Oriental Shorthair: Not Siamese, If You Please

Oriental Shorthair cat

The Oriental Shorthair is a specific breed of domestic feline that is related to the Siamese. It resembles the Siamese head and elongated body, with eyes shaped like almonds, and has a slightly shorter age span age span (10-15 years), but has a wide variety of colors and patterns, (around 300).

A Little History Repeating

Orientals represent a very diverse group of felines that find their origins within the Siamese breed. The first Siamese, was imported to the United Kingdom from Siam (present-day Thailand) in the late 19th century and spread abroad, becoming one of the world’s most popular breeds. In 1997, Oriental Shorthair was recognized as a breed for championship contention in the Cat Fancier’s Association or CFA. In 1985, the CFA recognized the two color (bicolor) variant, which was common in the breed. Approximately twenty years later, the breed was eventually recognized by the Governing Council(based in the United Kingdom), of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1997, but with a few variations from the CFA. The GCCF issues a different series of breed registration rules for a number of certain Oriental Shorthair variations today. The World Cat Federation (WCF) recognizes the breed, but with color requirements that are not as restrictive. Although Oriental shorthairs come in both solids and variant colors, not all organizations accept all patterns. The World Cat Federation (WCF), for example will not accept white in this particular breed.

I See Your True Colors

Oriental Shorthair cats come in many different colors. They are by no means confined to the familiar cream and black coloring typical of their more familiar Siamese cousins. The Oriental Shorthair cat can be many different solid colors and patterns such as shaded, smoke, tortoiseshell, bicolor, and tabby. Any of the above colors can also be seen with white. Interesting fact about this breed that this breed of cats has more colors and patterns than any other cat breed.

You’ve Got Personality

Their personalities are similar to Siamese. Oriental Shorthair cat breeds tend to be social butterflies, friendly, intelligent, and rather vocal for felines. They have a dog-like personality and absolutely demand interaction. They are very active and playful even as adults. The Oriental Shorthair cat breeds are slender, very athletic, and possess superior leaping ability. They prefer to pair up or hang in groups and also love interacting with humans. As pets, they are extremely loyal and can even show jealousy if you are giving attention to another cat, or not giving them enough tender loving care. If they feel unappreciated, they can become unhappy. You should rain affection upon your Oriental, and you will have them eating out of your hand.

These cats are very intelligent and curious, they can easily open a drawer and even doors. There is an opinion that they are the smartest of all cat breeds.

Appearance and Characteristics of Oriental Shorthair Cat Breed

Oriental Shorthairs have a triangular wedge-shaped head with tall bat-like ears. Those ears are excellent at hearing, but may need to be cleaned more frequently than those of other cats, because they tend to attract dirt. Their bodies are sleek but toned. Oriental Shorthairs have a very exotic look because of very slender and long body with a unique head shape and ears. Most of them have striking green eyes.

Orientals are medium-size cats that typically weigh 5 to 11 pounds (2-5kg).

Types of breed

There is a long-haired breed of Oriental Shorthair. It is the Oriental Longhair, which has been acknowledged since 1995 by CFA. It is similar in nearly every way to the shorthair version, but carries a recessive gene for long hair.

Caring for your Oriental Shorthair Cat

Oriental Shorthair cats have a silky fur, which, because it is short, doesn’t require nearly as much maintenance as longer haired versions. Usually all you need is a comb to stroke it, and a soft cloth a few times during the month, to keep it in great condition. Remember, grooming your Oriental shorthair is as much about bonding with your cat as it is maintaining their hygiene. Grooming is an important way to give them your attention. You and your cat will come to mutually enjoy these special moments, and will look forward to each other’s company, as the Oriental shorthair seems to be bred for companionship.

Interesting facts

* The Oriental Shorthair is reported to trigger almost little to no allergies for those who are said to be allergic to cats.

* They have more colors and patterns than any other cat breed.