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Oriental Shorthair Cat Breed Introduction
Oriental Shorthair is a domesticated cat that is a member of the Siamese family of breeds. They portray a wedge-shaped head with large ears and almond-shaped eyes. Their bodies are typically “sleek” but muscular. They are known to be emotional, social, and intelligent cats who are vocal. Oriental Shorthairs enjoy living in groups and seek human interaction.
Moreover, they have a fine, glossy coat that is very short and close-lying. Oriental Shorthairs are available in all colors, patterns, and eye colors. They require a calm environment and can be left alone for a few hours. They are known to require a high level of enrichment including simulated hunting games and interactive play. These cats have slender bodies that can leap into high places as they are athletic. They are usually green-eyed and differ from the Oriental Longhair due to their coat length.
Origin
The Oriental shorthairs were first developed in the United States and the United Kingdom. They were attained when breeders bred the European Shorthair and Siamese. They have a foundation stock ultimately from Thailand. In 1977, the CFA accepted them as an actual breed for championship competition in the US-headquarter.
After 20 years, in 1997, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy recognized the breed, but with coat conformation differences from CFA. Despite this, the breed remains popular among CFA members. In addition, the Oriental shorthairs have remained a moderate, classic Siamese type.
Lifespan
The Oriental shorthairs are healthy cats who have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Grooming
They have a short, fine, glossy coat that requires brushing once a week. Owners can use a Slicker or Pin brush to remove loose hair from the undercoat. They do a good job of grooming themselves and will only require a bathe if they get dirty.
Use a cat toothpaste and soft toothbrush to clean their teeth twice a week to prevent dental problems. Clean the Oriental shorthairs’ ears to remove wax and loose debris using an ear cleanser and a damp cotton ball. After one month, trim their nails to keep them in check.
Shedding
Oriental shorthairs shed their short coat but less than other cat breeds. They can also shed excessively with sudden changes in environment or routine.
Coat
The Oriental shorthairs have a short, fine, and glossy coat.
Oriental Shorthair Hypoallergenic
There are no truly hypoallergenic cat breeds, however, the Oriental shorthairs are known to be hypoallergenic. This is because they shed way less thus the Fel d1 produced is less. This makes them considered good for allergic people. The Fel d1 triggers allergic responses in humans and it is also available in their saliva and urine. Therefore, beloved cat fanciers of this breed should spend lots of time with the cat before adopting to ensure it triggers zero allergies.
Training
Oriental Shorthairs are recognized for their intelligence, which makes them trainable with positive reinforcement. To avoid loneliness, owners can consider getting another cat as they do not like to be left alone. Additionally, they enjoy playing cat games with their parents.
These cats can be trained to walk with a harness and learn commands such as “high five,” “sit,” “come,” or “no.” Socializing the Oriental Shorthairs is crucial for effective training, which can be achieved by taking them to new places, meeting new people and animals, and going to parks. This helps to boost their confidence.
When training, it is recommended to keep sessions short to keep the cat engaged. Once they have learned the command words, owners can introduce new tricks, but only after a year. Owners should always praise, cuddle, and reward the cat for correct behavior and should not punish the cat for bad behavior. Effective housebreaking rules should also be provided, including early crate training, potty training, and feeding schedules.
Oriental Shorthair Personality
- Inquisitive.
- Sociable.
- Devoted.
- Intelligent.
- Friendly.
- Emotional.
- Active.
- Elegant.
- Agile.
- Playful.
Funny
They are funny cats courtesy of their very friendly and playful temperaments. Oriental shorthairs are also able to learn new tricks that entertain their owners.
Exercise
The Oriental Shorthairs are playful and active and tend to get the exercise they need on their own. However, they enjoy playing with owners’ cat games or with another cat. The cats can also be trained to walk with a harness.
Meow
The Oriental Shorthairs are members of the Siamese breeds which are known to be vocal. Oriental Shorthairs are chatty and they vocalize frequently. The cats can meow to greet the owners, get your attention, get food, address if they are unwell, or tell the owner something is wrong. Oriental Shorthairs like to make their presence known by meowing, playing games, and being around people.
Oriental Shorthair Size
The Oriental Shorthairs are medium-sized cats that stand at a height of 9 to 11 inches ( approx. 23 to 28 cm ) with the male weighing between 8 to 12 pounds ( approx. 3.6 to 5.4 kg ) while the female weighs 5 to 8 pounds ( approx. 2.3 to 3.6 kg ).
Height
The Oriental Shorthairs are medium-sized cats that stand at a height of 9 to 11 inches ( approx. 23 to 28 cm ).
Weight
The male Oriental Shorthairs weigh between 8 to 12 pounds ( approx. 3.6 to 5.4 kg ) while the female Oriental Shorthairs weigh 5 to 8 pounds ( approx. 2.3 to 3.6 kg ).
Oriental Shorthair Health Issues
They are generally considered to be healthy cat breeds. However, like any other breed, they can suffer from several health conditions. Some of the common issues that they may experience include eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and entropion. In addition, some Oriental Shorthairs may develop problems in their lower respiratory tract, such as feline asthma.
Liver disease is another potential health concern for these cats, which can be caused by a direct infection of the organ, inflammation of the gall bladder, kidney tissue, inflammatory bowel, or pancreas disease. Kidney disease is also a common condition that affects Oriental Shorthairs, which infections, blockages, tumors, or toxins can cause. Additionally, these cats may suffer from cystitis, which affects the bladder and urethra.
As a responsible pet owner, it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of illness in Oriental Shorthairs and seek veterinary care if you suspect that something may be wrong.
