Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
15–20 years
Weight
3–5 kg
Group
Shorthair
Personality
Colors & Patterns
300+ colors and patterns
Oriental Shorthair
About This Breed
The Oriental Shorthair is a breed of domestic cat that is developed from and closely related to the Siamese cat. It maintains the modern Siamese head and body type but is available in a wide range of coat colors and patterns (over 300 colour combinations). Like the Siamese, Orientals are highly social, curious, and vocal. They are often called 'the rainbow cat' due to their wide variety of colors. They are intelligent and tend to be very talkative.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Oriental Shorthair
Origin
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Group | Shorthair |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 3–5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Colors & Patterns | 300+ colors and patterns |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Social · Playful · Intelligent · Vocal · Curious |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Health and lifespan
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
Offer places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. Try different toys to see what your cat enjoys.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
Siamese cats are beloved in the cat community. But some cat enthusiasts wanted Siamese cats with coats just as vibrant as their personalities. And so the Siamese hybrid—the Oriental Shorthair cat—was born. Coming in every hue and color combination possible, the Oriental Shorthair is a lively breed that treasures human companionship. They’re slender, with comically large ears and sweet, almond-shaped eyes. Caring for an Oriental Shorthair An Oriental Shorthair won’t allow you to ignore them. In fact, if they’re feeling slighted, they’re sure to let you know with a vocalization that sounds more like a little goose honk than a cat meow—earning them the nickname “honking cat!” They’re shadowlike and inquisitive, which means there’s no lack of entertainment or mischief when an Oriental Shorthair is in the house.
Care Guide
An Oriental Shorthair won’t allow you to ignore them. In fact, if they’re feeling slighted, they’re sure to let you know with a vocalization that sounds more like a little goose honk than a cat meow—earning them the nickname “honking cat!” They’re shadowlike and inquisitive, which means there’s no lack of entertainment or mischief when an Oriental Shorthair is in the house. But at the end of an interactive day, the Oriental holds their own as one of the most affectionate cat breeds around.