The 7 Common Health Issues in Siamese Cats
Asthma
Inflammation in the airways causes asthma. Some veterinary professionals call this illness feline bronchitis. Both Siamese cats and overweight cats are more likely to acquire asthma. The ailment typically affects children between the ages of 2 and 8 and is characterized by a dry cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Take your Siamese cat in for a checkup if the cough lasts for a month or longer.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus, also known as convergent strabismus, is a common disorder in Siamese cats that causes the eyes to cross or flicker. This issue is viewed as a congenital defect in several cat breeds. The Siamese, on the other hand, is not considered to have a birth abnormality with the disease.
It may surprise a Siamese cat owner to learn that their cat can see quite fine despite having this problem. Their brains filter out the additional data, allowing the cat to view a single, cohesive image. The ailment is not significant and does not lead to any major issues. For this ailment, there is no need for treatment.
Cat Hyperesthesia Syndrome
Skin on your Siamese cat may become sensitive due to this congenital syndrome, most frequently on the back or in front of the tail. Although not harmful, your cat may exhibit obsessive behaviours as a result of the syndrome, such as excessive licking or scratching of the affected area. When you go to touch the delicate spot, your cat can potentially bite you. If your cat’s back quivers or if its pupils widen when handled, that’s a telltale indicator.
Some veterinary professionals believe this illness is more of a compulsive disorder than anything else, and some believe it could even be a sign of a seizure disorder. To provide an accurate diagnosis, other possible reasons including spinal arthritis or skin problems must first be checked out. If no other cause is apparent, the illness can be treated with medicine, and your Siamese will be able to lead a typical, content life.
Amyloidosis
Siamese cats have an inherent propensity for amyloidosis. Among inert proteins are amyloids, and the term “amyloidosis” describes a disorder in which these proteins are deposited throughout the body in different organs, which may affect those organs’ regular operations, such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines.
This illness is challenging to identify and could cause organ failure. There is no way to prevent the illness; the sole treatment is to minimize inflammation.
Amyloidosis,
Siamese cats have an inherent propensity for amyloidosis. The term “amyloidosis” describes a disorder in which amyloids, a type of inactive protein, accumulate in a variety of body organs and may impair their proper operation, including the kidneys, liver, and intestines.
This illness is challenging to identify and could cause organ failure. There is no way to prevent the illness; the sole treatment is to minimize inflammation.
Retinal Atrophy That Is Progressive
The photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eyes are impacted by a group of deteriorating cells known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It causes varying degrees of eyesight loss and is inherited in Siamese cats. The illness ultimately results in complete blindness, and there is no treatment.
Because PRA is caused by a recessive gene, even if a cat’s parents are healthy, the cat could still develop the disease. Cats as young as 2–3 weeks old can have the condition, which can begin as early as 112 to 2 years of age.
The first symptom is night blindness, and between two and four years after beginning, total blindness occurs. Affected cats should not be used to prevent the disease from occurring in the offspring by ethical breeders that conduct genetic testing before to mating.
Cancer
Early detection is crucial since Siamese cats are prone to certain types of multiple malignancies. Despite the fact that some Siamese cats may not get cancer until later in life, some do. Early detection is essential to your cat’s survival since chemotherapy and surgical treatment can save your cat’s life.