Want to be accompanied by someone who will always make you laugh and show you love? This is the perfect breed of Oriental shorthair cat for you!
Orientals are among the most social and sociable types of kittens, and they look forward to spending time with the whole family including kids and pets that like cats. You should keep looking if you’re looking for a calm, independent cat.
The Oriental shorthair is a friendly, intelligent, and curious breed of cat that enjoys being around people and fellow animals. Find out what it’s like to live with such a striking breed of cat.
Here are some other helpful articles about the same subject!
An introduction to the Oriental Shorthair Cat Breed
In addition to being related to Siam cats, oriental shorthair cats are also popular as pets that can be kept at home. These cats display some features that are similar to those of the Siamese cat, such as their triangular heads and large ears.
Despite the appearance of being very slender, their bodies are actually quite muscular, in the same manner as those of the Siamese family. The eyes of this breed are almond-shaped and are characteristic of its breed.
In spite of the fact that Oriental shorthair cats are related to Siamese cats in one aspect, they are different in another. A variety of over 300 coats can be found on Oriental shorthair cats. Each coat has its own color and pattern and enhances the appearance of the cat.
In order to produce this breed of cat, breeders had to produce a mixture of Siamese characteristics as well as a range of colors, as Siamese cats are pointed cats (having a lighter colored body and a darker colored head, ears, tail, and feet).
As a result of their colorful appearance, Orientals became popular among the general public. In 1977, shortly after Oriental shorthairs were introduced to the world, the Cat Fanciers’ Association accepted them to be a part of their championship competition, allowing them to compete at the championship level.
In addition to having a sociable and attention-seeking personality, these cats are very well known for being a bit troublesome.
Oriental Shorthair History
A classic Oriental can be best described as a colorized version of the original Siamese which was originally “black and white”. Siamese was used as the foundation breed and then crossed with other breeds to develop the breed.
During World War II, so many breeding programs had been destroyed that the original intention was to increase the Siamese gene pool in Britain. Crosses with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, Abyssinians, and domestic shorthairs did not produce kittens with the pointed Siamese patterns, but these kittens were then bred back to the Siamese gene pool.
Breeders completed the transition to producing Siamese cats in just a few generations, short of the variety of colors and patterns, as well as cats with the traditional pointed pattern, just like the Siamese cats already existed. The Siamese cat was used to breed Siamese kittens, but the cats without the Siamese points became the basis of a new breed: the Oriental cat.
During the 1970s, when the importation of these cats began to take place in the United States, they were crossed with American Shorthairs creating further colors and patterns. They were also produced in longhaired varieties.
In the current world of Orientals, there are more than 300 colors and patterns available, including a variety of pointed varieties. It is important to note that not all cat associations accept pointed orientals, and some require them to be shown as Siamese.
Oriental Shorthair’s appearance
Among the most remarkable features of an Oriental cat is 
that it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, unlike a Siamese cat. The Oriental shorthair breed, which is one of the most popular breeds in the world, has over 300 different coat colors.
Coal is available in a variety of colors and patterns such as blue, white, chestnut, ebony, tabby, red, darker, bi-colored, and particolored. They have a triangular head and a long, slender body, with very long ears, and their body appears to be really long and slender.
This breed of dog usually has almond-shaped eyes, which can be either blue, green, or odd-colored. As with other cats belonging to the Siamese family, some of those belonging to this breed can also have crossed eyes, as well.
The Oriental Shorthair’s personality and behavior
During the time the parent spends with the Oriental, the parent must be affectionate to her and spend time playing with her.
The Oriental shorthair breed is known for its playful personality and love of people. Playing with them is necessary as well as plenty of exercise because they are often quite active.
Are oriental shorthair cats intelligent?
In addition to being beautiful, the Oriental cat is highly intelligent as well. You can train her to walk on a leash. However, this does not mean you can train her to do anything you may wish. She can, however, be taught a lot of things.
She does, however, have her own set of desires, as most of the other highly intelligent breeds do. Oriental cats are affectionate, loyal, and very loving cats. They need their parents to be just as dedicated to them as she is to hers.
The high level of energy produced by these products makes them not suitable for those who lead sedentary lifestyles. The Oriental shorthair is a wonderful companion cat that will make a great addition to any family.
