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The Origin and History of the Oriental Shorthair Cat
The Oriental Shorthair is a breed of cat that originated in Thailand and was developed from the Siamese cat breed.
Siamese cats have been known in Thailand for centuries and are considered aristocratic royal cats. It was brought to the Western world in the late 1800s and quickly gained popularity. However, some breeders are interested in creating a cat with a distinctive Siamese appearance but with more colors and patterns.
In the mid-20th century, breeders in the United States began crossbreeding the Siamese with other cat breeds, such as the American Shorthair cat and the Abyssinian cat, to create a breed with a distinctive Siamese appearance, but there are more colors and patterns. This led to the development of the Oriental shorthair cat.
The Oriental Shorthair was first recognized as a separate breed in the 1970s by cat associations in the United States, and it has since been recognized in other countries as well.
Appearance characteristics of the Oriental Shorthair cat
The Oriental Shorthair cat is like a natural-born dancer or athlete, with a slim, lithe, neat body but amazingly strong muscles and bones. Their necks and heads are exceptionally long, pointed out like triangles, with large round eyes and oversized long ears on top of their heads. The arms, legs, and tail are usually long and slim, neither fat nor thin, but sturdy and solid.
Oriental Shorthair Cat.
The Oriental Shorthair cat has a short, smooth, velvety coat, the longest hair is at the tip of the tail, and the coat has a variety of colors. Coat color can be monochromatic, multicolored, tricolor, mixed, spotted, striped… Depending on the coat color, the eye color can be blue, green, or bicolor. Because of the variety of coat colors, they are also known as “Ornamentals.”
The Oriental Shorthair cat size, height, and weight:
- Cat Size: Medium
- Height: 20.31~25.4cm (8~10 inches)
- Weight: 2.7~5.4kg (6~12 pounds)
Personality characteristics of the Oriental Shorthair cat
Naughty, active, and do not like to stay in one place, the Oriental Shorthair cat never gets tired of discovering new games. They like to play catch, pick up things to bring back to their owners and jump to the highest places in the house. If you do not find toys for the cat or leave them alone for too long, they will lay out a battlefield littered with toilet paper, spilled boxes, and scattered items …
The Oriental Shorthair is a cat breed always looking for an owner to bond with; they can avoid strangers or even a few family members. But when he likes someone, the cat will follow that person and find ways to attract attention. If you’re busy, you’ll go crazy when they keep bothering you when you’re at your busiest: trying to get in front of you, jumping around, meowing all day long. They are talkative and love telling you what they did that day in a loud, high-pitched voice. This breed is unsuitable for those who like quiet, but if you like to chat, this makes you a great best friend.
In case you often have to go and do not have much time for your pet cat at home, find them a friend to help the Oriental Shorthair cats not get bored and find ways to explore everything in the house, making the furniture messy crystal up.
How to take care of the Oriental Shorthair cat
Living conditions
The Oriental Shorthair should be kept at home to avoid illness or threats from other animals. This cat breed is very active and curious; you should keep an eye on the cat to avoid wandering outside, getting lost, or in danger of being caught by thieves.
How to care and hygiene
The short coat of the Oriental Shorthair cat will save you a lot of time when brushing or bathing. Every week or two, brush them with a clean comb or soft brush to brush away any loose hairs and use a soft cloth to polish the coat to make it smooth.
Check your cat’s eyes, ears, and teeth regularly. Help them brush their teeth once a week to prevent dental disease. If the cat’s eyes appear to have discharge, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the corner of the eye to clear the dirt. Cat ears are also the part that often gets dusty or parasitic with small objects; use a soft cloth soaked in warm water and apple cider vinegar with a ratio of 50-50 to gently wipe the inner ear because the cat’s ears are very vulnerable.
Like all cats, the Oriental Shorthair will not defecate if the litter box is too dirty. Check the litter box and change it daily to ensure the hygiene of your pet.
Health problems with Oriental Shorthair cats
Some diseases that are common in Siamese cats may also affect Oriental Shorthair cats, including the following:
- Dental problems: Oriental Shorthair cats are prone to dental problems, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care, including professional brushing and cleaning, can help prevent these problems.
- Respiratory Problems: The Oriental Shorthair is also prone to respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis. These conditions can cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath and may require ongoing management and treatment.
- Kidney Disease: Oriental Shorthair cats can develop serious and potentially life-threatening kidney disease. Regular checkups and kidney function tests can help detect this problem.
- Hyperthyroidism: Oriental Shorthair cats are at high risk of developing hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. This can cause weight loss, increased appetite, and other symptoms.
- Obesity: Oriental Shorthair cats can be prone to obesity, which leads to many health problems. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent this problem.
Not all Oriental Shorthair Shorthair cats will develop these health problems, and many can live long, healthy lives with proper care and management. Regular veterinary checkups and preventative care can help detect and manage health problems early.
Appropriate physical activity
Due to the love of play and activity, the Oriental Shorthair cat needs the attentive care of its owner. If left alone for too long, they will become sad and depressed. Buy cat toys and spend a lot of time with them; cats are also friendly, and it is easy to make friends with other animals if they treat cats respectfully.
How much does an Oriental Shorthair cat cost?
Normally, owning an Oriental Shorthair cat will usually cost from $600-$1000. However, because of their color diversity, cats with beautiful colors will be more expensive.
