Oriental Shorthair cat is a big, long-eared, and very interesting cat breed. It comes in 300 different colors. That’s why it is also called a rainbow breed. Its ancestors were Siamese, Balinese, and also Oriental Longhair cats.
These talkative cats have many things to know. As their ancestors lived in a temple in Thailand and got a royal treat, some of the traits are still present in these Oriental Shorthair’s character. Let’s have a look.
Table of Content
Breed specialty of Oriental Shorthair:
Alt: Oriental short hair cat starring At night.
Other names:
Rainbow cats, Ornamental cats
Personality:
Intelligent, active, playful, athletic, talkative, smart, undertaker, affectionate, friendly to children, strangers, and other pets, dependent, attention seekers, and social.
Coat patterns:
Tabby, shaded, Solid, Smoked.
Coat colors:
With a variation of 300 colors- White, Black, Orange, Grey, and Brown.
Length:
Up to 18 inches
Weight: Up to 12 pounds
Coat length:
Short
Eye colors:
Green, Yellow, Blue, Gold, and 2 colors in 2 eyes (odd eyes).
Life expectancy: U
Up to 15 years (in some cases 18 years).
Allergenic tendency:
Yes
Origin:
Thailand (Siam), later United Kingdom.
Origin of the Oriental Shorthair:
The ancestors of Oriental Shorthairs are mainly Siamese cats from Siam (Thailand). Siamese cats made their way to the United Kingdom in 1890 and the USA in 1878.
The animals were also in jeopardy when the Second World War broke out.
So, the British breeders crossbred Siamese cats with Russian Blue, Abyssinians, British Shorthairs, and Balinese.
The result was a non-pointed breed took birth. But it was a vast range and may be critical. So, the breeders decided to recognize all non-pointed cats as Oriental Shorthair cats.
Oriental Shorthaired was introduced first in the USA in 1970. They gained championship status from the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) in 1977.
The breed was only a shorthaired breed at first. But the Americans continued breeding further, and a longhaired version also took place. The longhaired Oriental breed gained championship status from CFA in 1995.
Crossbreeding in the USA results in 300 color shades of the breed, and the reason behind calling the breed Rainbow cats is the 300 colors. 300 Colorful coats exist today.
Appearance Of Oriental Shorthair:
Body:
Just an athletic body shape- long, slim, sleek muscles, the tube-shaped body they have.
Head:
A tri-angled and elongated head that looks like Aliens with wedge-shaped muzzles and long-straight nose.
Ears:
Very long and big ears situated in the headlines. Ears are wide from the base, and tips are pointed upward. The ears are bigger than the head and face.
Eyes:
Almond-shaped and medium-sized eyes slant toward the lines of the head and ears. Eyes are Green, Yellow, Blue, Gold, and 2 colors in 2 eyes (odd eyes).
Legs and Paws:
The legs are long and well-structured, proving their playing and exercise ability. The back legs are bigger and more curved than the forelegs. Paws are short and oval.
Tail:
The tail is also slim and medium, tapering at the middle point at the end.
Coat:
The coats are short, glossy, dense, and close to the body, with a fine texture. The coats have 300 shades of color.
Temperament and nature that oriental Shorthair treats with you:
Oriental Shorthairs are intelligent, active, playful, athletic, talkative, smart, undertaker, affectionate, friendly to children, strangers, and other pets, dependent, attention seekers, and social.
They will undertake your house. They can be found anywhere in your house, even on the cupboard.
Oriental Shorthairs are outgoing and love to meet new people. They can’t be left alone for long hours at a time.
They like a full and joint family and a big and busy household. If you keep them in a small place and leave them alone, they will express their despair.
Another significant trait is- they are very much talkative. They will express their joy, sorrow, excitement, separation anxiety, and loneliness by high voltage meowing. Some owners complained that they vocalize just like their regal ancestor- Siamese cats.
Oriental Shorthairs have another characteristic, and that is- they want other pet cats along with them. That means you can’t keep just one Oriental Shorthair in your house. You have to keep 2 or 3 cats together. They communicate with their owners, love to chat, and select anyone in the family to start adapting their behavior to them.
Oriental Shorthairs have another characteristic, and that is- they want other pet cats along with them. That means you can’t keep just one Oriental Shorthair in your house. You have to keep 2 or 3 cats together. They communicate with their owners, love to chat, and select anyone in the family to start adapting their behavior to them.
Caring, grooming, and exercise of Oriental Shorthair:
Oriental Shorthairs are not high-maintenance cats. Weekly one-time coat brushing is enough in all seasons as their coat is short.
An occasional cat bath will be enough for them. Weekly 2 times toothbrushing and trimming their nails after every 15 days is enough.
But you have to take enough care of their Bat-like ears. You must clean the ears weekly at least once. Consult your veterinarian about learning the cleaning process. You can clean their ears with a Cotton ball and some warm water.
Keep their litter box clean. Besides, as you already know that Oriental Shorthairs are very active and playful, just like the Athletes, so you must provide them with enough toys, and a tall cat tree is also a must.
