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.

• How long do Oriental Long Hair cats live  10 - 15 years.
• Oriental Long Hair cats average weight   2.3kg to 4.5kg.
• Oriental Long Hair cats colours   They come in all colours, all patterns and eye colours.

• Oriental Longhair Cat's benefits from an experienced owner
• Oriental longhair cats requires stimulating enrichment
• Oriental cats are highly active and curious cat
• Oriental Longhair Cat's are social and reliant on human companionship
• Oriental Longhair Cat's are vocal and communicative cat
• Oriental Longhair Cat's are sleek and graceful in appearance
• Oriental Longhair's requires daily grooming attention
• Oriental Longhair Cat's thrive with ample outdoor space
• Oriental Longhair's are best suited to quieter households
• Oriental Longhair Cat's can tolerate being alone for short periods

The Oriental Longhair breed may be prone to flat chested kitten syndrome, a condition affecting the proper development of the chest, potentially leading to respiratory difficulties.

The Oriental Longhair, 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.

• Family-friendly: 1/5
• Playfulness: 5/5
• Intelligence: 5/5
• Tendency to Vocalize: 4/5
• Likes Other Pets: 5/5
• Grooming needs: 2/5
• Shedding: 3/5

Developed in the UK during the 1950s, the Oriental Longhair 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 Longhair 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 Longhair 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 Longhair 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 food dispensing toys 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 Longhair 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 parasite 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.

1. What is the temperament of an Oriental Longhair?

Oriental Long hairs are active, intelligent, and social cats. They love interacting with their owners and thrive on attention and companionship.

2. Are Oriental Longhairs good with children?

They are generally good with older children who can handle them gently. Due to their need for attention and interaction, they are best suited for families with older kids or teenagers.

3. How much exercise do Oriental Longhairs need?

Oriental Longhairs are very active and playful. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation through playtime and interactive toys.

4. How long do Oriental Longhairs typically live?

With proper care, Oriental Longhairs can live between 12 to 15 years or longer.

5. Can Oriental Longhairs be left alone for long periods?

They prefer not to be left alone for extended periods. If you are away often, consider getting a companion cat to keep them company.

6. Are Oriental Longhairs hypoallergenic?

No cat is truly hypoallergenic, but some people with mild allergies may tolerate Oriental Longhairs better due to their grooming habits and coat type.

7. What kind of litter box is best for an Oriental Longhair?

A clean, well maintained litter box in a quiet, accessible location is ideal. Some cats prefer covered boxes, while others do not.