Oriental Shorthair

Overview

Overview of Oriental Shorthair

If you love art and want a painterly-looking kitty, look no further than the Oriental Shorthair. The Oriental Shorthair, a.k.a Oriental Bicolor, is typically white with splashes of color, so some would liken them to the Jackson Pollacks of the cat world! They are a Siamese hybrid first developed in England during the 20th century and a member of the Siamese group of cat breeds, including the Oriental Longhair, Siamese, and the Balinese. They all have the same long, slender build, triangular head, and almond-shaped eyes, but the Oriental Shorthair's distinguishing feature is the array of colors their short coat comes in, ranging from carbon black to a light caramel. No two Oriental Bicolors are the same! Their eyes come in a variety of colors as well, but green is the most sought after. Their short coat only requires a gentle weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and keep these kitties looking great.

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for Oriental Shorthair

Mast cell tumors in cats:

Like their Siamese ancestors, Oriental Shorthairs may be prone to developing mast cell tumors (MCT), a type of tumor consisting of mast cells. Mast cell tumors can cause cancerous masses on the skin or vital organs, leading to the enlargement of the spleen and intestine.

Recommendations for Mast cell tumors in cats in Oriental Shorthair Cats:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for Oriental Shorthair

Separation Anxiety in cats:

Oriental Shorthair cats are highly social kitties so if they are left alone for too long, they may become restless or mischievous.

Recommendations for Separation Anxiety in cats in Oriental Shorthair Cats:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for Oriental Shorthair

Cardiomyopathy in cats:

Just like their Siamese ancestors, Colorpoint Shorthairs may be prone to cardiovascular issues like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) which is a thickening of the heart muscle. This is the most common form of heart disease in cats and may be caused by an overactive endocrine system.

Recommendations for Cardiomyopathy in cats in Oriental Shorthair Cats:

Personality

Oriental Shorthairs love being the center of attention and will talk your ear off if you let them! These kitties are a cross between a Siamese, a Cornish Rex, with a splash of American Shorthair, so they are incredibly athletic, playful, and clownish. These kitties are sure to entertain you for hours with their silly antics and curiosity. Be careful not to leave them alone for too long, or they may become mischievous. Oriental Shorthairs are incredibly loving, bond closely with their families, and even get along great with well-mannered dogs and other cats. So if you want a colorful, elegant companion who loves a good chat, you’ll love an Oriental Shorthair!