The Oriental Long hair is a lean and medium sized Cat Breed, recognized for its muscular athletic body that may feel unexpectedly weighty. Beneath its luxurious fur, it features the classic triangular wedge shaped head akin to the Siamese, boasting a straight profile, large wide set ears, and captivating, intelligent eyes. This longhair cat breed flaunts a fine and silky coat, longer on the tail, and is known for its playful and intelligent demeanor. Originating from a mix that includes British Angora and Siamese ancestry, it typically showcases eye colors ranging from green to blue. For those interested, acquiring an Oriental Long hair from a reputable breeder ensures adherence to breed standards and a variety of coat colors like black, blue, cinnamon, caramel, red, and cream.

• Oriental Long Hair Cats are suited for experienced cat owners.
• Requires plenty of mental stimulation. 
• Loves hunting games like Flying Bird Cat Toy.
• Oriental Long Hair Cats love Interactive Toys.
• Extremely active and curious.
• Highly social and craves companionship.
• Very vocal and expressive.
• Slim and graceful in appearance.
• Daily Grooming is essential for maintaining their coat.
• Thrives with access to outdoor space for exploration.
• Not typically recommended for busy family households.
• Can handle short periods of being alone.
• Prefers a quiet and peaceful home environment.
• Bonds deeply with one or two people.
• Enjoys climbing and high perches like Floating Window Beds.
• Sensitive to changes in routine or environment.
• Can get bored easily without engaging activities.
• Prefers consistent attention and affection from owners.
• May benefit from being the only pet in the home.

Oriental Long hair cats are generally healthy, but like many purebred cats, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues. Common health problems in the Oriental Long hair Cat may include:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), leading to vision loss.

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  Respiratory issues due to their slender build, which can affect Oriental Long hair Cats.

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  Dental problems, such as Gingivitis, which require regular care in Oriental Long hair Cats.

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  Heart disease, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is something to monitor in Oriental Long hair Cats.

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  Gastrointestinal sensitivities, sometimes leading to food Allergies.

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  Obesity, especially if their high energy needs aren't met with activity.

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  Liver disease, including hepatic lipidosis in rare cases.

Vaccinations and Regular vet check-ups and a well balanced diet can help mitigate these risks.

The Oriental Long hair, a distinguished longhair Cat Breed, bears similarities to the Siamese but boasts a longer, silky coat and a long, tubular body. Known for their domestic elegance and captivating green eyes, these cats are descendants of the British Angora and Javanese Angora breeds. They thrive on companionship, displaying intelligence and a curious nature akin to their Siamese ancestors.

Developed in the UK during the 1950s, the Oriental Long hair is essentially a Siamese cat in a diverse array of colors, excluding the traditional pointed colors of its Siamese counterpart. In the post World War 2 era, breeding cats were scarce, prompting crossbreeding with Siamese cats to produce both Oriental Short Hair and Long Hair varieties. The wide range of colorations in the kittens contributed to the creation of the Oriental breed, while the short haired color pointed kittens helped enrich the Siamese gene pool.

Over the years, the Oriental Long hair has remained a moderate and classic Siamese type, characterized by its long silky coat, long tubular body, and striking green eyes. This domestic cat breed, often likened to the Siamese but with a broader coat range, reflects the influence of British Angora and Angora Javanese breeds, embodying elegance and a strong affectionate bond with its owners.

While the Oriental Long hair enjoys exploring a well furnished cat run or "catio" and would appreciate roaming freely, it's crucial to prioritize their safety. Given their bold, curious, and athletic nature, they may venture into unsafe situations. Ensuring their security not only protects them but also prevents them from potentially becoming adept "cat burglars," skilled at acquiring treats and trinkets from neighboring homes, which could lead to unwelcome confrontations with neighbors.

The Oriental Long hair thrives in a home tailored to their needs. Prepare with ample cat trees, jungle gyms, platforms, and climbing frames. Protect delicate knick-knacks and ornaments, as Orientals enjoy knocking items to the floor and playing with shiny objects. Use Puzzle Feeders to simulate hunting activities, keeping them engaged and out of trouble, at least temporarily!

Every cat breed is unique, with their own specific likes, dislikes, and nutritional needs. For instance, a longhair cat or an Oriental Long hair cat may have particular dietary requirements. As obligate carnivores, cats, including Oriental cats, require 41 distinct nutrients from their diet. The proportions of these nutrients differ based on age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, a growing, energetic kitten needs a different nutrient balance compared to a less active senior cat. Additionally, it's important to feed the appropriate quantity to maintain an 'ideal body condition' according to feeding guidelines and to cater to individual preferences for wet or dry food. Remember, catering to your cat's unique needs is a form of cat love.

Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article. 

The Oriental Long hair requires daily brushing, which provides a chance to bond with your cat and inspect for injuries or parasites. A greasy coat may indicate that your cat is not self grooming, which could be a sign of poor health.

Regular Vaccination and Flea control are recommended for all cats.

The Oriental Long hair is ideal for owners who prefer active, intelligent pets that require a lot of interaction and don’t mind quirky behaviors. This breed is better suited for homes with adults and older children or teens, as they demand significant time and attention. If their needs are not met, behavior problems may arise.

Here are five amazing fun facts about the Oriental Long hair cat:

1. Diverse Coat Colors : Oriental Long hair cats come in over 300 different colors and patterns, making them one of the most visually diverse Cat Breeds.

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   Highly Vocal : These cats are known for being incredibly talkative, often carrying on "conversations" with their owners using a variety of meows and chirps.

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   Close Relatives to Siamese Cats : The Oriental Long hair cat shares a lineage with the Siamese, inheriting their sleek body and striking almond-shaped eyes.

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   Loves High Perches : Oriental Long hairs are natural climbers and love exploring high places, often perching on top of furniture to survey their surroundings.

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   Affectionate Velcro Cats : They are known as “velcro cats” due to their affectionate nature, often following their owners around and demanding constant attention.