The Breathing Problems Started Early
Luna's always been vocal, but around her second birthday, I started noticing she sounded different. Not just chatty different. Like she was struggling to breathe while talking.
Turns out, Siamese cats have a bunch of respiratory issues I never knew about.
When Talking Becomes Wheezing
I first noticed Luna wheezing during one of her morning commentary sessions. She was telling me about something very important happening outside the window, but she kept stopping to catch her breath.
The vet said Siamese cats are prone to asthma. Who knew cats could get asthma?
Luna needed an inhaler. Yes, a cat inhaler. It's exactly as ridiculous as it sounds, but it works. The inhaler cost $150, plus the special chamber thing that helps her use it.
Now we do twice-daily breathing treatments. Luna tolerates it better than I expected, but I definitely didn't sign up to be a respiratory therapist for my cat.
Dental Disasters
Siamese cats apparently have terrible teeth. Luna's first dental cleaning revealed gum disease at only three years old.
The vet said it's genetic in Siamese cats. Their mouth shape makes them prone to dental problems. Great.
Luna needed several teeth extracted during that first cleaning. $800 for the procedure, plus pain medication and special food afterward.
Now she gets her teeth brushed three times a week. She's not a fan, but it's better than more extractions.
That Scary Liver Thing
This one came out of nowhere. Luna's routine bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes. The vet mentioned something called amyloidosis.
Apparently protein gets deposited in Siamese cats' organs. It can affect their liver, kidneys, or both. There's no cure.
Luna needed an ultrasound to check her organs. $400 for that, plus ongoing blood work every few months to monitor things.
So far her liver function is stable, but knowing this is hanging over us makes every checkup stressful.
What Siamese Insurance Actually Needs to Cover
After going through all this with Luna, I've learned what matters most in Siamese cat insurance.
Respiratory Care Is Essential
If your Siamese insurance doesn't cover breathing problems, what's the point? Asthma is super common in this breed.
Make sure they cover inhalers, breathing treatments, and emergency respiratory care. Luna's had two scary breathing episodes that required urgent vet visits.
Some policies try to exclude respiratory issues as pre-existing if your cat has even minor breathing problems. Don't let them get away with that.
Dental Coverage Saves Money
Siamese cats need more dental care than other breeds. Look for policies that cover dental cleanings and extractions.
I wish I'd had better dental coverage when Luna was younger. Those early extractions would have been mostly covered instead of coming out of my pocket.
Also make sure they cover the pre-anesthetic bloodwork. Luna needs that every time because of her breathing issues.
Genetic Condition Coverage
Don't let insurers exclude genetic conditions in Siamese cats. Things like amyloidosis and progressive retinal atrophy run in the breed.
Some companies try to call these hereditary and exclude them. That's basically useless for Siamese owners since these are the exact problems you need coverage for.