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Birman vs Oriental Shorthair
The Birman is a calm, quiet longhair; the Oriental Shorthair is a slender, constantly talking athlete that hates being alone.
Verdict
These two cats differ on voice and pace. The Birman is a sweet, calm cat that rates 2 for voice and 3 for energy, and wears a silky medium-long coat combed a couple of times a week. The Oriental Shorthair rates 5 for voice, 5 for play and 1 for independence, has a fine short coat that needs almost no grooming, and wants a person at home for much of the day. Choose the Birman for a quiet companion and the Oriental Shorthair for a talkative, athletic one.
Choose the Birman if
- You want a quiet, calm cat for a family, with children at 5.
- You will comb a long, silky coat a couple of times a week.
- You want a cat that scores 5 for other pets.
- You can accept a cat that copes with slightly more time alone, with independence at 2.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You are home most of the day and want a clever, loving, vocal cat.
- You prefer a short coat that sheds lightly and needs almost no grooming.
- You want a slender cat, with males about 8 to 12 lb and females under about 8 lb.
- You will play with it daily.
Where they are alike
Both cats are affectionate, rating 4 for the Birman and 5 for the Oriental Shorthair, and both do poorly if left alone for long hours. Each is good with children and fits an indoor home with someone around.
Side by side
| Birman | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Longhair and semi-longhair | Shorthair |
| Origin | France, with a legendary link to Burma | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Long | Short |
| Coat | Medium-long, silky coat with little undercoat, longer on the ruff | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 3 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The silky coat has little undercoat and sheds in moderation, but people who react to cats may still react to a Birman. | — |
| Suits | A household that wants a sweet, calm, people-loving cat and will comb its coat a couple of times a week. | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away most of the day, or who wants a very active and independent cat. | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026