Leave them outside under supervision for some time daily. Play with them at their convenient time for their exercise.
Bring to entertain them Gigwy Melody Chaser, Tall cat trees, Cat harnesses, and Catit Senses Food Tree for their brain exercise.
They have climbing habits on the refrigerators and cupboards. So, a tall cat tree is a must if you share your house with an Oriental Shorthair. They also like playing fetch. So, spare some time for them. They are also keen to learn.
Living needs of Oriental Shorthairs:
Your Oriental Shorthairs’ first and foremost need is physical and mental stimulation. So, provide them with Jungle gyms, platforms, climbing frames galore, and a tall cat tree. They also need a furnished and decorated home with companions.
So, you better keep at least 2 Oriental Shorthairs together. They always need a friend in sight so that they can play with him. They can thrive both in apartments and big houses.
Health and problems of the Oriental Shorthair breed:
Oriental Shorthairs have some health problems like other breeds. They are-
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Lever and Kidney Amyloidosis
- Bladder stone
- Cell Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Feline Hyperaesthesia Syndrome
- Crossed eyes
- Ear infections
- Gingivitis
So, a regular vet check-up is mandatory to keep your Oriental Shorthair fit and healthy.
Food and nutrition tips for Oriental Shorthairs:
Your Oriental Shorthair needs a premium and ideal diet and nutrition to support their busy mind and body so that they thrive. Provide them with enough Protein. Always feed them in Kibble. You can also use a Catit Senses Food Tree.
Thus your intelligent Oriental Cat will be busy with brain exercise, and a sleek look will also be maintained. A calorie controller diet is appropriate for indoor cats because they can’t burn calories.
A mixture of wet and dry food in a dry kibble is ideal for keeping your pet’s Kidney fit and avoiding urinary disease.
When they’re Kids (around 12 months), provide them kitten diet for their proper growth.
Always keep in mind that your pets must stay slim and fit. Provide them with enough fresh water too.
I suggest some beat wet and dry food names so your oriental Shorthair can maintain its sleek appearance.
Such as
Top dry foods for Oriental Shorthairs-
Advanced triple action dental care for adults, Hills Science diet indoor cat for adults 1-6 years, Royal Canin.
Top wet foods for oriental Shorthairs:
Royal Canin Sensory Multipack, Advanced Wet Adult Cat Food, Ziwi Pick Wet Cat Food, Hils Science Diet Feline Wet food.
7 reasons you should not have Oriental Shorthair cats:
Every good thing is not for all. Thus, Oriental Shorthairs may not be the best for everyone. I will tell you the reason- why?
- They take over your house. So, if you want a calm lap cat, then Oriental Shorthair is not a good choice.
- They can’t stay alone and suffers from separation anxiety. Anybody must stay around them most of the time. Otherwise, they get bored and destructive. So, if you stay out for long hours, don’t get Oriental Shorthairs.
- They’re very smart. So, you have to play with them during their playing time. So, they are not for you if you can’t give them enough time.
- They like a busy household. So, if your house is so quiet, look for another choice.
- They’re talkative, meowing, and loud breed. They will vocalize a lot when they need food or anything. So, If you don’t want a talkative and loud cat, stay away from the breed.
- They want another cat in the house. You can’t keep just one Oriental Shorthair in your house because your Oriental needs cat buddies. So, if you can’t afford 2 or 3 cats together, then Oriental Shorthair is the wrong choice.
- Their ears need special care because of Bat-like ears. If you don’t have patients and enough time, then Oriental Shorthair cats are not for you.
Overview of the Oriental Shorthair breed:
An elegant, playful, and sleek look creature with a long body and big ears. A talkative, social, cuddly cat breed that likes to climb human’s shoulder. They’re prone to climb in that places that they shouldn’t climb.
It is a very affectionate breed that loves to participate in the owner’s daily life and feels sad if ignored by its adorable one. The cats originated in England, and their ancestors are Siamese cats, British shorthair cats, Abyssinian Cats, and Balinese Cats. Their size is 18 inches in length and 12 pounds in weight.
From where to adopt an Oriental Shorthair:
As the breed has a large fan base, they are available to both local or national groups and breeders; Cat shows, and shelters.
You can search on the following websites:
CFA breeder directory.
The International Cat Association (TICA) directory.
Oriental Cat Association Rescue.
Some facts about Oriental Shorthairs:
- Gongaleze’s Oriental Shorthair cat Stache became a celebrity when he resembled Star War actor Adam driver and his brother Bindy, Teddy, and Dexter. Stitch got millions of fans and followers on its Youtube and Instagram fans and followers.
- Most Oriental Shorthairs have White furs and Blue eyes.
- Some Oriental Shorthairs can change color. Such as- Black and Blue cats go to the Sunlight- rust-hued patches can come out, and pale Yellow patches in Brown and Cinnamon coat colors.
- They need extensive outdoor space.
