Oriental Shorthair Cats | Breed Information, Personality, and Care Tips

The Oriental Shorthair cats are beautiful cats, friendly, clever, and funny – little princess that loves attention. The Oriental Shorthair descended from the Siamese cat, their features are similar but the Oriental Shorthair is available in a much wider variation of colours and markings. In this guide, you will learn about the history, types and how to take care of Oriental Shorthairs, some interesting facts about this breed and where to buy them.

History of Oriental Shorthair Cats

Oriental Shorthair cat breed is associated with Siamese cat breed and originated hundreds of years ago in Thailand. Although Siamese cats were very beautiful, intelligent and sought-after, the breeders wished to create a more variable population, which would include a wider range of colors and patterns in their coat. The Siamese was first crossed with other short-haired cats in the 1950s and the breed that resulted is the Oriental Shorthair.

Oriental Shorthairs may be a comparatively young breed, but they rapidly became popular because of the amiable disposition, wit, and appearance. The breed was accepted by major cat associations in the 1970s and is noted for its refined muscular body and the wide variety of colors and patterns of the coat.

Classification of Oriental Shorthair Cats

The Oriental Shorthair is a moderate cat of considerable muscle with a short, smooth coat. The have a look of mystery with triangular shaped heads, long and skinny noses, large ears and almond eye shaped. The outercoat is short, smooth, thin, close lying and does not obscure the natural contours of the body.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the Oriental Shorthair is the vast array of colors in which the breed comes in, more than 300, including solids, tabbies, colors, pointed, ticked, and more. The breed sports a short coat and thus do not need as much grooming as other long haired breeds.

By Purpose

Oriental Shorthair cats are mainly raised for purposes of being a pet. They are friendly, smart, and playful cats, and therefore perfect for families, singles, as well as elderly people. Their curiosity and childish temperament make them need constant exercise, and communication with people. They are social animals and love to stay with their owners, dog follows the owner from one room to another and always wants to cuddle.

These cats are very talkative, as are other Siamese cats, and they will not hesitate to ‘talk’ to their masters. They are friendly and clingy and will always seek out ways of interacting with their families. This is because of their high spirited nature and will be ideal for owners who will ensure they spend most of their time playing with them.

By Size

Oriental Shorthair cats are medium in size but have a fine boned structure which gives them a large look. Males are larger and should weigh between 8 to 12 pounds; females are slightly smaller and should weigh between 6 to 10 pounds. They are tall and thin with ripped muscles that show how fit they are.

Though they are a slender breed, Oriental Shorthairs are very active and mostly like to play around by jumping and running very high and very fast, especially when hunting. Their built is as energetic as they are active and it reflects their personality to the T.

Most Popular Oriental Shorthair Cats

The Oriental Shorthair cat breed is one of the most colorful breeds, as the cats can be of any color and have any pattern. The breed is offered in basic colors such as black, blue and cream; however, they are also available in tabby, spotted, ticked and even pointed coats, to have a great appearance.

The breed has green almond shaped eyes which is an added bonus and gives the cat a exotic look. Some owners prefer the bicolor or tricolor coat while some are captivated to the solid color coat of the dog such as black, blue or red.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Oriental Shorthair

Activity Level: This breed is one of the most active out there and require considerable attention. If you are thinking of adopting one, be ready to give him/her adequate playtime and mental exercise to keep him happy and safe. It is perfect for an energetic family, or the owner who has time to dedicate to the pets daily.

Vocal Nature: These cats are good talkers and so if you do not like a cat that is always meowing then you may need to choose a different breed. Due to their overly affectionate temperament, they will without a doubt inform you when they wish to be pet or when they have something on their minds.

Space Requirements: Oriental Shorthairs are quite tolerant of different environments but they prefer households with lots of space to run and climb around in. They are territorial animals and may like heights and therefore can be placed on shelves or towers. They are not designed for very small and especially for narrow environments.

Grooming: Like most other short hauled breed, the coat of this dog does not require much grooming as that of the long hauled breed but constant brushing is encouraged to keep the coat smooth, shiny and healthy. Another health problem that affects Oriental Shorthairs is the dental one, so the dental hygiene is something extremely important for Oriental Shorthairs.

Explore Other Popular Breeds

For Sale

But if you are looking for an Oriental Shorthair cat or any other domestic animal for adoption then websites such as www.petfinder.com are very useful as they post details of cats that are currently available for adoption. The list of reputable breeders is also provided on the site to make sure you obtain healthy and properly socialized kitten. It is always important to go back to the breeder or the adoption centre to confirm on health testing and proper breeding.

Tips for Responsible Oriental Shorthair Cat Ownership

Socialization: One thing to note with Oriental Shorthairs is that they are very sociable cats, which means you should play with them every day. They like to be close to their human siblings so ensure they blend well with the family activities and should be attended often.

Interactive Play: This will serve to ensure that their energy levels are kept in check and you can play with your Oriental Shorthair. Objects resembling prey – feather wands or laser pointers – can help them meet these needs and also offer some kind of a workout.

Diet and Health: Make sure you feed your Oriental Shorthair correctly with the right amounts of proteins, fats and vitamins necessary for your cat’s body. They should be noted to be sensitive to portion control because they can become obese if over fed. They will remain healthy if they are taken through routine vet checkups and if their weights are checked.

Mental Stimulation: These cats are smart and they love exploring. Give them something to chew on such as interactive toys and puzzle feeders to make them solve problems. An Oriental Shorthair cat might cause some damage when it is bored, so it must be stimulated.

Fun Facts About Oriental Shorthair Cats

Highly Vocal: Another breed which is reputed for being very vocal is the Oriental Shorthairs, which always seems to have something to say to its owner. They are somewhat vocal, therefore they are a perfect companionship for those who desire an active pet companion.

Athletic and Agile: All these cats are quite mobile and are known to have marvelous jumping skills. They are also active climbers preferring to jump on the high places, therefore, the shelves or cat trees should be there.

Affectionate Nature: Oriental Shorthairs as well are friendly cats that are likely to become close to their owners, and vice versa. They are attention seekers and will always trail their owners.

Variety of Colors: The Oriental Shorthair with over 300 colors is one of the most colorful breeds of cats. They come in all basic colors from solid colors to tabby patterns and anything in between and their appearance can be made to suit any personality.

FAQs About Oriental Shorthair Cats

Conclusion

Oriental Shorthair cats are beautiful cats, friendly, playful, and would be suitable for owners who want an active and responsive pet. Their slender built bodies and charismatic characters make them be a darling of many households that own cats. Proper care for these cats is that they might be wonderful and entertaining friends with their families for ever. Let it be that you are planning to get one as a pet or buying one, then Oriental Shorthair is a good choice to make.