Oriental Shorthair
The Siamese shape in hundreds of colours
The Oriental Shorthair has the same elegant shape as the Siamese, but without the pointed colouring. Breeders developed it in the 1950s and 1960s by crossing Siamese with other breeds, such as British Shorthairs and Abyssinians, to bring in new colours while keeping the type.
The result is a cat with the build and chatty personality of a Siamese, in an enormous range of coats.
Oriental Shorthair at a glance
- Origin
- Britain and the USA
- Size
- Medium, slim
- Weight
- Usually 3 to 5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Short, fine and glossy, lying close to the body
- Colours
- Hundreds of colours and patterns, from chestnut and ebony to cream, white, tabby and tortie
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 4 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 5 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 1 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
An Oriental is long and lean, with a long wedge-shaped head, a long straight nose and very large, wide-set ears, and almond-shaped eyes that are green in most colours and blue in whites. The tail is long and thin. The coat is short and fine, and the huge range of colours includes solids, tabbies, smokes and tortoiseshells.
Personality
Chatty, affectionate and attention-seeking. Orientals are people cats through and through, with loud, expressive voices, a high energy level and a talent for getting involved in everything. They are clever, playful and happiest when someone is at home, so many do best with a feline friend.
Care and grooming
Minimal grooming: a weekly rub with a soft cloth or brush. What they do need is company, play, climbing space and puzzle toys, and a warm bed, as they feel the cold. Keep their minds busy to prevent boredom behaviours.
Health to know about
Similar to the Siamese: dental disease, asthma and other airway problems, amyloidosis (a liver condition) and progressive retinal atrophy can all occur. Ask breeders about health testing, and have regular dental checks.
Could suit
- Homes where someone is around most of the day
- People who enjoy a chatty, interactive cat
- Owners who like training and games
Think twice if
- If you want a quiet cat
- If you are out all day with no other pets
- If you cannot stand being followed from room to room
“I have a lot to tell you about my day, and I will start at five in the morning.”
Compare the Oriental Shorthair
Name ideas for a Oriental Shorthair
- Chestnut
- Ebony
- Mocha
- Jasper
- Sable
- Truffle
- Pepper
- Domino
- Cocoa
- Raven
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a Siamese and an Oriental Shorthair?
The shape is the same, but the Siamese has pointed colouring (dark ears, face, legs and tail), while the Oriental comes in solid colours and many patterns.
Are Oriental Shorthairs noisy?
Yes, they are famously chatty, with strong, expressive voices.
Do Oriental Shorthairs need company?
Yes. They are very social and may be unhappy alone for long, so many do best with another cat or a person at home.
How long do Oriental Shorthairs live?
Often 12 to 15 years, and sometimes longer with good care.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
