Cat Breed - Oriental Longhair
About the Oriental Longhair
Introduction: Oriental Longhair - A Comprehensive Guide
Brief Overview:
The Oriental Longhair is an elegant, vocal, and affectionate breed known for its graceful appearance, silky flowing coat, and expressive personality. Closely related to the Siamese, this breed offers all the charm and charisma of its shorthaired cousin, wrapped in a luxurious coat that adds to its regal presence.
Breed History
Origins:
The Oriental Longhair originated from the breeding programs that developed the Oriental Shorthair, a breed derived from the Siamese. Breeders in the UK and the US began selectively crossing Siamese cats with other breeds such as the Balinese and Russian Blue, resulting in a longhaired version with the same elegant body type but a wider range of coat colors and patterns.
Initially known as the British Angora, the breed was renamed Oriental Longhair to align with international standards and avoid confusion with the Turkish Angora. It’s now recognized by TICA and other major registries.
Physical Characteristics
Oriental Longhairs are slim, graceful cats with flowing coats and almond-shaped eyes. Their long, lithe bodies and angular features give them a refined, aristocratic look.
Body:
Medium-sized and long, with fine bones and muscular tone
Slender neck, long legs, and small oval paws
Weight: typically 6–10 lbs
Coat:
Semi-long, fine, and silky coat that lies close to the body
No thick undercoat—less prone to matting
Available in over 300 color and pattern combinations, including solid, tabby, smoke, shaded, and bicolor
Head & Face:
Long, wedge-shaped head with a straight profile
Large, pointed ears set wide apart
Eyes:
Almond-shaped and slanted
Usually vivid green; white cats may have blue or odd-colored eyes
Legs & Paws:
Long, slender legs with dainty paws
Tail:
Long, thin, and plume-like with a full fringe of silky fur
Personality and Temperament
General Disposition:
Oriental Longhairs are intelligent, affectionate, and extremely vocal. Like their Siamese relatives, they crave interaction and thrive on companionship.
Talkative and Expressive: Will “chat” with you throughout the day with their soft yet persistent voices
Affectionate and Loyal: Bond closely with their humans and prefer not to be left alone for long periods
Energetic and Playful: Need regular playtime and stimulation
Curious and Clever: Enjoy puzzles, interactive toys, and learning tricks
Good with Families: Thrive in homes with children and other pets when properly introduced
This breed wants to be involved in every aspect of your life—expect a cat that follows you everywhere and loves being the center of attention.
Health and Lifespan
This breed is generally healthy, but like all cats, benefits from preventative veterinary care.
Common Health Issues:
May inherit conditions from Siamese lineage such as:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Respiratory sensitivities
Dental issues
Grooming Needs:
Low to moderate grooming—brush 1–2 times weekly to prevent tangles
Bathe occasionally to maintain coat sheen
Clean ears and eyes gently if needed
Nail trimming and dental care should be part of regular grooming
Diet and Nutrition:
High-quality cat food with balanced nutrients
Maintain healthy weight—this breed’s slender figure can be obscured by weight gain
Always provide fresh water
Exercise and Play:
Very active—needs regular play sessions and stimulating toys
Climbers and explorers—cat trees and shelves are highly appreciated
May enjoy leash training or clicker training for added mental engagement
Breed Standards
According to cat registries like CFA and TICA, the Oriental Longhair has strict standards emphasizing their elegant body, wedge-shaped head, and luxurious coat.
Specific Standards for Oriental Longhair Cats:
Body: Long, slim, fine-boned yet muscular
Coat: Semi-long, soft, and silky without undercoat; wide range of colors and patterns
Head: Long, tapering wedge with a straight nose and firm chin
Eyes: Medium-sized, slanted almond shape; green is standard except in some white cats
Legs & Paws: Long legs, hind legs higher than front; small oval paws
Tail: Long, plume-like, and well-furnished
Other Features: Expressive personality and elegant movement
For full standards, visit:
Interesting Facts
Over 300 Color Options: Few breeds can rival the Oriental Longhair’s vast array of coat colors and patterns.
They Love to “Talk”: Their Siamese-style voice is soft but frequent—they’ll always tell you how they feel.
They’re Acrobatic Climbers: These cats love to jump, climb, and explore vertical spaces in your home.
