Average Lifespan of a Siamese Cat – Complete Growth Guide

The Siamese is one of the oldest breeds of cats. The breed’s history has been long forgotten, but that doesn’t mean they make less of an impact. On average, they are one of the longest living cat breeds, so many people gravitate towards them because of that. Several people love their chatty personality and affectionate demeanor and that these cats can stick around for so long. So, what is the average lifespan of a Siamese cat?

On average, a Siamese can live between 15-20 years. Siamese cats have a longer life expectancy than most other cats. Unique variations of modern Siamese cats live shorter lives. Regular health checks, a proper diet, and consistent exercise can greatly affect how long your cat lives. 

Various factors go into keeping a cat healthy and giving your kitty a nice long life. In this article, we’ll dive into all of those areas and discuss ways you can help your Siamese cat live their longest, most enjoyable life. 

What goes into life expectancy?

We all want our furry friends to live long and healthy lives. Cats thankfully have a longer lifespan than other pets do, comparable to the length of a dog’s life. However, there are a few things that go into the life span of your pet. The more care you put in, the better. But what are the different factors to consider? Let’s explore. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor

The life expectancy of an indoor cat is going to be different than that of an outdoor cat. Outdoor kitties have more risks than their counterparts. Cars, other animals, catfights, and the weather are all things that can cause harm to an outdoor cat, thus reducing the life expectancy. Indoor cats do not have to worry about various threats. There are also matters of regular care that get neglected. For example, it may be harder for an outdoor cat to find water or food.

Indoor cats have all their base needs met plus the comforts of being inside. However, sometimes, indoor cats are overfed, which we will discuss in a moment. Indoor cats are also observed more frequently than their outdoor friends. Owners can catch illnesses or concerns more quickly than with an outdoor cat. 

Diet and Exercise

Cats like to eat! And they will let you know when they are ready for treats or a refill in their food bowl. However, feline obesity is the most common nutritional issue in domestic cats. When a cat is obese, it can cause several things, including a decrease in life span. Obesity in cats can cause a lack of grooming (leading to various skin problems) and arthritis in the cat. The combination of decreased lifespan and increase health risks can pose serious concerns for your cat. Make sure you see your vet for the right treatment.

Playtime 

Playtimes are essential for your kitty for two reasons, 1) fight obesity, and 2) it makes them happy. Having regular playtimes with your kitty is vital to their overall health. Be sure to schedule playtime and exercise. 

Stressors

Cats get stressed out, just like humans do. Cats and humans are similarly equipped to handle stress. Both can handle short bursts of stress but have a hard time with several stressors or long-term stress. Too much stress can decrease the life span of a cat. Some things that can stress a cat include sharing resources with a cat they don’t like when their human touches them too much or moving into a new environment. 

Breed 

This point will be discussed further in a moment. But, breed does have a vital role to play in how long a cat can live. Purebreds are more likely to have a shorter lifespan, but there are exceptions. 

1. Disease or other

Certain diseases are irreversible and inevitable. I had a beautiful Bengel cat who suffered kidney failure and only lived until she was about six years old. Some cats may have health concerns that aren’t fatal but can decrease their life span. 

The Siamese Lifespan

The breed of the cat has a factor in how long the cat will live. A general rule of thumb is that purebreds live fewer years than mixed breeds. However, that is not always the case! There are special exceptions to this rule, and the Siamese are one them. Siamese cats have a quite long lifespan compared to other cats. On average, a Siamese will live anywhere between 15 and 20 years. This gives them a unique trait that often isn’t seen in other purebred cats. 

It is not uncommon for cats to live longer if given the proper care and regular checkups. Several cats live a few years longer than the average. The oldest cat alive is named Rubble, who lives in the UK, he is 32 years old and is also a purebred, but a Maine Coon. 

Other purebreds do not live as long as the Siamese. For example, a Singapura averages only 9 to 15 years. A Manx cat’s average starts at only eight years old. Siamese cats even beat most mixed breed cats, which are commonly known for living longer. Mixed breeds have an average lifespan of 15 years. 

The long life span of a Siamese makes this breed of cat seem sturdy. 

So, do Siamese cats live longer than other cats? Siamese cats live just as long as other cat breeds. With that being said, some Siamese cats can live beyond the average cat lifespan which happens to be between 2 – 16 years old. Obviously, indoor cats will live longer because they are less likely to deal with injuries. 

Siamese Cat Health Concerns

The Siamese is a purebred cat. Like other pedigree cats, they are more likely to have various health concerns than mixed breed cats. This is because purebred cats are generally a product of very selective breeding or inbreeding. However, Siamese cats are still considered relatively healthy and sturdy for a purebred. 

That being said, there are still some risks that Siamese cats can present. 

● Cross-eyed- this is a trait that several people think of when they think of a Siamese cat. 

● Kinked tail

● Dental concerns- this trait can be dangerous because it prevents the cat from eating food or cleaning themselves. 

● Bladder stones

● Eye problems- this is a broad category because Siamese cats can develop several types of eye problems such as glaucoma and retinal atrophy. 

● Heart Disease- although not common, Siamese cats can develop heart disease. 

● Certain types of cancers

How Long Do Cats Live As Pets In Human Years

It’s always fun to think about how old our cat would be as a human. It also puts into perspective the actual age of a cat. We hear the number 5 and thing young and cute, but at that point, the cat is already in it’s the 30s! 

Of course, there is no exact way to calculate a cat’s age versus a human’s age. But there are several tools and estimates that we can use to help get us there. The first two years of a cat’s life is equal to 25 human years, but then every year after that is only equal to 4 years. For example, a 3-year-old cat would be 29 years old in human years if you don’t want to do the math try out this calculator to help. 

If you don’t know how old your cat is, there are a few ways you get an estimate:

● Teeth- this is probably the most accurate. A cat develops teeth at 2-4 weeks, their permanent teeth develop at four months, yellow stains appear at a one year, and very yellow teeth are a sign that the cat is 3-4 years old. 

● Eyes- smoother eyes indicate a younger cat. 

● Muscle- a loss of muscle mass can indicate an older cat. 

● Coat- Just like humans, cats get grey hairs too. Also, older cats are more likely to have coarser fur than younger cats do. 

Conclusion

The lifespan of a cat is going to depend on several things such as diet, disease, and breed. Most purebred cats have a shorter lifespan due to inbreeding. However, the Siamese is one of the few purebreds that have a longer life, despite their origins. They even have a longer lifespan than most mixed breeds do. With proper care, Siamese cats can live a long and happy life.