Oriental Short hairs are a captivating cat breed known for their lean, muscular, and athletic build, making them heavier than they appear. These medium sized domestic cats have a head with the classic triangular wedge shape, similar to the Siamese cat, featuring a straight profile, large wide set ears, and intelligent eyes. The Oriental Short hair boasts a fine, glossy coat that is very short and close lying, showcasing various color patterns. This shorthair Siamese cat requires specific care. The Oriental Short hair, beloved in the world of cat lovers, embodies the elegance of the oriental breed and the charm of the domestic cat.

• Benefits from experienced owners
• Requires plenty of enrichment. 
• Loves hunting games like Whack-a-Mole Cat Toy.
• Very active and curious.
• Sociable and dependent on attention.
• Extremely vocal.
• Slim and graceful build.
• Needs weekly Grooming.
• Prefers large outdoor spaces.
• Not the best fit for family homes.
• Can be left alone for a few hours.
• Thrives in a calm environment.
• Uses expressive Body Language to communicate.
• Requires regular dental care for healthy Cat Teeth.
• Often forms strong bonds with one person.
• Enjoys climbing and high spaces.
• Sensitive to changes in routine.
• Agile and quick in movement.

The Oriental Short hair cat breed can be prone to several health issues, including:

• Hepatic amyloidosis : where proteins accumulate in the liver, potentially leading to liver failure.

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  Flat chested kitten syndrome : a condition in which the chest doesn't develop properly, causing breathing difficulties.

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  Progressive retinal atrophy : an inherited disorder where parts of the eye degenerate, potentially resulting in blindness.

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  Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) : A genetic eye condition that can lead to blindness.

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  Heart Disease : Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a concern, which affects heart function.

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  Respiratory Issues : Due to their fine bone structure, they may be more prone to respiratory problems.

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  Obesity : Their active nature usually keeps them fit, but overeating can lead to weight gain and Obesity if not monitored.

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  Liver Disease : Particularly hepatic lipidosis, which can occur if they stop eating for an extended period.

Available testing for Oriental Short hairs includes:

• DNA testing for progressive retinal atrophy, which can determine if a cat is at risk for this condition.

Care for Oriental Short hair cats involves monitoring their health closely due to these potential issues. Ensuring a diverse gene pool can help mitigate these genetic conditions within the shorthair Cat Breed. Proper care for these domestic cats includes regular veterinary check-ups to manage and prevent health problems associated with hepatic amyloidosis and retinal atrophy.

¹J. S. Van der Linde-Sipman et al., "Generalized AA-amyloidosis in Siamese and Oriental cats," May 1997, Veterinary Immunology and Immunohistopathology.

Like their Siamese cat ancestors, Oriental Short hair are a lively, elegant, and intelligent Cat Breed with high levels of energy and curiosity. These oriental short hair cats bond well with family members and thrive on attention and affection, embodying the essence of cat love. Known for their active nature, they enjoy supervising and being 'helpful,' often getting involved in your activities. While they are slightly less chaotic and loud than shorthair Siamese cats, particularly the modern type, they still require attentive care. With their striking color patterns and domestic cat charm, Oriental Short hair cats should not be left unsupervised for long periods.

Developed in the UK in the 1950s, the Oriental Short hair is effectively a Siamese cat of a different color any color except the traditional 'pointed' colors of the Siamese cat. After World War II, the shortage of cats available for breeding led to crossbreeding with Siamese cats, resulting in the creation of the Oriental Shorthair and Oriental Long Hair Breed. The wide variety of colored kittens became the Oriental Short hair cat breed, while the color pointed kittens helped expand the gene pool of the Siamese breed.

Over the years, the Oriental Short hair has retained a moderate, classic Siamese type, rather than the extreme wedge headed look of modern Siamese cats. The oriental short hair cat is beloved for its diverse color patterns and remains a cherished domestic cat, requiring specific care. The Oriental Short hair epitomizes cat love with its unique blend of elegance and charm, making it a standout among shorthair Siamese breeds.

Although the Oriental Short hair delights in navigating a well equipped cat run or 'catio' and would undoubtedly relish the freedom of roaming outdoors, the world can be perilous for such a bold, curious, and athletic cat. For their safety and to maintain neighborly harmony, it's essential to keep them secure.

The Oriental Short hair's Long Hair counterpart can be quite the stealthy cat burglar, skilled at liberating treasures and treats from neighboring homes!

Every cat has its individual preferences, dislikes, and nutritional requirements when it comes to food. However, all cats are obligate carnivores and must obtain 41 specific nutrients from their diet. The proportions of these nutrients vary based on age, lifestyle, and overall health. Consequently, the nutritional needs of a growing, energetic kitten differ from those of a less active senior cat.

It's crucial to consider feeding the right quantity of food to maintain an 'ideal body condition,' following feeding guidelines tailored to each cat's specific needs.

Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article. 

For the Oriental Short hair, a weekly brush through is typically sufficient, but Grooming sessions should be viewed as bonding opportunities and chances to inspect your cat for injuries or parasites. A greasy coat might signal that your cat isn't grooming itself adequately, possibly indicating underlying health issues.

As with all cats, it's important to maintain regular Vaccinations and Flea Control as recommended. These measures contribute to your cat's overall health and well being.

The Oriental Short hair cat falls on the more intense end of the feline spectrum, ideal for owners who appreciate active, intelligent pets requiring ample interaction and who are unfazed by peculiar behaviors and quirks. They are best suited for households with adults and older children or teenagers, as they demand significant time and attention. Neglecting their needs could lead to behavior issues.

• Over 300 Coat Colors : Oriental Short hairs come in an astounding variety of colors and patterns, more than almost any other breed.

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  Chatty Companions : These cats are known for their talkative nature, often engaging in "conversations" with their owners.

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  Cousins to the Siamese : The Oriental Shorthair is closely related to the Siamese cat, sharing the same elegant body and vocal personality.

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  Incredibly Agile : Oriental short hair cats are sleek, muscular bodies make them excellent jumpers and climbers, always exploring high places.

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  Expressive Ears : Oriental short hair cats are large, bat like ears aren't just for looks. They use them to communicate a range of emotions.