Do Siamese cats get cataracts?

Cataracts can also lead to uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye, and glaucoma, a painful disease associated with elevated pressure inside the eye that can result in blindness. Though inherited cataracts are uncommon in cats, breeds with an increased risk include Birmans, Persians and Siamese.

Can a cat with cataracts still see?

Cataracts affect the lens of the eye. The lens helps to focus vision as light that passes through the eye, allowing your cat to see. If this small structure becomes cloudy due to a cataract, it can no longer focus light resulting in blurry vision.

Do Siamese cats have poor eyesight?

The inquisitive and vocal Siamese has plenty of positive traits that make it a unique and lovable breed. Unfortunately, good eyesight isn’t one of them. Siamese kitties are often born slightly cross-eyed, but they are also predisposed to severe vision problems that can make them eventually go blind.

What age do Siamese cats go blind?

about 16 weeks
In some breeds, the disease starts even earlier at about two to three weeks of age, resulting in full blindness by about 16 weeks. A genetic test is available to test parents as carriers before breeding; responsible breeders recommend that affected cats and their close relatives should not be used for breeding.

At what age do cats get cataracts?

Some cats have a genetic predisposition to cataracts. In certain cat breeds, the eye condition can show up in younger cats under 5 years of age. In contrast, most cat cataracts show up after 10 years of age.

How much does it cost to remove cataracts from a cat?

In general pet owners can expect cataract surgery to average $3,5001 and cost between $2,700 to $4,0002 which includes the exam, surgery, anesthesia, operating room use, hospitalization, medications, check ups2.

How do you tell if your cat is getting cataracts?

Watch out for any of these symptoms of cataracts in your pet:

  1. Changes in eye color or changes in pupil size or shape.
  2. Cloudy pupils in one or both eyes.
  3. Clumsiness.
  4. Difficulty seeing in dimly lit areas.
  5. Reluctance to climb or jump.
  6. Rubbing or scratching of the eyes.

Why do Siamese cats eyes shake?

Convergent Strabismus and Nystagmus Convergent strabismus is the medical term for crossed eyes. While this may be considered a birth defect in most breeds, in the Siamese, it’s considered normal. In some cases, you may even notice your cat’s eyes flicking from side to side, a phenomenon called nystagmus.

What are Siamese cats prone to?

It’s a fact that Siamese cats are prone to suffering from a variety of health problems, the most common one being progressive retinal atrophy. Gastrointestinal and neoplastic problems, urinary tract disease, and gum diseases are also common health issues for this breed.

How fast do cataracts progress in cats?

Cataracts may progress slowly or rapidly, depending on the underlying cause. Most commonly, feline cataracts develop secondarily to inflammation as a result of eye trauma, viral infection, or other infections.

Is 10 old for a Siamese cat?

Siamese cats are one of the longest-living cats. They can live up to 20 years. On average, Siamese cats can live between 12 to 20 years. These cats often have longer lives than some of the other exotic breeds.