Siamese Cat Skin Problems

The Siamese cat breed was first officially exported from Siam during the late 19th century. The breed is known for its slender build, almond-shaped eyes and short, smooth coat. They are a popular cat breed in the United States, but they are prone to certain skin problems. Being aware of the skin problems that are common among Siamese cats can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
  1. Types

    • Siamese cats are prone to feline hyperesthesia syndrome, where the skin will ripple or twitch, and to cutaneous asthenesia, which is a congenital connective tissue disease. They can also suffer from allergies as well as skin issues that result from excessive grooming.

    Causes

    • Most of the causes of Siamese cat skin problems involve genetics. A significant amount of inbreeding has been involved in the modern look of the Siamese cat, and it has reinforced several negative genetic traces. Other causes include the ingestion of food that they are allergic to as well as excessive grooming due to boredom or nervousness.

    Identification

    • Identifying skin problems in your Siamese cat requires observation and a familiarity with the way that healthy cat fur should look. Siamese cats have short fur, and their skin is clearly visible. Look for skin that is red and irritated or welted. Baldness, whether it is concentrated in certain patches or all over the cat's body, can be a sign of skin problems.

    Prevention

    • While some Siamese cat skin conditions are genetic and unavoidable, you can still take measures to avoid some of the other problems. Feeding your cat a high-quality diet that is low in fillers can eliminate allergic reactions, and ensuring that your cat is getting all the mental stimulation it needs will prevent excessive grooming.

    Considerations

    • Sometimes, Siamese cats are prone to baldness, or feline endocrine alopecia, due to sex hormone imbalances. In some cases, the issue can be dealt with through the administration of progesterone or androgen-estrogen injections.