Growing up, we had a family cat.
Our delicate Siamese cat seemed to be etched in my memories from my early years right into my late teens, and when people ask me how old she was, I am always somewhat stumped.
Did she really live that long?
This got me thinking, just how long do Siamese cats live? What makes them live longer than some other more common cat breeds, and what is the usual cause of their demise?
I wanted to get a cat for my little boy, but knowing how long Siamese cats live, I had to think carefully about what would happen to the cat when my son was old enough to start participating in school sports and no longer had time for his cat.
Perhaps you have had the same curiosity about Siamese cats? Let me share what I learned.
How Long Do Siamese Cats Live?
The average cat can expect to reach an age of 13-17 years, while a Siamese cat can easily reach 20 years if they receive good health care to stave off illness and injury. Healthcare, whether they are neutered, or diet all play an important role in determining your cat’s age.
Thinking back to our family Siamese, I could see why she reached such an old age. I have photos of her going back to when I was a pre-teen and again photos of her when I was already finishing up with college.
She must’ve been about 22 years of age, and she really had a life!
Factors Determining a Siamese Cat’s Life Expectancy
Like humans, Siamese cats are also vulnerable to disease and injury, both of which can lead to early death.
However, if you look after your Siamese cat, they can still be hale and happily meowing away at you at three a.m. because their bowl of kibbles is still “only” half-full.
Factor One: Genetics
Let’s face it, if you have bad genes, you simply won’t stand the best chance in life.
A cat that has genetically inherited some defect or had a bad start in life will be less likely to reach a ripe age of their twenties.
One example of a genetic hereditary disease that your Siamese may inherit is polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which leads to kidney stones.
Many cats suffer painful deaths from kidney stones, so if your Siamese is prone to these, you may want to consider that PKD is the cause. This can cause your Siamese to lead a shorter life.
Studies have shown renal disorder to account for 12.01% of cat mortality cases.
Siamese cats, given their ability to age well, can possibly be susceptible to cancer. This is one of the various factors why Siamese cats die prematurely.
Factor Two: Early Nutrition
When your cat has been raised in poor health as a kitten, the chances are that it will not live long as an adult. This is because malnutrition can lead to other health issues such as poor joint health and poor teeth.
A cat that can’t move won’t be able to live long.
Factor Three: Injury
Outdoor cats don’t live long enough like their indoor peers. The main reason, apart from their exposure to the elements, is that they often get injured and die.
An indoor cat is more protected, and they will live longer as a result.
Chances are that an indoor cat also receives much more attention, and the owners are more likely to see when their cat needs medical attention.
Factor Four: Diet
While you can’t always control what or how your kitten ate before you became their cat parent, you are responsible for how they eat now.
Cats can be really picky eaters, and it is easy to fail to notice that they haven’t been eating well.
A cat that is on a balanced meal plan, which caters to all of its needs, will be less likely to develop arthritis or other aging-related health conditions.
Factor Five: Mental Stimulation
Cats also need an activity that works their bodies and their minds. While they may prefer to sleep all day long, a cat will remain mentally alert and attentive to their environment when they are correctly stimulated.
Get appropriate play toys to help trigger your cat’s thinking.
Cats that are interested in the world around them will be less likely to be run over by a vehicle, and they will also find joy in playful movements. This all works together to help your cat live actively.
The oldest living cat in the world, Scooter, still enjoys traveling and seeing new places despite his ripe age of 30 years.
Siamese cats crave attention, and they’ll be sure to keep you company every single time. If neglected, they can become depressed and their health may suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions about How Long Siamese Cats Live
What are the most deadly diseases that cats can have?
Since you want your cat to live to a ripe age, you should ensure they never contract any of these diseases: Feline rabies, feline distemper, kidney disease, and feline immunodeficiency disease.
What is the life expectancy of a Siamese with feline immunodeficiency virus?
Depending on their health and continued medical treatment, a cat can live months or years from diagnosis, but the average is five years.
How can I assist my Siamese cat to live longer?
When you are responsible and make sure your cat has had all of its vet vaccinations, you are ensuring they are protected and safe. Combined with good quality feed and swift medical treatment in case of an injury, your Siamese can reach a ripe old age too.
The Immortal Cat
Looking back at photos of our cat, I sometimes wonder if it was really the same cat for all of those years, and it was.
Cats are sometimes considered immortal, and while I know this isn’t true, you will realize just how long two decades can be to raise and care for a Siamese cat.
Should you decide to get a Siamese cat, be warned they may outlive you, and you should think about bequeathing them provisions in your last will.
At more than 20 years as a life expectancy, Siamese cats certainly seem to live forever.