Do Siamese Cats See Well – Eyesight Concerns & More

Siamese cats are known as some of the most beautiful and attention-loving cat breeds, but they come with some challenges. Siamese cats have incredibly distinctive eyes, but they also have a reputation for sight problems. So, if you’re looking to own a Siamese cat, it’s important to know do Siamese cats see well? 

Yes, Siamese cats see well. A healthy Siamese cat probably has excellent eyesight, and the cat is less prone to eye problems than it used to be. However, Siamese cats can still have eye problems that impact their sight, and they might not see as well as other cat breeds in some cases.

It’s essential to take care of your Siamese cat’s eyes to help avoid health problems in the future. Here’s what you need to know about Siamese cats’ sight and their overall eye health. 

Do Siamese Cats Have Bad Eyesight

Siamese cats have a common reputation for bad eyesight, but thankfully the modern breed mostly has good eyes. Even cross-eyed individuals usually have eyesight within the normal range for cats. 

That’s great news for owners since it means that most Siamese cats don’t need special accommodation for their eyesight. They do just fine on their own.

However, like any cat, some Siamese cats have eye problems or develop problems as they get older. That’s one reason it’s imperative to make sure your cat’s diet is well balanced and has the nutrients they need to protect their eyesight. 

Are Siamese Cats Prone To Blindness

Siamese cats are a little more likely to develop blindness or sight issues than some other cats, but the risk is still relatively low. 

If you’re concerned that your cat might develop blindness or suspect that your Siamese cat is already blind, it’s a good idea to talk with a vet about your options to help support a blind cat. Siamese cats are surprisingly good at adapting to life with little or no eyesight, so you might not need to make as many accommodations as you think. 

Taking care of a Siamese cat with blindness might be a challenge, but it can also be advantageous. Don’t let the risk of blindness keep you from experiencing life with one of these incredible cats. 

Why Are Siamese Cross-Eyed

A lot of people think of cross-eye cats when they think of Siamese cats, but not all Siamese cats are cross-eyed! This trait does have a strong historical connection with the breed, though. 

At one point, almost all Siamese cats were cross-eyed. They’d been bred with their color and certain other traits in mind, and the cross-eyed gene was passed into the majority of the cats along with those other traits. Cross-eyed looks even became a breed trait for a while and were considered a sign of good breeding! 

However, while cross-eyed cats still usually have good eyesight, the cross-eyed gene was recognized as causing problems and contributing to eye problems in Siamese cats quite a while ago. As a result, the trait was de-emphasized and later discouraged in official breed conformation standards. Breeders worked hard to eliminate the cross-eyed gene from their cats and were largely successful. 

Today, a few individual Siamese still have crossed eyes, and a few others have slightly crossed eyes that are less noticeable. But, overall, the breed has forward-facing gazes these days. 

If you do have a cat that’s cross-eyed, make sure they get regular vet visits. Cross-eyed Siamese cats may be slightly more prone to eye problems than the rest of the breed. 

Can Siamese Cats See In The Dark

Siamese cats can see in the dark, but they might not be able to see with the same clarity as other cats.

The reasons for the Siamese cat’s low night sight aren’t entirely understood, but it may have something to do with their light blue eye color making it harder to filter light effectively, or it might have to do with other unique features of their eyes. 

We do know that the biggest effect for Siamese cats is that they might see a little blurring at the edges of things or a little less detail. Most Siamese cats still see well enough to navigate in the dark and may even like running and playing in the dark. 

However, Siamese cats may also meow more often in the dark since the echoes of their meow help them locate where they are in space and navigate with more confidence.

Why Do Siamese All Have Blue Eyes

Technically most Siamese cats will have blue eyes, but not quite every individual. A few rare Siamese cats have a little more pigment in their eyes, which leads to a greenish color, while others will have less pigment than usual, which can create white or silvery-looking eyes. 

Siamese cats will always have light eye colors; you won’t see a Siamese cat with brown eyes. 

That’s because the trait that gives Siamese cats their unique color pattern is a form of albinism that prevents the synthesis of pigment above a specific temperature. Since that temperature is lower than their average body temperature, Siamese cats are primarily white and have low pigment, except on the coolest areas of their bodies. 

Since Siamese cats’ eyes are above the average temperature for their albinism, they can’t produce much pigment in their irises, creating unique colors. 

Things To Consider

Even though Siamese cats are a little more prone to eye trouble than other breeds, it’s important to remember that all cats can develop eye problems. Some cats are prone to eye infections or scratching their eyes, and they always need professional medical care when that happens. 

If you’re ever worried about your cat’s eyesight, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet right away. You’ll be able to get treatment for anything that might be causing problems, and your vet will be able to make recommendations for your cat’s future care.