Thyroid problems?

by Norma Ramsey
(De Land FL 32720)

Do Siamese cats have thyroid problems?
And what is the life span of a Siamese?
(This is a popular question as Siamese cats have the controversial reputation of living longer - or less - than the average cat).

My answer:

If you have a cat that you feel is not well - and that goes for absolutely anyone - please make sure it gets veterinary treatment promptly.

Thyroid problems can occur in any breed or house cat. They usually appear in the older cat, aged 10+ years.

My investigation has not shown that specific breeds are more susceptible than others to thyroid problems. Even veterinary experts don't have an explanation for what appears to be a huge increase in thyroid cases since the late 1970s, although a number of culprits have been blamed, including diets with soy protein additives as opposed to meat, flea treatments, lack of the outdoors, leaching of metals from tin cans, a dry-food only diet, pesticides and even certain types of cat litter.

It is a fact that poor breeding practices and breeding from unhealthy Siamese parents will result in sickly kittens. Also cats which are the fruit of excessive breeding might have more health problems than the average house cat. These health issues may appear only later in life, after weak litters have been delivered and bred from.

When it comes to typical life span, there is huge variation among Siamese. The outer age range can reach the mid-twenties (I recently heard of a 24-year-old Siamese) while some more unfortunate kitties may only live for four or five years. Ignorant breeders and those only out for money have little interest in breeding healthy cats - they simply want to make money.

There is a growing body of evidence that a good quality raw meat diet and less frequent vaccinations might increase the life expectancy and health of all cats.