Oriental Shorthair cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is a Siamese-type cat in a wide range of colours. It descends from Siamese cats and other shorthairs, and breeders in the United States, led by Vicky and Peter Markstein in the New York area, worked from the 1960s to produce the many colours. An organisation for the breed formed in 1973. The CFA took the breed into championship in 1977 and the bicolour in 1985, and the British GCCF recognised it in 1997.

The look is long and elegant. The body is lean and tubular, the head a wedge, the ears very large, and the eyes almond-shaped. The short coat lies close to the skin. In theory more than 300 colour and pattern combinations are possible, though the colours that are accepted differ by registry. They include solids, tabbies, smokes, shadeds, tortoiseshells and bicolours.

Temperament and living with one

Oriental Shorthairs are among the most people-focused of cats. They are curious, athletic and clever, and they like to talk, with a loud and expressive voice. Many are playful into adulthood, enjoy fetch and learn tricks. They want to be involved, so expect a cat that sits on your keyboard, follows you from room to room and comments on your day.

They generally get along with children and with other cats and dogs, and many do best with a companion. They do not like being left alone for long. Boredom shows up as noise and mischief, so offer climbing space, puzzle toys, and play every day.

Care: coat, food and play

Grooming is easy. A rub with a soft cloth or a weekly brush keeps the coat in order. Trim the nails and clean the ears if they need it. The breed is lean, so feed measured meals of a complete adult diet and keep the cat active.

Warmth is welcome, because a cat with a fine coat and little body fat may seek out heated spots. Offer a window perch, a tall cat tree and a rotating supply of toys.

Health

Oriental breeds are linked to progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye disease that can lead to blindness and has a DNA test. Amyloidosis, in which protein builds up in organs such as the liver, also occurs and may be inherited. Some kittens suffer from flat-chested kitten syndrome. Ask the breeder about the parents' testing and about illness in the lines, and ask your vet what checks suit your cat. Pet insurance is worth considering.

Is it right for you?

Choose an Oriental Shorthair if you want a clever, vocal and loving cat and have time to play. It suits a household where someone is home most days. It is a poor match for a quiet life or a long working day. If you like the type but want a pointed pattern, compare the Siamese and the Tonkinese, and for a long coat the Oriental Longhair.