I’ve had Siamese cats all my life (6 in total, 2 currently) and have completely adored them all. They’ve all been bursting with personality and very affectionate and loyal - the one I had as a child was my constant sidekick and best friend, and still people are often amused at the shoal of Siamese cats that follow me all around the house. All mine that have experienced children have been wonderful with them. My childhood cat slept in my dolls house and was happy to be pushed around in a pram, the one I had as a teenager used to follow me to school, and my current ones love watching over our baby and toddler like little watchdogs. Definitely sounds like a nice thing for your DS - my first was the absolute light of my life as a child, especially when I was struggling with something.
I’ve heard the typical Siamese personality described as more dog than cat, and that’s certainly my experience. They’re extremely intelligent and want to be part of everything. I’ve had a couple that learnt to do tricks and some that played fetch (obviously on their terms, they’re still cats after all). Mine haven’t been the sort to be off doing their own thing like a lot of cats - they’re always very present whether you like it or not.
Oh yes, and incredibly LOUD! And you get to hear that loud voice A LOT because they tend to be extremely chatty!
However, I would say imagine living with the cats on Lady and the Tramp. That’s the most accurate portrayal of my pairs of Siamese cats I’ve seen. The intelligence and sociability can help make them extra naughty, and they do tend to work together on their bad deeds. Bonus points for how they manipulate their owner into blaming the poor dog, which would definitely happen! As I speak one of them is trying to steal peas and the other is supervising - sigh. That only shows that side though - a few people have told me they didn’t like Siamese cats after Lady and the Tramp but loved mine once they got over that!
I’m really glad to hear some people have had elderly siameses. Sadly I haven’t yet had one live past 12 (all due to illness rather than accidents) but sounds like that’s maybe just unfortunate. As with others though, most of mine have needed dental work.
I’m very happy to hear you seem to have already decided. I won’t say you won’t occasionally regret it, but I can’t imagine I’ll ever not have at least two Siameses or orientals because they are wonderful and very addictive.