Oriental shorthair

The Oriental is a result of an attempt to save another breed

The oriental cat is a result of an attempt to save the Siamese breed after its population plummeted due to World War 2. Desperate attempts were made to save the breed, and the cat fanatics eventually managed to save the Siamese. But along the way, they also created a brand-new cat: the Oriental.

Initially, the Siamese breed has a colourpoint facemask. It has blue eyes and an otherwise genetically predetermined bright colour. The different variations of the bright brown is the only colour accepted for this breed.

The Oriental, however, is almost exactly the same cat as the Siamese. But it has a wide range of colours and a slightly different facial structure. They are still strikingly alike in their behaviour!

Oriental Shorthair vs Oriental Longhair

There are two different types of Oriental cats. They are the same but with different lengths to their coats.

The Oriental Shorthairs's fur is easy to maintain due to its shortness. The Longhair does require slightly more maintenance to avoid tangles. Still, its one-layered coat is easy to maintain.

Brushing is recommended once or twice a week, while normal cat hygiene should be applied otherwise.

Oriental shorthair aesthetics

The Oriental cat has a somewhat peculiar look. The Shorthair facial structure is comparable to Dobby from Harry Potter. Wide, big ears, with huge oval eyes that usually come in the colour green. A big nose, for a cat, and a triangular-shaped face with striking cheekbones.

The Longhair looks less like Dobby because of the long hair. It does have the same, slender body with athletic features and matching long legs and tail.

Oriental shorthair behaviour

The Oriental breed's personality is strikingly similar to the Siamese cat. They are highly intelligent felines with a distinctive need to socialise. They do require a lot of attention. However, they also have a reputation for alerting its owners if it feels unfairly treated. This is done by clear and loud vocalising.

The Oriental cats are notorious for their loud raspy, screeching voices. It will be impossible not to notice if you are under the same roof.

It is a needy and demanding little bugger that can sometimes seem a bit strict. Especially if it does not get the attention it feels like it deserves. The oriental loves being the centre of attention. And it will demand your focus.

The Oriental is not just a demanding protagonist. It is also an affectionate creature that forms strong ties to its owner. It has a reputation for following them around the house and wanting to witness everything.

When the owners need a break, it will be there to play or snuggle up in their lap. It will do these activities for the duration of the day. And when night falls, it will follow its owner into bed, curl up, and sleep there.

With intelligence comes curiosity. Which is clearly reflected in the Oriental breed. It loves to play and can be taught a series of different tricks if done right.

It loves to hunt moving toys and climb anything climbable. A potential owner should make sure to have enough toys to stimulate its active brain. Maybe even contemplate getting a high-point inside cat jungle to climb on as it will seek out the highest points of the room.

In terms of children and other pets, the Oriental is a firm believer of– the more, the merrier.

Oriental Shorthair Price

The Oriental Shorthair is a relatively rare cat to own and potential owners must expect to pay somewhere between $800-1200USD. Specially bred cats made for competitions and further breeding can cost up to $300USD.