The svelte and elegant Oriental Shorthair cat thrives on attention from their human family. This social butterfly craves attention!
Oriental Shorthairs are incredibly intelligent and always curious. Combine that with their boundless energy and you have a comedy show right in your own home. You can actually look in their eyes and see them thinking.
If you’re up for a fun babysitting adventure, then the Oriental Shorthair is absolutely the kitty for you. This loving and loyal cat will bring you a lifetime of fantastic memories.
Oriental Shorthair Cat Facts
- The Oriental Shorthair cat is one of the most talkative breeds according to their owners. If they have something on their mind, they will certainly let you know about it.
- Everyone likes to watch cats. But did you know the Oriental Shorthair craves the spotlight? If you’re ignoring this cat or busy with something, it will do anything possible to grab your attention. If you don’t give them any recognition, they will not be happy.
- Oriental Shorthairs have been known to become jealous or even territorial with their humans.
- This cat breed has more than 600 color, pattern, and coat length combinations making it the most of any other feline.
- The Oriental Shorthair is a man-made breed from England in the 1950’s. Among the Oriental Shorthair parents were Abyssinians, Russian Blues, British Shorthairs and other ordinary domestic cats which were all crossed with the Siamese. After only a few generations, the Oriental Shorthair was fully created.
- This cat is quite the social kitty. If you don’t have other animals to hold their attention, they will attach themselves to their favorite human like glue. The Oriental Shorthair is an extremely dependent feline and it does not do well when left alone.
Physical Features
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years with some living 20+ years having superior genetics.
- Weight: Female average between 5 and 8 lbs. while males tip to scales at about 8 to 12 lbs.
- Body Type: Long and slender build with a medium-sized muscular frame and long legs.
- Eye Color: Blue, green and odd-colored.
- Coat Color: WAY too many to mention here… Hundreds of colors and patterns.
- Shedding: Typical tendencies which will also tend to be heavier during Spring and Fall.
Personality Traits
- Activity Level: The Oriental Shorthair cat is very playful, acting like a kitten well into adulthood. It will also investigate everything in its path and then some.
- Breed Intellect: Oriental Shorthairs are one of the most intelligent breeds, if not the most. Between their intense curiosity and uncanny ability to solve any problems, you will soon realize how smart they really are.
- Temperament: For the most part, this cat is happy with life until you begin to neglect it. Then the Oriental Shorthair will take out its revenge by getting into everything and you may even see jealousy rear its ugly head.
- Attention Needs: Quite a bit above average. They are very clingy and can actually become depressed or get into mischief if left alone for long periods of time. Don’t Do It!
- Caring Nature: Oriental Shorthairs will attach themselves to their humans and follow them everywhere trying to “help” out. They definitely like a warm lap and take advantage whenever possible.
- Vocal Tendency: Most certainly one of the more talkative breeds when they’re in the mood. They will honk and meow to get their human’s attention.
- Kids Compatible: Being a lively and whimsical kitty, they get along well with kids however, please keep an eye on younger children who don’t yet know about cat etiquette.
- Tolerates Pets: It would be wise to have at least one other cat in your home as a playmate for this energetic breed. Cat-friendly dogs are always welcome as long as they’re not too aggressive.
- Stranger-Friendly: By all means, invite everyone over as the Oriental Shorthair loves all the attention he or she can get!
Health and Well-Being
Ideal Living Situation
Because the Oriental Shorthair cat is so animated, someone who leads a quiet life (such as seniors) may not be suitable for this breed. The perfect condition would be an active family in a large home with other animals around in case their humans want some down time.
Possible Health Problems
The Oriental Shorthair is typically healthy but there are a couple issues you need to be aware of.
The first is a sensitivity to anesthesia. You will need to let the vet know if your kitty has any surgery or even minor procedures such as dental cleaning.
The second issue would be Amyloidosis which can cause tissue and organ dysfunction. Which there is research going on, unfortunately, there is no test available to detect the amyloids as of yet.
Annual Vaccinations
There are four core vaccines and one non-core option available for all cats.
The first essential vaccine would be Rabies which is a fatal disease if exposed to it.
The second inoculation (FVRCP) is a combination of the remaining three core vaccines in one. This covers Feline Herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1 which is an upper respiratory infection, Feline Calicivirus or FCV which attacks the upper respiratory tract, and the final is Feline Panleukopenia Virus or FPV (also known as Feline Distemper) which is life threatening and extremely dangerous for young cats and kittens.
You can get the optional non-core vaccine Feline Leukemia Virus or FeLV. This is considered a core vaccine for every kitten. Make an appointment with your local vet to discuss and schedule all these vaccinations.
