Siamese
Siamese: vocal, affectionate, active; can be insistent. Long, slender body with color at the points (seal, chocolate, blue, lilac).
Updated October 15, 2026 · 7 sources · see sources
| Lifespan | About 15+ years on average, and some live into their 20s [1] |
|---|---|
| Coat | Shorthair [2] |
| Look | Long, slender body with color at the points (seal, chocolate, blue, lilac) [2] |
| Personality | Vocal, affectionate, active; can be insistent [2] |
Activity and exercise
CFA says they're experts at making their wishes known through body language and many vocalizations. [2]
Grooming
CFA says no special equipment is needed: wet your hands and stroke the coat to remove dead hair, or use a rubber brush. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Pica, Asthma, Amyloidosis, Hereditary retinal degeneration, Dental disease. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [5] |
| Cat dental cleaning (owner bills) | $350–$1,450 | [6] |
| Cat kidney disease (CKD) care | $600–$3,500 total | [7] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- Siamese were first documented in a historic Thai collection of cat poems from the Ayutthaya period (1350–1767). [2]
- The first Siamese in the US was “Siam,” given to President Rutherford B. Hayes by the American Consul in Bangkok in 1878. [2]
- They were among the first breeds recognized by CFA at its founding in 1906. [2]
- Seal point was the only color at first. Blue point was recognized in 1934, chocolate in 1952 and lilac in 1955. [2]
Good fit for
- ✅ People home a lot who want a talkative, devoted companion (CFA)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who wants a quiet, independent cat
Common questions
How long do Siamese cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of about 15 years on average, and some live into their 20s.
More cat breeds
Sources
- PetMD – Siamese cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- CFA – Siamese breed profile
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Kidney Disease (CKD) Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)