Siamese Cat

With their short coats, Siamese cats need minimal brushing. But their teeth and ears require consistent care.

Here’s what Dr. Fitzpatrick recommends: 

• Brushing: Weekly brushing works for most Siamese cats, though you’ll want to increase frequency during spring and fall when they shed more. Use brushes designed for short-haired cats, like the Safari Bristle Cat Brush, because metal bristles can irritate their skin.
• Bathing: Unless something gets on their coat, you can likely skip the bath. These kitties have short fur, which makes it easy for them to clean themselves. 
• Nail trimming: Siamese cats generally need their nails trimmed every four to six weeks, but this varies. Some may need more (or less) frequent trimming. Back claws grow more slowly and can often be trimmed every other session.
• Ear cleaning: Siamese cats’ large ears are prone to waxy buildup. Clean them every other week with an over-the-counter ear cleaner like Epi-Otic. Use gauze squares or cotton rounds—never cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal.
• Dental care: Their narrow faces predispose Siamese cats to dental disease, so tooth brushing is essential. Daily is best, but even weekly brushing helps. Try enzymatic toothpastes like C.E.T. using a toddler toothbrush or gauze squares.

There isn’t one particular food that’s best for Siamese cats. What kind of food and how much you feed these kitties depends on their age, weight, activity level, and health conditions. Your vet can recommend the best cat food for your Siamese.

That said, moisture is vital for all cats because it supports digestion and helps prevent kidney disease and urinary tract problems. Dr. Beaver recommends feeding Siamese cats wet food two to three times daily. 

Since these kitties are susceptible to dental disease, Dr. Fitzpatrick suggests supplementing with dental dry food like Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care, which you can use as either a meal or treats. 

Food bowl placement is also a consideration. Dr. Beaver says Siamese cats lack depth perception due to a genetic trait that affects their optic nerve. This means jumping on high surfaces may be more difficult for them than for other cats. Keep food bowls in easily accessible locations that don’t require challenging jumps; the floor is best.

Another potential mealtime concern for Siamese cats? Portion size. Dr. Fitzpatrick doesn’t recommend free-feeding; given their slender frames, it can easily lead to weight gain.

Serve your Siamese small portions more frequently to prevent overeating and support their natural grazing behavior. 

Siamese cats are athletic and energetic, which means they need daily movement and playtime both with pet parents and independently. 

Dr. Fitzpatrick recommends playing with your Siamese cat for at least 30 minutes per day. These smart kitties like to play fetch and catch with small toys, such as mice and soft balls, and they can even be taught to walk on a leash. 

Clicker training is a fun way to teach Siamese cats tricks, and you can also set up obstacle courses using cardboard boxes and tunnels. Bonus: All of these activities encourage your kitty to get off the couch and get moving. 

For solo play, Dr. Fitzpatrick recommends toys that “mimic their natural behaviors like scratching, stalking, and hunting.” Favorites include automatic toys that imitate bird movements, motorized mice that scurry across the floor, and crinkle balls they can bat around.

For food-driven Siamese, food puzzles provide mental stimulation while encouraging physical activity. Just remember to factor cat treats into their daily caloric intake to prevent weight gain, Dr. Beaver says.

Because Siamese cats are so attached to their people, they can be prone to separation anxiety. They do best in homes where their pet parents are home fairly often and can lavish them with attention. 

Another pet can be a great playmate, but it depends on your Siamese cat’s personality: Some prefer to be an only child, while others welcome companionship. 

While these cats love to socialize, Dr. Fitzpatrick says they still need quiet spaces to unwind, especially in busy homes with kids and other pets. In calm environments, she recommends adding extra enrichment to keep these active kitties engaged and happy. 

With the right setup, a Siamese cat gets to do what they do best: explore, play, climb, and curl up next to their favorite person every day. 

Here’s what Drs. Beaver and Fitzpatrick recommend:  

• Cat trees or shelves near windows so they can watch birds and outdoor activity
• Vertical and horizontal scratching options in different materials: sisal, cardboard, carpet, and wood
• Food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys 
• Automatic toys for when pet parents aren’t around
• A cozy, quiet hideaway, like a covered bed or designated room to themself
• Ramps, steps, or staggered platforms to make climbing easier and safer