Oriental Shorthair
Fine silhouette and large ears, very vocal, lively and devoted. Size Medium, life expectancy 12–16 years, energy High. Expect CHF 1'000 – 1'800 to buy and CHF 60–110 / month upkeep.
See available Oriental Shorthair
The profile at a glance
- Fine silhouette, large ears
- Very attached and devoted
- Lively and intelligent
- VERY vocal
- Copes poorly with being alone
- Demands attention
Temperament
Fine silhouette and large ears, very vocal, lively and devoted.
Daily needs
Lots of interaction and play, companionship.
Health & care
Eyes, teeth, heart. Robust.
Ideal for
Owners who are around, lively households.
Origin & history
The Oriental Shorthair is a slender cat closely related to the Siamese, with which it shares the fine, muscular silhouette, the triangular head and the large ears. The breed was developed in the 20th century, notably in Britain, from the Siamese crossed with other cats in order to obtain a wide variety of coat colors and patterns in short hair. Unlike the point-marked Siamese, the Oriental comes in countless solid or tabby colors. Energetic, talkative and very sociable, it is an intelligent and playful cat, deeply attached to its owners and known for its constant need for interaction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference from the Siamese?
The Oriental Shorthair shares the build of the Siamese but comes in many solid or tabby colors, instead of the Siamese's point markings.
Is it talkative?
Yes, like the Siamese, it is a very expressive and vocal cat that readily communicates and actively seeks its owners' attention.
Is it suitable for someone who is often away?
Less ideally: very sociable and attached, it copes poorly with prolonged solitude and enjoys company, whether human or another animal.
Similar breeds
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