Siamese cats are among the most popular cat breeds in the United States. They are intelligent, vocal, affectionate, and have dog-like personalities. They are also strikingly beautiful with piercing blue, almond-shaped eyes. With these amazing characteristics, it’s no wonder they are one of the most sought-after cats.
If you’re on the lookout for a Siamese cat, you should familiarize yourself with common health problems that Siamese cats are genetically predisposed to. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into common health issues for you to keep in mind. We’ll start with non-serious issues and work our way down to more severe health problems.
The 7 Common Siamese Cat Health Problems:
1. Asthma
Asthma is when airways become inflamed. Some veterinarians refer to this condition as feline bronchitis. Siamese cats are more prone to developing asthma, as well as overweight kitties. The condition usually strikes between 2–8 years of age, and the signs are a dry cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. If your Siamese has a cough for a month or more, it’s wise to take your kitty in for examination.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your pet, seek veterinary advice for the best course of action.
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2. Nystagmus
Nystagmus, or convergent strabismus, is a condition where the eyes become crossed or flicker from side to side, and it’s common in Siamese cats. In some cat breeds, this condition is considered a birth defect. However, the Siamese is exempt from being classified as having a birth defect with the condition.
A Siamese cat pet owner may figure that their cat cannot see well with this condition, but surprisingly, they can see just fine. Their brains sort out the extra information, enabling the cat to see one unified image. The condition is not serious and causes no serious problems. No treatment is necessary for this condition.
3. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome
This congenital syndrome causes sensitivity to your Siamese cat’s skin, often on your cat’s back or in front of the tail. While not serious, your cat’s reaction to the syndrome poses compulsive disorders, like excessive licking or scratching of the area. Your cat may even bite you when you go to touch the sensitive area. A tale-tell sign is if your cat’s back ripples when touched, and the pupils may dilate.
Some veterinarians feel this syndrome is more of a compulsive disorder, and some feel it may even be a sign of a seizure disorder. Other potential causes need to be ruled out first to get an accurate diagnosis, such as spinal arthritis or skin conditions. If no other reasoning is present, the condition can be managed with medication, and your Siamese can go on to live a normal, happy life.
4. Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is an inherited predisposition in Siamese cats. Amyloids are a type of inert protein, and the term “amyloidosis” refers to a condition in which these proteins are deposited into various organs throughout the body that may disrupt the normal function of those organs, including the kidneys, liver, and intestines.
This condition could lead to organ failure and is hard to diagnose. The condition can only be treated to reduce inflammation, and there’s no method for prevention.
5. Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus is an enlargement of the esophagus. The esophagus is responsible for transferring food and water from the mouth to the stomach, and when the esophagus is enlarged, it can cause unpleasant symptoms for your Siamese cat, including vomiting, weight loss, bad breath, nasal discharge, a cough, hunger, or a lack of appetite. The condition is usually congenital for Siamese cats rather than acquired later in life.
The condition is usually idiopathic, which means the underlying cause is unknown. X-rays are normally used to diagnose megaesophagus, along with other tests, such as blood work and an esophagoscopy. Treatment usually involves treating the underlying cause, but with a congenital cause, the prognosis is poor due to frequent bouts of pneumonia.
6. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of degenerative cells that affect the eyes’ photoreceptor cells in the retina. It is inherited in Siamese cats and causes various levels of vision loss. Ultimately, the condition causes total blindness, and there is no cure.
PRA is caused by a recessive gene, and even if a kitty has normal parents, the kitty can still develop PRA because the parents could be carriers. The disease can start at 1½–2 years of age, but it can also occur in cats as young as 2–3 weeks old.
Night blindness is the first sign, with total blindness following within 2–4 years of onset. Responsible breeders will use a genetic test before breeding and affected cats should not be used to prevent the disease from developing in the offspring.
7. Cancer
Siamese cats are prone to certain multiple cancers, and early detection is key. Some Siamese cats may not develop cancer until later in life, but some develop cancer at a young age. Chemotherapy and surgical treatment can save your cat’s life, making early detection crucial to your cat’s survival.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma causes the body to produce abnormal white blood cells, which are found throughout the body. Lymphoma can be detected through a simple blood test, and treatment with chemotherapy is usually very successful with early detection.
- Mast Cell Tumors: There are two types of mast cell tumors: cutaneous and visceral. Cutaneous mast cell tumors are a form of skin tumor and are usually found on the neck, head, or limbs. Cutaneous mast cell tumors look like raised, hairless bumps. If you notice any kind of bump, lump, or abrasion, it’s critical to have your Siamese examined by your vet. The tumor can be removed, and if caught early, your Siamese cat can live a normal and healthy life. Visceral mast cell tumors affect the internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and intestines. The prognosis is not promising. After treatment, a cat with this cancer will live for about a year.
- Intestinal Cancer: Intestinal cancers can affect either the small or large intestine. Gastrointestinal lymphoma and intestinal adenocarcinoma are more common types of intestinal cancers. This is an aggressive form of cancer that will often metastasize to the lymph nodes. Blockages can occur in the intestine, causing vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Surgery and chemo are the forms of treatment, and long-term survival can occur in some cases.
Conclusion
Disease and sickness can occur in any cat breed, but now that you know the specific diseases common in Siamese cats, you can keep an eye out for any abnormalities, whether behavioral or visible.
If you notice your Siamese is lethargic, not eating, and especially has vomiting or diarrhea, it’s vital to take your feline in for an examination. Remember that early detection is key for the overall well-being of your Siamese.
Featured Image Credit by: Sergey Nivens, Shutterstock
The 7 Common Siamese Cat Health Problems:
