Cat health

Siamese health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Siamese, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 16 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe vet-reviewed breed guide points to 5 health issues to plan for: pica, asthma, amyloidosis, progressive retinal atrophy and dental disease.

Health problems linked to the Siamese

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Pica (eating non-food items)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Chewing or eating things like wool or plastic. It can cause a blockage that needs surgery. [2]Cat vomiting and diarrhea treatment (owner bills): $225–$975 [3]
AsthmaNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The airways narrow and swell, causing coughing or wheezing. Most cats are managed with inhaled or oral medicine. [4]X-rays (average reported): avg $493 (range $56–$1,000) [5]
AmyloidosisNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]An abnormal protein builds up in organs, most often the kidneys or liver, and slowly damages them. [6]Kidney disease care, per year: $400–$1,200 [7]
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [8]Cat vet visit (owner bills): $190–$525 [9]
Dental diseaseNamed by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Plaque and tartar build up below the gumline and lead to infection and tooth loss. Small breeds and some cats are especially prone. [10]Cat dental cleaning (owner bills): $350–$1,450 [11]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

PetMD's vet-reviewed guide to the Siamese lists these conditions to know about: Pica, Asthma, Amyloidosis, Hereditary retinal degeneration, Dental disease. [1]

Health screening

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 4 DNA health tests for the Siamese, including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA rdAc) (Abyssinian); Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI); Korat GM1 Gangliosidosis; Dilute. [12] One health test costs $47 there. [13]

What to budget

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published, but a routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525. [9]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Siamese at US-average prices, before insurance, is $800–$1,300. Multiply that by a life expectancy of about 15 years on average, and some live into their 20s and you get roughly $12,000–$26,500 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [9][14] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $435 a year for a cat in the US in 2025. [15] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [16]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Siamese?

Based on PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide, the conditions to know about are pica, asthma, amyloidosis, progressive retinal atrophy and dental disease. That doesn't mean every Siamese will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Siamese?

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published. A routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525 (VetReceipt owner bills).

Should I get pet insurance for a Siamese?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $435 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

How long does a Siamese live?

PetMD gives a life expectancy of About 15 years on average, and some live into their 20s.

Siamese breed guideAsthma in catsProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogsPrednisone & PrednisoloneVomiting, diarrhea and blockage costDiagnostics cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (16) — tap to show
  1. PetMD – Siamese cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
  2. VCA – Pica in cats
  3. VetReceipt – Cat Vomiting & Diarrhea Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VCA – Asthma and bronchitis in cats
  5. VetTally – Veterinary cost statistics, 932 reports (Oct 2026)
  6. VCA – Amyloidosis in cats
  7. PetCostVS – Pet cost by life stage (2026)
  8. OFA – Eye certification
  9. VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  10. VCA – Dental disease in cats
  11. VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  12. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Siamese DNA tests
  13. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cat DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  14. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  15. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  16. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost