Oriental cats are a broad collection of felines with their origins in the Siamese breed. The Oriental Shorthair is a domestic cat breed that descended from the Siamese cat and is closely linked to it. It has the same head and body shape as a modern Siamese but comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns.

The Siamese, which comes in both pointed and solid hues, was brought to the UK from Thailand in the late 1800s and quickly became one of the most popular breeds. Because the gene that causes the color to be limited to the points is recessive, the general population of Siamese cats was mostly self-colored (solid).

The Oriental Shorthair is the outcome of the crossbreeding of several different cat breeds. Many domestic cat breeds were endangered in the aftermath of World War II. Breeders in England began incorporating Russian Blue, Abyssinian, and British Shorthairs into their Siamese lineages in order to restore the breed. Non-pointed kittens were the outcome, and they were subsequently bred back to Siamese cats.

Oriental shorthair cat sitting on a table
credit:petkeen.com

Following those crosses, Siamese-pointed kittens were produced, as well as distinctive and attractive color combinations that provided the foundation for the Oriental breed we know today. The Oriental was first introduced to the United States in the 1970s, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) awarded it championship status in 1977.

Some point-colored offspring of Oriental Shorthair parents are considered any other variety by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), however, depending on the lineage, some may compete as Colorpoints. When acknowledged at all, these cats are considered Siamese by The International Cat Association (TICA) and many other cats fancier and breeder organizations.

Body Characteristics

  • Orientals feature almond-shaped eyes, a triangular head shape, huge ears, and an extended, slender physique.
  • The Oriental Shorthair is a cat that is medium in size.
  • Males weigh 8-12 pounds on average, while females weigh less than 8 pounds.
  • Their long, thin build gives them a much taller presence, and they come in a variety of solid colors and patterns, including smoky, shaded, parti-color/tortoiseshell, tabby, and bicolor any of the above, with white.
  • Not all varieties of the breed are accepted by all organizations that recognize it.

Behavior

Oriental Shorthair cats have a lot of energy and are natural talkers. Adult Oriental Shorthair cats are lively, curious, and interested in their environment. These cats are highly gregarious creatures. Oriental shorthair cats are intelligent and affectionate creatures who enjoy being around their families and other pets, particularly felines. They’re total Velcro cats who frequently serve as your second shadow.

Oriental shorthair cat Image
credit:vetwork.co

They’ll become so connected to you that they’ll follow you throughout your house regardless of where you go. They despise being alone and are willing to sacrifice any free time for their desires. They need to be stimulated and entertained on a regular basis. Cats with Oriental shorthair coats can live well in both houses and apartments.

These cats are thought to be very social, and they enjoy playing with humans, other cats, and even dogs. It’s often suggested that you get a furry companion for your Oriental. It should be emphasized that vocalization is an important aspect of the Oriental Shorthair’s personality, which is a quality shared by Siamese cats. With a wide spectrum of vocal sounds, these cats frequently convey enthusiasm, interest, despair, or other emotions.

Oriental shorthair cat sitting on a couch
credit:

Caring

Because of their easy-to-care-for coats, Oriental shorthair cats may be more popular than their longhair counterparts. Brushing your dog on a regular basis will bring out his fine coat and help with shedding, which occurs all year. A cat bath or wipe-down every now and then also plays a major part in their coats.

Health

Oriental Shorthairs are prone to the same health issues as their pointed counterparts. The breed, on the other hand, is typically thought to be healthy.

  • Amyloidosis
  • Asthma/bronchial illness
  • Congenital heart problems
  • Crossed eyes
  • Gastrointestinal diseases
  •  Hyperesthesia syndrome
  •  Lymphoma
  • Nystagmus
  • Progressive retinal atrophy have all been seen in Oriental Shorthairs.

The average lifespan is between 10 and 15 years.

 

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

If you like, Please share it. Sharing is usually Caring

Author

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.

Write A Comment

Clumber Spaniel Dog Breed Cocker Spaniel Dog Breed Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed The Russian Black, White And Tabby Cat Russian White Cat With Complete Breed Information Raas Cats Breed Billy Dog Breed Information English Setter Dog Breed Information Altai Horse Breed Shih Tzu Dog Breed