Can Siamese Cats Live Outside? The 7 Pros and Cons


Cats love the outdoors – Siamese kitties are no exception. Climbing trees, chasing birds, and basking in the sun are a few of their favorite outdoor activities. 

That being said, it’s statistically proven that indoor cats live much longer than primarily outdoor felines. While indoor cats live 10-15 years on average, outdoor cats only live 2-5 years on average.

Sure, Siamese cats can live outside. There’s no reason they can’t live like any other feline unless they have specific health problems. The question you should be asking is:

Should Siamese cats live outside?”

The answer to that question would be no. Siamese cats should not live outside. Not only are Siamese kitties not very streetwise, due to their good looks and hefty price tag, but they’re also more likely to be stolen. 

Siamese cats have a huge flare for adventure. They get up to all sorts of mischief, so craving a trip to the outside is a common want. If you do decide to let your fur child outside, always ensure they have access to the house. 

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 7 pros and cons to letting your Siamese kitty outside, as well as some ways you can keep them safe on their little adventures.


What are the pros to letting your cat outside?

There are quite a few benefits to letting your kitty outside, a few of them include:

1. Lots of exercises 

If you have a Siamese cat at home, you’ll understand just how much energy they have. Ensuring they get enough exercise is one of the most important aspects of their life. 

Not only does exercise keep them healthy and in good shape, but it also keeps them in a great mood and out of mischief. 

You’ll often see them running around, chasing animals, climbing trees, and jumping on anything that moves. 

An outdoor cat is free to do this whenever they like; they don’t have to wait for their owner to come home and play with them. They get fresh air and the freedom to play.

An alternative:

If your Siamese is exclusively an indoor cat, the best way to keep them active and healthy is to equip them with lots and lots of toys.

  • Scratching posts 
  • Cat towers 
  • Toys that make noise 
  • Battery-powered toys 
  • Kitty jungle gyms

Playing with your Siamese for at least 30 minutes every day will be a great outlet for all that pent-up energy. This will also stop your Siamese from developing any health problems related to their weight. 

2. Outlet for their natural instincts

Even the most domesticated kitties still have their hunting instincts. They are natural predators, therefore they love hunting and chasing. With the outdoor world at their paws, they have the freedom to do this whenever they like. 

An alternative: 

Hiding treats around the house will be a great way to trigger those hunting instincts. Adding some toys that resemble animals is a great way to spice up the game. 

Giving your Siamese a kitty friend will also give them the opportunity to place catch and chase. 

3. Metal Stimulation

When Siamese cats get bored, they get loud. When they get loud, they get stressed. 

Siamese kitties are incredibly intelligent, therefore they need lots and lots of mental stimulation to stop them from going crazy. They need stimulation in all forms: sight, smell, and sounds. 

When they explore the outside, they get to satisfy all of those curious tendencies. 

An alternative:

A window is a place where magical things happen. They can watch the world, and birds go by in the safety of their home. 

If you have a balcony, you can also let them hang out there, providing they have no way to escape. They get to experience all the sights and smells the big world has to offer. 


What are the cons to letting your cat outside?

Despite the advantages listed above, there are also quite a few disadvantages and dangers when you choose to let your Siamese roam free. 

1. Busy Roads

One of the leading causes of death in outdoor felines is due to vehicles and busy roads. If you live next to a busy road, it becomes even more likely. As your Siamese gets older, they may become more aware of these dangers, however, accidents do happen. 

2. Risk Of Disease

All cats are prone to diseases, however, an outdoor cat is much more likely to catch an infection. This is because they come into contact with other infected cats, toxic substances, and dirty water. 

This could include Feline AIDS, Feline Leukemia, abscesses, and infections, among others. The best way to keep your kitty safe is to keep up to date with vaccinations. 

3. Getting Lost

It’s no secret that Siamese kitties aren’t very streetwise. This on top of being unfamiliar with their surroundings means they may wander and get lost. Many outdoor cats also get trapped in garages and sheds. 

4. Getting Stolen

As you know, Siamese cats are very pretty. Their appearance, plus their hefty price tag, means passersby may steal your Siamese cat. There isn’t anything you can do about this, other than watching their every move – or getting a microchip.


How can I keep my cat safe outside?

If you choose to let your Siamese explore outside, there are many things you can do to keep them safe.

  • Keep up to date with vaccinations – The risk of an outdoor cat contracting a disease is substantially higher. To avoid this, you’ll want to keep up to date with their vaccinations. This also includes flea and deworming treatments.
  • Enclosures – If you’re handy with a hammer, you can build your Siamese an outdoor enclosure. Packing it with toys, tunnels, and shade areas means they won’t ever get bored. 
  • Harness – Siamese kitties are known to be more dog-like than cat-like. This includes walking them on a harness. This harness ensures they stay completely safe while exploring, and you’ll always know where they are. 
  • Microchips – Even if your Siamese is an indoor cat, always get them microchipped. If they ever escape, you’ll be able to track where they go. This will also help you track your outdoor cat if they ever get lost or trapped inside a building. 
  • Home before dark – Most accidents happen to cats when it’s dark. That includes getting hit by cats, run-ins with wild animals, and fights between other felines.

Should I let my Siamese outside?

Once you’ve weighed up your options, it’s really up to you whether or not you let them outside. 

As long as you take the right safety precautions, there’s no reason your Siamese can’t explore the outdoors. However, they should never live outside. 

Keeping your Siamese kitty stimulated, both physically and mentally, will mean your feline will be healthy, happy, and thriving while living inside. 


We gathered all the health tips tailored toward maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide

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Katerina Gasset

Katerina Gasset is a seasoned Siamese cat breeder with a passion that spans over 18 years. Her love for these distinctive felines has not only led her to breed them, but also to dedicate herself to the rescue and wellbeing of the Siamese breed. Currently, she is the proud owner of two charismatic Siamese cats named Batman and Robyn, whose antics and unique personalities often inspire her work. As a well-established author and blogger, Katerina leverages her extensive knowledge of Siamese cats in her writings. She is the sole creator and owner of SiameseKittyKat.com, a comprehensive online platform that serves as a repository of practical advice and fascinating insights into the world of Siamese cats. Through her enlightening articles, she assists countless cat owners in better understanding and taking care of their Siamese companions. More than a breeder, Katerina is an advocate for the breed. Her commitment goes beyond mere appreciation; she is dedicated to educating others on the complexities and joys of living with Siamese cats, sharing her wisdom with a community of fellow Siamese cat lovers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned Siamese cat owner or just beginning your journey, Katerina's informative and engaging content is a valuable resource.

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