Do oriental shorthair cats meow?
The reality is that they are a fairly vocal breed that will follow you around the house and comment on everything you do as if they are trying to give their opinion on how to do it in the best possible way.
The running commentary will be delivered by a raspy voice that will be constantly present in your house and you will have to address it.
Oriental cat personality
Their love of companionship coupled with their curiosity make them very sociable and like to be with people. When you sit down they will be on your lap just as soon as you do.
It is okay not to worry about them going to bed without you. They will go to your bed at the same time as you, so there will be no need for you to worry about them missing you.
Care for Oriental Shorthair Cats
The Oriental Shorthair is a breed of cat with a short, fine coat that is easy to take care of. If you would like to keep it healthy, make sure to use a stainless steel comb to remove dead hair every couple of weeks, then polish it with a soft cloth to keep it shining.
They need to groom their big ears more than their short fur. Every week, you should check for wax and anything out of the ordinary. You can ask your veterinarian for the best way to clean those bat-like ears, but a cotton ball and a few drops of warm water are generally sufficient.
Periodontal disease can be prevented by brushing the teeth. It is best to brush your teeth every day, but brushing your teeth every week is better than nothing. Maintain a clean litter box for your Oriental. It is essential that Orientals have a clean litter box.
If you have an Oriental, it might be a good idea to keep him indoors only since he will remain safe from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs and coyotes, as well as other dangers that may befall cats that go outside, such as being hit by a car.
There is also a risk of an Oriental who goes outdoors being stolen by someone who would like to have a beautiful cat without having to pay for it.
In addition to that, there is the usual cat care needed for any breed: trimming its nails regularly (if you hear it clicking on the floor, it means its nails are too long) and making sure it has a clean litter box. Also, make sure that you take your Oriental shorthair kitten to the veterinarian on a regular basis to ensure its health.
They’re (Almost) Hypoallergenic
Cat allergies, which are triggered by the Fel-D1 allergen agent, are a common reason for not getting a cat as a pet. A cat of this breed can get as close to being hypoallergenic as they can possibly get since they produce less Fel-d1 allergen than the majority of other breeds of cats.
So while they are not 100% hypoallergenic, they are as close as they can get. Additionally, due to their shorter, sleeker fur coats, they also tend to shed less than most cats.
Oriental shorthairs have some common health issues
Depending on the breed of the cat, both pedigreed and mixed-breed cats are prone to a variety of health issues that may be genetic in origin. Orientals may suffer from some of the same issues as Siamese, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Among members of the Siamese family, amyloidosis is a condition caused by a type of protein called amyloid which builds up in the body’s organs, specifically the liver.
- Asthma/bronchial disease
- Aortic stenosis and other congenital heart defects
- Eyes crossed
- Megaesophagus is a gastrointestinal condition
- Symptoms of hyperesthesia include excessive grooming, hair loss, and frantic behavior when touched or petted, especially in cats
- Leukemia
- Nystagmus refers to an involuntary rapid eye movement caused by a neurological disorder
- Genetic testing is available for progressive retinal atrophy
What is the average lifespan of an Oriental Shorthair Cat?
The average lifespan of Oriental Shorthairs is 10 to 15 years, but many of them live well into their 20s. Cats of this breed are generally robust and don’t suffer from the same health problems as other cats.
It is possible to extend the life span of your Oriental Shorthair with a few things you can do. Ensure they have access to fresh water and food, as well as a clean litter box. Regular vet visits are also advised.
Oriental Shorthairs are loyal companions that will give you a lifetime of love and companionship if you take good care of them. Don’t neglect them at all!
Fun Facts about Oriental Shorthair Cats
- As a medium-sized cat breed, Oriental shorthairs measure 11-14 inches in length and 9-11 inches in height, which is as big as the Siamese breed in size.
- Oriental cats are referred to as tomcats or molly cats, as well as other cat breeds.
- The Oriental cat breed does not show signs of slobbering like other breeds.
- Excellent Orientals from well-known breeders can cost up to $1,000 or more. However, these animals can also be adopted from rescue centers.
- Compared to the US, Oriental Shorthairs in the UK are slightly cheaper. This breed can be bought and cared for at a much lower cost than other breeds in general.
