Siamese

Typically 12-15 years, and often longer with good care, as the breed is relatively long-lived. The factors most likely to shorten that are the breed-linked organ diseases — particularly amyloidosis of the liver or kidneys — and chronic asthma. Buying from a breeder who screens for PRA and is honest about amyloidosis in their lines, plus routine dental and organ monitoring as the cat ages, are the levers that protect that lifespan.

Generally yes — they are social, active, and people-seeking, which suits an engaged family, and they often do well with other cats or even dogs because they want company. The caveats: they are vocal and attention-demanding, can be jealous of attention going elsewhere, and dislike being ignored. They thrive with older children who will interact and play, and notably benefit from a second cat in households that are out a lot.

The Siamese is one of the most vocal cat breeds by genetics, not by accident — it was bred for closeness to people and communicates constantly with a loud, distinctive voice. You cannot train this out; it is core to the breed. You can reduce stress-driven excessive yowling by meeting its needs: 30-45 minutes of daily interactive play, enrichment, and ideally a feline companion if you are out a lot. If the noise itself would bother you, this is the wrong breed — choose a quieter cat rather than fight the trait.

Poorly, if alone. The Siamese is one of the most companionship-dependent cats and a lone Siamese in an empty house for 8+ hours commonly develops stress behaviors — excessive yowling, overgrooming, destructiveness. The realistic solution is a second compatible cat plus enrichment, not just more toys. If you cannot provide companionship, in-person interaction, or accept these stress behaviors, a more independent breed is the kinder choice for the cat.

A pedigree kitten from a screening breeder typically runs $600-$1,800; rescue is far less. Grooming costs are minimal because the coat is so easy. Ongoing costs are about $1,100-$2,200 a year for food, litter, routine vet, and the dental care this breed needs more of. The hidden costs are organ-related: amyloidosis management, chronic asthma medication, or dental surgery can each add $1,000-$3,000+, so puppy-stage pet insurance is worth considering for this breed's risk profile.

Amyloidosis is the deposition of an abnormal protein (amyloid) in organs — in Siamese and Oriental lines typically the liver or kidneys — progressively impairing function and potentially causing organ failure or, with hepatic amyloidosis, a life-threatening liver bleed. It runs in families, so the main lever is buying from a breeder who is transparent about its presence in their lines rather than dismissive. There is no cure, only management, so treat unexplained vomiting, lethargy, increased drinking, or weight loss in a Siamese as a prompt vet visit, not a wait-and-see.