Oriental Shorthair
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament

Oriental Shorthair

Other names: Foreign Type
The Oriental Shorthair is a breed of domestic cat known for its unique appearance and temperament. Due to its sleek profile, it has been nicknamed the greyhound of cats. This elegant feline possesses pure, harmonious, and subtle lines, a lively temperament, and great intelligence.
length
28-36
11-14.2
cminch
cm inch 
hight
23-28
9.1-11
cminch
cm inch 
weight
3.6-5.4
7.9-11.9
kglbs
kg lbs 
life span
12-15 years
US
Th
Country of Origin:
USA , Thailand
Sh
Fur Length:
Short
Cr
Breed origin:
Crossbreed
Recognized by: 9 registers
ACFA
CCCOFA
CCA-AFC
ACA
GCCF
LOOF
TSACC
CFSA
ACF
FIFE
WCF
NZCF
TICA
CFA

Appearance

The Oriental Shorthair is a medium-sized cat with a slender and muscular body, featuring refined lines. The head is medium in size and proportionate to the body, while the neck is long and slender. Their ears are large, pointed, and wide at the base, complemented by medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes that are slightly oblique towards the nose, with a pure, luminous, and vivid green color. The legs are long and thin, with small, oval feet, and a very long, thin tail that tapers towards the tip. This breed boasts a very short, fine, shiny, silky coat that is almost devoid of an undercoat. They come in a variety of solid colors and patterns, including smoke, shaded, parti-color/tortoiseshell, tabby, and bicolor variations (any of the aforementioned colors with white).
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Body type
Coat type
Eye colour
Fur colour
Body type

Origin

Like the Siamese, the Korat, and the Khao Manee, the Oriental cat is native to Thailand and was imported in 1850. They arrived in the United Kingdom at the end of the 19th century, but between 1920 and 1930, there was a clear preference for the Siamese cat. Just after 1950, some British breeders began to take an interest in the Oriental cat. Around 1968, American breeders joined this 'trend' by starting a selective breeding program, opting for a more refined extreme morphological type. In the mid-seventies, the Oriental Shorthair was recognized by different feline entities.
Parent animals
Breed origin
Origin countries

Temperament

Oriental Shorthair cats possess a unique set of characteristics that set them apart from other feline breeds. They are known to be arrogant, curious, lively, unpredictable, and temperamental individuals. These felines crave attention and become disheartened when it is lacking. Despite their demanding nature, Oriental Shorthair cats exhibit a deep capacity for affection and loyalty towards their owners. Their sociable and energetic demeanor makes them eager participants in various activities, always ready to engage in play. These cats detest solitude and thrive in the presence of companions, whether they are children, other cats, or even dogs. Their intelligence shines through as they observe and partake in everyday tasks, from mopping the floor to operating remote control devices. Furthermore, Oriental Shorthair cats are not ones to be silent. They are famously vocal creatures, expressing themselves through melodious meows and engaging in lively conversations with their human counterparts. This communicative trait adds an extra layer of charm to their already magnetic personalities, fostering a strong bond between pet and owner.
Activity Level:
Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
Diet preferences
Reproduction
Grooming
Common health issues
The Oriental Shorthair thrives on high-quality food rich in protein, essential for maintaining its energy levels and promoting lean muscle growth. Opt for cat food that lists meat such as chicken, turkey, or beef as the primary ingredient to ensure a balanced diet. Moreover, it’s crucial to keep your feline friend well-hydrated by offering constant access to fresh, clean water. This combination of nutrient-rich food and ample hydration is key to supporting the health and vitality of your Oriental Shorthair.
Oriental Shorthair cats have very strong reproductive health and can produce kittens twice a year. Each litter typically contains 5-6 kittens, although they can have up to 10 kittens in a single litter.
This breed, the Oriental Shorthair, boasts a low-maintenance short coat that requires just weekly brushing to stay in prime condition. Bathing is seldom necessary, with occasional coat wiping usually sufficient. However, special care should be directed towards their distinctive large ears. Regular monitoring for wax build-up and any abnormalities is essential. Your vet can recommend suitable ear-cleaning techniques; typically, a moistened cotton ball can effectively cleanse these unique bat-like ears. Maintaining your cat's nail health through regular trimming and supplying a designated scratching post is also vital. Additionally, paying attention to dental hygiene by cleaning your cat's teeth regularly is crucial in preventing potential dental issues.
Oriental Shorthair cats are prone to a number of health conditions, with amyloidosis being a particularly serious and common one. This condition involves the accumulation of abnormal proteins, called amyloid fibrils, in tissues. The symptoms of amyloidosis are non-specific and can include fatigue, peripheral edema, weight loss, shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness upon standing. The organs most commonly affected by amyloidosis are the kidney and heart. In addition to amyloidosis, Oriental Shorthair cats are also at risk for congenital heart defects (CHD), which refers to structural abnormalities in the heart or great vessels present at birth. Symptoms of CHD can range from mild to life-threatening, including rapid breathing, bluish skin (cyanosis), poor weight gain, and fatigue. This condition falls under the category of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, this breed is susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic disease that leads to the gradual degeneration of the retina and eventual vision loss, resulting in blindness. These health concerns highlight the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and early intervention to ensure the well-being of Oriental Shorthair cats.

References

  1. Oriental Shorthair Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Shorthair