye Problems
Around a third of Siamese cats have a modified gene related to progressive retinal atrophy. Fortunately, your Siamese cat won’t show symptoms if they have only one gene while if two carriers have kittens, they will display symptoms. On the other hand, Siamese cat eye problems include feline glaucoma.
The Siamese is a sophisticated cat breed with an elegant look. The Siamese cat has its own personality, it has its own desires. Their coat is short and they have amazing blue eyes. The beauty of the Siamese cat comes from the smoothness of their body and the amazing contrast between their body color and their eye color.
The color of the fur on the ears, tail, and feet are different; it is not the same color that on the rest of their body. It gets gradually darker and blends perfectly with the lighter color of the rest of the body. Moreover, their face features a mask of the darker color covering the face, surrounding the eyes and the whisker pads as well.
Siamese Personality and Temperament
The Siamese cat is not only good-looking, but they are extremely intelligent. These cats can be trained, however, they can not be trained to do everything you wish for.
Siamese cats are very affectionate and need their human parents to be devoted to them, take care of them and cut off time to hang out with them. They make a perfect choice for a family with children, and they love the playtime so much. In order to satisfy your cat’s needs and desires, make sure you provide them with toys to keep them entertained and active.
Siamese cats are incredibly curious and demanding at the same time. They are more than their good looks; they have passion for their people and appreciate family time. They tend to involve themselves in what their humans are doing, they like to be part of what’s going on, and they usually seek entertainment. Even when their humans are not around, these cats can entertain themselves for hours.
The Personality of the Male and Female Siamese
The main difference between male and female Siamese cats is their gender. They are both loyal, easy-going and affectionate. However, there are certain differences between male and female Siamese cats behavior as the following:
Temperament
Female Siamese cats are more affectionate and caring due to the fact that they can give birth to kittens and becoming mothers. They tend to find security and protection for their new-born kittens. For that specific reason, their main focus is on their human parents and family more than their own selves because they feel like they are part of the big family.
On the other hand, male cats may show loyalty and affection towards their human parents. However, their main focus is on pleasing their human parents thus they may seem to be more loving than the female ones.
Heat Period Changes
One of the most obvious differences between Siamese male and female cats is their reaction while they are in heat. Male tends to become very aggressive; they scratch, fight, hiss and mark their territory unconditionally. On the other hand, female cats while in heat tend to become more vocal.
Territorial Behavior
The male Siamese, even when they are not in heat, tend to mark their territory and protect their home and its surroundings without any conditions. While female Siamese cats are less protective over their home and its surroundings.
However, not all Siamese females are easy going when it comes to protecting their territories. For instance, a female Siamese tends to mark its place and protect t from other animals or people as well.
The Bottom Line
Siamese cats behavior makes easy-going, playful pets with elegant looks. They are extremely affectionate and most loyal to their human owners. They make a good pet for you if you can understand, take care of them and satisfy their needs.
