The Oriental Shorthair is a breed of cat. It is also called a "Foreign Type" cat. The Oriental is a man-made breed and comes in both a Shorthair and a Longhair variety.

The Oriental breed is available in the widest array of colors and patterns of any breed. In fact, Orientals are sometimes nicknamed "Ornamentals" because they can be bred in over three hundred posssible color and pattern combinations.

The Oriental Shorthair Cat Origin

The Siamese cat was imported to Britain from Siam ( Thailand ) in the later half of the 1800s. According to reports, both pointed and solid colors were imported. The gene that causes the color to be restricted to the points is a recessive gene, therefore the general population of the cats of Siam were largely self (solid) colored. When the cats from Siam were bred, the pointed cats were eventually registered as Siamese the others were referred to as "non-blue eyed siamese" or foreign shorthair. Other breeds that were developed from the moggies of Siam include the Havana Brown and the Korat.

It was not until 1977 that the Oriental Shorthair was accepted for competition into the CFA. In 1985, the CFA recognized the bicolor oriental shorthair. The bicolor is any one of the accepted oriental shorthair color patterns with the addition of white to the belly, face, and legs/paws.

The Oriental Shorthair Cat Appearance

The ideal Oriental Shorthair cat should be graceful, svelte, muscular and fine-boned.

Body: Long and svelte, with tapering lines, lithe but muscular.

Head: Like the Siamese, is a long, tapers to a wedge and is in good proportion to the body.

Chin and Jaw: Medium sized. The chin should be strong and full, not receding or diminutive. Tip of the chin should line up with the tip of the nose on a vertical plane.

Ears: Strikingly large and pointed, wide at the base. Position should continue the lines of the wedge.

Eyes: The eyes appear to be almond shaped, set in an almond aperture, medium in size. Set shall be slanted toward the nose in harmony with the lines of the wedge. Neither protruding nor recessed. Eyes are either blue, green or odd-eyed (a cat with eyes that are two different colors).

Neck: Long and slender in proportion to the body and head length.

Legs: Long, thin and in good proportion to the body.

Feet: Dainty, small and oval. Toes; five in front and four behind.

Paws: Small, dainty and oval.

Tail: Long, narrow at the base, tapering to a fine point, with no kinks.

Weight: Male 7-10 lbs.; Female 5-8 lbs.

Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years

The Oriental is in general a healthy breed but can suffer from the same defects as the Siamese, since they are closely related. Protrusion of the cranial sternum is a common, though not serious, defect seen in some Siamese and related breeds. Endocardial fibroelastosis is a more serious anomaly that can be found in some Siamese lines.

The Oriental Shorthair Cat Colors and Coats

Sometimes referred to as a Siamese with designer genes, the Oriental Shorthair (OSH) is accepted in myriad colors and patterns (over 300) - so many that breeders usually specialize in a few favorites. Solid ebony is the most common color. The coat is short, fine textured, and satin-like, lying close to the body.

The Oriental cat may have either brilliant emerald green eyes or they may possess the stunning sapphire blue eyes of their Siamese ancestors. Some Orientals, depending on coat color, are even allowed to have odd-eyes, meaning that they can have one green eye and one blue eye. Such occurrences are completely natural and does not indicate any kind of vision problem or poor breeding.

The Oriental is probably one of the easiest cats to groom and tend for in all of the world. Due to the lack of matting undercoat in this breed, the Oriental doesn't require much brushing to keep him looking beautiful. Many breeders recommend not bathing show cats. Many Orientals enjoy an occasional brushing with a rubber brush, and remember to clip claws monthly.

The Oriental Shorthair Temperament

The Oriental's personality is as colorful as its coat. Oriental Shorthairs are intelligent, social animals who bond closely to their people. They are inquisitive, friendly, emotional, demanding and often quite vocal.

Oriental Shorthairs have been likened to a Greyhound or a Chihuahua in appearance. Some people say they are 'dog-like' in personality, particularly because they become so attached to people. They usually adapt well to lively children, though they might need time for adjustment if they come from a quiet household. A good climbing post allows them to work off energy and helps them maintain the proper lean physique.

The Oriental's are very sensitive and easily hurt, if ignored. Forget about doing any project without the help of your cat. Orientals love to help. Though not a lap cat, Orientals do enjoy a good cuddle.

The Oriental kitten is not a wise choice for the person who works all day and then likes to go out at night. If, however, you're looking for a snuggly and lovable companion who will greet you at the door and vocalize his worries about you, then the Oriental is about as personable and loving as you can get.