Grooming Routine
When caring for cats, there are four specific areas which need regular attention.
Weekly brushing is the minimum required to keep their fur healthy and shiny. This also helps distribute natural body oils, remove dead hair, and eliminate matted fur.
When the nails are getting a little too sharp and ripping furniture or carpet, it’s time to trim them. Be sure not to trim off too much of each nail as this can cause pain.
Cats are prone to periodontal disease and gingivitus so brushing their teeth with veterinarian-approved toothpaste once or twice a week should suffice. You can also give them dental treats to clean their teeth in between brushing.
Finally, you’ll want to address the ears. While cats have a built-in mechanism for cleansing their inner ear canals, the visible portion of their ears should occasionally be very gently swabbed to remove foreign matter.
Please consult a veterinarian for the proper procedures when grooming your cat.
Feeding Advice
Cats are known as obligate carnivores or strict meat eaters. Their diets should primarily consist of high protein and a few fats.
While carbohydrates are not usually a part of feline nutrition, scientists have concluded they are able to be used for energy in small amounts. On the other hand, if a cat is continuously fed too many carbs, diabetes can actually develop later in their life.
When choosing a wet or dry food, you need to read the caloric information labels to ensure your cat is being fed the appropriate nutrient levels.
Normally, wet foods should contain around 70% to 80% moisture as cats from past feral generations obtained most of their liquids from the animals they killed and ate.
Proteins are ideal when they’re between 10% and 20% in grain-free wet food. Seafood varieties are typically the highest in protein.
Two of the best dry food formulas on the market would be Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diet with High Protein and Orijen Biologically Appropriate Cat Food. These specially made dry food products include healthy amounts of prepared raw meats, some needed fats, and minimal carbohydrates.
Exercise Tips
You should plan to play with your cat at least 15 minutes everyday, although, more is encouraged with certain active breeds.
Feather toys and laser pointers are a great choice to keep them moving. This helps relieve their boredom and reduces the chance for depression as well.
For a really cheap play session, simply buy a ball of string. Cut off a ten foot section at a time and drag it around the house behind you. Your kitties will love attacking the end of the string! Big fun for a small price.
Catnip is another way to offer an edible distraction in their lives. Don’t worry, the effects typically wear off in about 15 minutes or so.
One of the best items you can acquire for exercise would be a cat tree or cat condo. This is basically a jungle gym for cats which provides a place for climbing, relaxing, and sharpening their claws instead of using your furniture.
There are a couple other alternatives including an exercise wheel, which can be somewhat expensive, and a simple body harness with a leash for outdoor walks. Your cat may or may not like this option but, you can give it a try.
Oriental Shorthair Cat Price
The Oriental Shorthair price for a spayed or neutered, pet-only cat starts at $400 to $600.
A fully registered kitten that has breeding rights and a less than perfect appearance will run around $600 to $900.
A high quality pedigree with outstanding features should cost between $900 and $2000 from a reputable breeder.
If you adopt an Oriental Shorthair, the shelter normally charges $30 to $175 but, just be aware, you’ll likely be getting a mixed breed.
Registered Oriental Shorthair Breeders
Lily of the Valley – Arizona
7th Heaven Orientals – California
Wild Rain – California
Thai Di Cattery – Colorado
H and L Cattery – Georgia
Sahja Oriental Shorthairs – Illinois
Sharbo Oriental Shorthair Cats – Illinois
Flint Hills Felines – Kansas
Sinergia Cattery – Massachusetts
Winterfrost Oriental Shorthairs – Michigan
Eligwen Cattery – Minnesota
Cataristocrat Cattery – Ohio
Elemental Orientals – Ohio
Faeryfire Cats – Ohio
Quincess Orientals Cattery – Pennsylvania
Bershar Cattery – Texas
Monrovia Cattery – Washington
Please Share This Page!
New Cat Lover Photo
Like Cat Lover Style? Type in your email and hit send. We’ll let you know about new posts.
More Cat Breeds
Oriental Shorthair
Support
Legal
Please Share This Page!
Hello and welcome! I’m a genuine cat lover and devoted parent of two adorable kitties. As you can see, cat adoption is meaningful for me. I believe it’s a humane and loving option. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the people who operate rescue shelters. To show my gratitude for their selfless dedication, I’ve designed this website to help enlighten potential feline owners and raise awareness for cat adoption. Please join me and other cat lovers in our efforts to ensure every kitty has a happy, healthy life!
Please consider adoption. So many cats need loving homes. You can be their hero! Visit No-Kill Rescue Shelters
Cat Lover Style
Copyright © 2020-2024