Eye Problems
The y may be susceptible to inherited eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and amyloidosis. Progressive retinal atrophy is known to be a form of vision loss that results in blindness. Cats with this condition show signs at seven months and lose their sight completely between the ages of 3 to 5. Moreover, these cats can also suffer from conjunctivitis which is an inflammation of the insides of a cat’s eyelids. The pressure inside their eyeballs can lead to glaucoma. Additionally, these cat breed may also experience problems with their retina.
Allergies
Oriental Shorthairs, like other cats, may suffer from food allergies, atopic dermatitis from house dust, pollen, molds, insects, and environmental allergies. The cats may also show various symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes or developing an ear infection. Digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea are also possible. Other symptoms may involve snoring, swollen and sensitive paws, and excessive licking.
If your cat experiences these symptoms, it’s best to consult a vet. In the case of atopic dermatitis symptoms, keep your home dust-free by cleaning frequently to reduce dust and dirt. To manage food allergies, make sure to feed your cat an appropriate diet, and avoid smoking around them.
Other cat breeds include:
Names
Owners of Oriental Shorthairs generally name their feline companions either before or after adopting them. The names are commonly derived from several sources, including the cat’s place of origin, its physical attributes, famous songs, books, movies, or the cat’s distinct coat pattern. It is also crucial to ensure that the name selected is dissimilar to any commands that the cat may learn during training. Some of the names Oriental Shorthairs can have include:
- Coco.
- Chin.
- Manga.
- Lucky.
- Lux.
- Darach.
- Aki.
- Cora.
- Kenji.
- Ming.
Pregnancy Length
Cat Food
Oriental Shorthairs food should mostly be meat-based with the best combination of both wet and dry cat food. Feed them the right diet depending on their size, age, and energy levels. The food should provide all the nutrition, high protein, low carbs, and moderate fats so that they are healthy. Additionally, these breeds are prone to being obese and having dental issues.
Oriental Shorthair Colors
The Oriental Shorthairs are available in various range of coat colors and patterns such as smoke, shaded, parti-color or tortoiseshell, tabby, and bicolor.
Brown
There are no brown color Oriental Shorthairs. However, they can be produced as Cinnamon. The gene responsible is the light brown gene in combination with dilute, the Fawn. The color is normal Chocolate Brown gene responsible for the production of the brown coloring seen in the Havana and Chocolate Point Siamese.
Black
They may have Ebony color. However, they are not necessarily deep black cats. They should also not have any hints of red or pale undertones. Additionally, they have black noses and paw pads.
Orange
Oriental Shorthairs are available in golden color. The undertone can range from off-white to apricot or orange. The tipping color affects the paw pads and nose of the feline.
White
Their are Oriental Shorthairs that have a white coat with no markings. If it contains other markings it will fall under another color type. These cats have their nose and paw pads pale pinkish and green eyes.
Tabby
Tabby is a type of color pattern that is available in Oriental Shorthairs. The color comes in patterns like Classic, Mackerel ( dense narrow markings), Spotted, Ticked, and Patched. Moreover, each hair shaft should have a band of color around the middle of the hair shaft. This color is recognized by GCCF and CFA.
Types
They are classified as one type. However, the Orientals are available in short and longhaired versions.
Oriental Shorthair Siamese
The Oriental Shorthairs are closely related to the Siamese cat and are known for maintaining the modern Siamese head and body type but appear in a wide range of coat colors and patterns.
Eyes
Oriental Shorthairs are supposed to have green eyes with no flecks of contrasting color. However, in colors like cream, apricot, and red the eye color may be less intense.
Oriental Cats with Big Ears
The Oriental Shorthairs are popular for their large bat-like ears.
Bat Ears
Oriental Shorthairs have a striking feature of large bat ears. The ears are far apart, broad at the base and then taper to a point.
Floppy Ears
Some Oriental Shorthairs can have floppy ears. The ears are folded over and still have that flopped appearance. The ears can appear to be floppy if the cartilage of the ear is broken due to trauma since it is responsible for giving the ear its shape.
Teeth
Oriental Shorthairs are prone to Gingivitis which causes inflammation of the gums around the teeth and is usually diagnosed between 7-10 months of age. The cat owners should ensure their cat’s teeth are in good condition. The cat is supposed to have 30 permanent teeth for an adult and 26 deciduous teeth for a kitten.
Fangs
Oriental Shorthairs like other cats have fangs or canine teeth that are highly evolved to help them hunt, kill, and eat prey. These teeth also help them during self-defense.
Kitten Price
The price of Oriental Shorthairs kittens ranges from $600 to $1200 depending on their age, size, and location of the breeder.
Oriental Shorthair Cat Price
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much Are Oriental Shorthair Cats
Oriental Shorthairs cats have a price ranging from $800 to $2000.
How Big Do Oriental Shorthair Cats Get
The male Oriental Shorthairs weigh between 8 to 12 pounds ( approx. 3.6 to 5.4 kg ) while the female Oriental Shorthairs weigh 5 to 8 pounds ( approx. 2.3 to 3.6 kg ).
Are Oriental Shorthair Cats Hypoallergenic
Yes. The Oriental Shorthairs are hypoallergenic as they shed their short coat way less. Thus, they do not drop a lot Fel d1 protein hence they are tolerable.
Do Oriental Shorthair Cats Shed
Yes. The Oriental Shorthairs shed but minimal.
Oriental Shorthair Facts
- Celebrity Adam Driver is compared to Teddy the Oriental Shorthair from Holmdel, New Jersey.
- Dobby Cat is a famous Oriental Shorthair cat has a Twitter and Facebook account.
- The Oriental shorthairs have remained a moderate, classic Siamese type.
