Oriental

Origin and History

The Oriental (Oriental Shorthair) is a breed developed from a Siamese foundation, but instead of the "pointed" pattern it comes in hundreds of color and pattern variants. It retains the elegant build and personality of the Siamese; only its color range has been vastly expanded. A longhaired version also exists.

Appearance and Coat

It has a slender, athletic and exceptionally elegant body, a wedge-shaped face and striking very large ears. Its short, silky, close-lying coat can be solid, spotted, tabby or multicolored; its eyes are usually bright green. Because of this variety, it is also known as the "rainbow cat."

Personality and Temperament

The Oriental is exceptionally intelligent, social and talkative. It is very attached to people, constantly wants interaction and attention, and does not like being left alone. With its strong voice, it practically holds conversations with its owner. Thanks to its high intelligence it learns games and commands; it is an active, curious and engaged companion.

Care and Nutrition

Its short coat is very easy to care for; brushing once a week is enough. What it really needs is social interaction and mental stimulation; when left alone, it can develop stress and behavioral problems. Plenty of attention or a playmate is recommended.

Health

It shares the hereditary predispositions of the Siamese line: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which leads to progressive vision loss, amyloidosis, which involves protein deposits in the organs, and heart disease (HCM). A DNA test is available for PRA. Because it can also be prone to gum problems, regular dental care is recommended.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The Oriental is ideal for individuals and families looking for an intelligent, interaction-hungry and talkative companion and who can give it plenty of time and attention. It may be tiring for those looking for a quiet, independent cat.