Cat Breed - Oriental Shorthair
About the Oriental Longhair
Introduction: Oriental Shorthair - A Comprehensive Guide
Brief Overview:
The Oriental Shorthair is a sleek, intelligent, and highly vocal cat known for its slender body, large ears, and expressive personality. Bred for elegance and variety, this breed comes in over 300 colors and patterns—offering a unique look for every owner. Closely related to the Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs share the same affectionate nature but with more diversity in coat color and eye shades.
Breed History
Origins:
The Oriental Shorthair was developed in the United Kingdom in the 1950s and later refined in the United States. Breeders crossed Siamese cats with other shorthaired breeds, including the Russian Blue, British Shorthair, and Abyssinian, to create a cat with the Siamese body type but in a wide array of colors and patterns.
By the 1970s, the breed had gained recognition in the U.S. and was accepted by major cat associations. The Oriental Shorthair is a part of the Oriental breed group, which includes both longhair and shorthair varieties.
Physical Characteristics
This breed is known for its elegant, fine-boned physique, wedge-shaped head, and oversized ears. Their coat is sleek and close-lying, highlighting their angular frame.
Body:
Long, slender, and graceful with fine bones and firm muscles
Males typically weigh 8–12 lbs, females slightly less
Coat:
Short, fine, and glossy with no undercoat
Lies close to the body, accentuating their shape
Found in solids, tabbies, smokes, shaded, bicolors, and more—over 300 variations
Head & Face:
Long, tapering wedge-shaped head
Prominent cheekbones and a straight nose
Very large, pointed ears that continue the lines of the wedge
Eyes:
Almond-shaped, slanted slightly toward the nose
Usually vivid green, though white cats may have blue or odd-colored eyes
Legs & Paws:
Long legs, with the hind legs slightly taller than the front
Small, oval paws
Tail:
Long, thin, and whippy—perfectly proportioned to their body
Personality and Temperament
General Disposition:
Oriental Shorthairs are high-energy, affectionate, and extremely vocal. If you want a cat that truly interacts with you, this is your breed.
Talkative and Social: Known for their Siamese-style voice, they love to “converse”
Affectionate Companions: Form strong bonds with their humans and dislike being alone
Playful and Curious: Highly intelligent and enjoy games, toys, and learning tricks
Good with Families: Do well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs
Sensitive and Emotional: Can become anxious if left alone too often
They thrive in interactive homes where they are treated as part of the family.
Health and Lifespan
This breed is generally healthy but may inherit certain conditions from Siamese ancestry.
Common Health Concerns:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Respiratory sensitivities
Dental issues—regular brushing is key
Grooming Needs:
Very low-maintenance coat—weekly brushing or wiping with a damp cloth is enough
Bathe occasionally to keep their coat shiny
Keep ears clean and nails trimmed
Brush teeth with cat-safe toothpaste
Diet and Nutrition:
High-quality food with a focus on protein
Monitor weight—these slim cats can lose definition if overfed
Fresh water should always be available
Exercise and Play:
Very active—need daily interactive play
Enjoy climbing, chasing, and puzzle toys
Respond well to leash training or agility exercises
Breed Standards
Major registries like CFA and TICA recognize the Oriental Shorthair for its refined elegance, exotic features, and expansive coat color range.
Specific Standards for Oriental Shorthair Cats:
Body: Long, slender, fine-boned yet muscular
Coat: Short, close-lying, and glossy; wide variety of colors and patterns
Head: Long tapering wedge, straight nose, large ears
Eyes: Almond-shaped, medium-sized; typically green
Legs & Paws: Long, slim legs with small oval paws
Tail: Long and thin, whip-like
Other Features: Outgoing personality, expressive voice, and refined movements
View official breed standards at:
Interesting Facts
Over 300 Coat Variations: No other breed boasts such an extensive palette of colors and patterns.
Velcro Cats: They form intense bonds and are known to follow their humans everywhere.
Siamese Roots: Though they don’t all have the Siamese “points,” they share the same affectionate and vocal traits.
