Mary Allen
The Oriental Shorthair is slender and has an elegant and muscular build. This looks particularly elegant as it has long and narrow legs. The head is also prominent and wedge-shaped with a straight nose. The big ears, which are often called “bat ears”, are also very special. These are pointed at the end and therefore the wedge-shaped head looks even larger. The eyes of the Oriental Shorthair should always be bright green. However, there is an exception for white oriental shorthair cats: Here green, deep blue, or two different eye colors (one green, the other deep blue) are recognized.
Origin and History
Where does the oriental shorthair come from?
The oriental shorthair comes from Thailand and is descended from the Siamese cat. In the 1920s, the monochrome Siamese with green eyes were recognized as a separate breed and were then given the name Oriental Shorthair, in English Oriental Shorthair.
Traits of Temperament
How does the Oriental Shorthair tick?
The Oriental Shorthair is an intelligent and very active breed of cats. She is playful, but also extremely affectionate. Compared to the Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair is rather quiet, but still needs to be communicated. The Oriental Shorthair is by no means suitable for beginners and you have to get involved with the needs of this cat breed. They need a lot of attention and are reluctant to be alone. Due to their high urge to move, they are also not really suitable for seniors.
In any case, the Oriental Shorthair is happier about a conspecific of the same breed than about any other cat breed.
Upbringing and Attitude
What should you watch out for when keeping the Oriental Shorthair?
Since the Oriental Shorthair is very intelligent, you should take a lot of time for this breed of cats. They are confident, but at least affectionate. That’s why you can do clicker training with them very well and teach them a few things.
Even if the Oriental Shorthair is quiet compared to the Siamese, it still needs to be communicated and is reluctant to be alone. Therefore, on the one hand, you should keep it with someone of your own species, but on the other hand, you should definitely be at home a lot.
The Oriental Shorthair loves to play and romp, but also has a huge need to cuddle. You could almost think that their favorite place is the human lap. Since this breed of cats is very sensitive to the cold, they especially love sunny places or places right next to the radiator and other warm places to sleep in their own four walls. Of course, just like any other cat, the Oriental Shorthair needs sufficient scratching opportunities. Due to their affection, the oriental shorthair is often also suitable for walks together on a leash.
Nursing, Health, and Diseases
How do you care for the Oriental Shorthair?
This shorthair cat is actually very easy to care for with its silky fur. She actually keeps her fine fur clean herself. In principle, weekly, gentle brushing is sufficient to maintain the beautiful shine of the fur. Rubbing over it with a soft cloth can also be useful if your own cat likes it.
Incidentally, if you stroke an oriental shorthair with wet hands, loose hair will also stick to it.
What diseases are typical of the breed in the Oriental Shorthair?
The health of the Oriental Shorthair basically depends on their ancestors. The breed itself is robust but very sensitive to cold.
When you consider that this breed is descended from the Siamese, you shouldn’t forget that the Siamese in particular was overbred for a very long time. But: That is not automatically a cause for concern, because if your oriental shorthair has a Siamese of the old type, then they are usually very fit. The breeder himself always has a family tree, where you can also find a list of the ancestors.
If there was inbreeding in the ancestors, the cats often struggle with congenital immunodeficiency. They are then more prone to heart disease or anemia.
How old does an oriental shorthair get?
Healthy animals can live up to 15 years.
Considerations before you buy
Where can you buy an oriental shorthair?
The Oriental Shorthair is actually only available from breeders. In addition, the breed is not really widespread in German-speaking countries. The family tree for your own four-legged offspring is of course also available there. Your kitten should also be vaccinated, chipped, and dewormed upon delivery. When buying an oriental shorthair cat, you should expect a price of around € 650.00.