Oriental Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired, Short Haired

Weight

2.7-5.4 kg

Length

20-25 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Oriental Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you are looking for a furry companion, a friend who has love to give and a personality that lights up your day, look no further than the stunning Oriental cat. With their larger ears, angular faces, and wedge-shaped head, this unique breed could be the perfect family pet you have been looking for.

If you are unsure, take a deep dive here and find out everything you need to know about Oriental cats, including temperament, lifespan, history and feeding. This is the ultimate guide to this special breed, so keep reading and see if you are inspired to add a new member to your family.

What Is the History & Origin of the Oriental Cat?

This unique breed is relatively new. After World War II, there was a sharp decline in Siamese cats, so a group of New York breeders decided to try and save them by setting up a breeding program pairing them with other cats. They bred Siamese cats with breeds like Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, and domestic shorthairs.

Some of the offspring had all the characteristics of the Siamese, but others became hybrid breeds. These were crossed again and soon became grouped together based on their characteristics and colours, and the Oriental breed was born.

What Is an Oriental Cat Breed?

The Oriental cat breed characteristics are as special as their appearance. With over 300 colours and their unique regal-looking faces, these cats are a sight to behold. They have pointed ears and angular faces with big eyes and shiny fur.

The most common is the Oriental shorthair, but they do have Oriental longhair cousins. The Oriental has a similar personality to the Siamese in that they love to chat and be involved in anything you are doing.

These cats are very sociable and almost clingy once they find their forever person. They have a lot of love to give and a playful and sometimes mischievous personality.

Who Is an Oriental Cat Best For?

Whilst a hypoallergenic cat doesn’t exist, the Oriental shorthair cats can be more suitable for those with allergies over other cat breeds. They can be seen as high maintenance; however, this is more to do with attention from you.

They like to be with you all the time; they are a lap cat, and will even try to sleep on your bed, so you need to be prepared for a full-time commitment! Both the Oriental shorthairs and their longhaired cousins need to be groomed regularly, and the breed has been known to live for more than 15 years, so they will become a real long-term family member.

What Does an Oriental Cat Look Like?

The Oriental Shorthair has a very unique appearance. They are a long, slender cat with the muscular body of the Siamese. They have distinctive big pointy ears and an angular face.

Coat

Oriental Shorthairs have a fine, shiny, sleek coat that will need grooming regularly. The short hair makes them more suitable for those with allergies than some other breeds.

Colour

With over 300 colours, the Oriental breed has been affectionately nicknamed the ornamental breed. There are so many colours, from blue to lavender to smoke. They can have green eyes, blue eyes and even odd eyes.

Patterns

The colour variation also creates stunning patterns like tortoiseshell and tabby. Unlike the Siamese breed, the Oriental doesn’t have points meaning any pattern and colour covers the whole body.

Oriental Cat Grooming & Shedding

These beautiful cats have a short coat that needs grooming regularly to keep it shiny and silky soft. However, weekly brushing with a stainless steel comb is enough so they are easy to care for when it comes to grooming.

They do shed fur like all cat breeds; however, they don’t shed much. Routine brushing and finishing by polishing the coat with a soft cloth will give it shine and remove dead hair.

The biggest grooming issue with this breed is the big ears. You need to ensure they are kept clean and look out for wax build-up or foreign objects. Your vet can talk you through the best way to do this, but a cotton bud with a little warm water will help reduce wax.

How Do Oriental Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

The loving and playful Oriental Shorthairs have so much personality. They crave attention and love to be around all family members, including other pets. They are very sociable and playful and will always want cuddles and snuggles.

They will love to sit on your lap and even sleep in your bed. This breed is energetic and athletic, so they love to play and interact. In addition, they are intelligent and have been known to learn tricks.

However, this need for attention can become an issue if they are left alone for too long. If they are not getting the attention they crave, they can become mischievous and entertain themselves by jumping off things and finding places to hide.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Oriental Cats?

Habits

These cats love to snuggle and cuddle, some like to be carried around, and others will sleep under the covers. They like to explore and hide and love attention from you and are known for being very vocal.

Activity

They are intelligent animals and love interactive play and puzzle toys. They are energetic and athletic, meaning they enjoy climbing and exploring. They will benefit from a cat tree or a high up cat shelf. They need constant attention, so if you go out a lot, this isn’t the cat for you.

Are Oriental Cats Vocal?

These little guys are known for their chatty nature. They are very vocal and use their voice to communicate with you. They make a ‘honking’ sound and are definitely noisier than other breeds, so you are looking for a quiet kitty, the Oriental Shorthair may not be for you.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of an Oriental Cat?

Weight

Their weight can range from 2.7-5.4 kg.

Height

Their height ranges from 20-25 cm.

Size

These cats are medium in size; however, their slender physique and features can make them look more statuesque.

Are Oriental Cats Easy to Train?

Oriental Shorthair cats are intelligent and have been known to be trained to walk on a lead and play fetch.

Does the Oriental Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

The Oriental Shorthair is a relatively healthy breed; however, they do have some health conditions similar to those of the Siamese.

These can range from bladder stones, periodontal disease, heart problems and mast cell tumors. Always make sure you get your pet from a reputable breeder and make regular vet visits to ensure they stay healthy, and anything out of the ordinary is caught early.

What Is the Lifespan of an Oriental Cat?

The Oriental Shorthair has a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, but many make it past that milestone.

How Much Does an Oriental Cat Need to Be Fed?

The Oriental Shorthair needs a diet similar to any other cat, one that is mostly meat so they can get the protein and fats they need to sustain their health. They are active cats, so they need a good protein intake for muscle repair.

They prefer to eat small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. There are cat food brands specifically tailored to the Oriental Shorthair diet needs. Always make sure there is plenty of fresh water available too.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for an Oriental Cat in Australia?

Oriental Shorthair cats cost from $500 and can go up to $3000; however, always check your local animal shelters to see if you can rescue one and give it a forever home.

Oriental Cat FAQs

Can Oriental cats be left alone?

Oriental Shorthairs are highly sociable and love attention and so don’t like to be left alone. There will be times when you need to pop out, but if you feel you will be away a lot, this isn’t the breed for you as they get very lonely.

How can I tell if my cat is Oriental?

Oriental Shorthairs very distinct features. The Cat Fanciers’ Association and International Cat Association note that they have large ears, an angular face and almond-shaped eyes and come in a wide range of colours and patterns. Orientals are also very vocal and crave attention more so than other breeds.

Are Oriental cats smart?

Yes, this cat is very intelligent and so needs plenty of stimulation and interaction. They have been known to be trained to play fetch and even walk on a lead.

What is an Oriental tabby?

The Oriental tabby is a variation of the Oriental breed and has distinctive markings such as spotted, classic and mackerel tabby patterns.

Why do Oriental cats have such big ears?

Big ears are important for cats in the wild as they act like satellite dishes helping them to track the minute sounds of their prey. They have become an attractive trait on the domesticated cat and serve no real purpose other than hearing when you get home and when you call for dinner!