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Oriental short hair

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of cat oriental short hair!

Here, you will find all the useful information about oriental short hair. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The Oriental Shorthair cat breed, known for its slender grace and elegant appearance, is the result of meticulous selective breeding that has given rise to a refined and captivating feline breed. Its history dates back to the creation of the Siamese and Oriental breeds, with which it shares many characteristics.

The history of the Oriental Shorthair is closely intertwined with that of the Siamese breed. In the 19th century, the first Siamese cats were introduced to the West from Thailand (formerly Siam). These cats with colorful coats and piercing blue eyes quickly gained admiration from cat enthusiasts in Europe and North America.

Breeders enthralled by the Siamese cats' elegant features set out to create a short-haired variant. The goal was to preserve the graceful appearance and slim figure of the Siamese while introducing the short coat variant. The initial crossbreeding experiments between short-haired Siamese and other short-haired breeds laid the foundation for the new breed.

The selection work was intensive, aiming to maintain the slim silhouette of the Siamese while developing the characteristic short coat of the Oriental Shorthairs. The efforts were successful, and the new breed quickly gained popularity among cat lovers worldwide.

Its ancestors are thus the short-haired Siamese and Oriental cats, whose genetic influence is responsible for their distinctive traits. The Oriental Shorthairs have inherited the elegance, grace, and varied colors of their Siamese ancestors while benefiting from their own short and silky coat.

In terms of morphology, the Oriental Shorthair presents a graceful, slender silhouette with well-developed muscles that showcase their liveliness and agility. Their head is triangular, with large pointed ears and expressive almond-shaped eyes. The breed comes in a multitude of colors and patterns, ranging from classic Seal Point to sophisticated Cinnamon Smoke.

The character of the Oriental Shorthair harmonizes with its elegant appearance. These cats are known for their high intelligence, insatiable curiosity, and social nature. They enjoy interacting with their owners and participating in all household activities. Extremely talkative, they don't hesitate to express their opinion and engage in conversations with melodious meows.

The average weight of the Oriental Shorthair typically ranges between 2.5 and 4.5 kg (5.5 to 10 lb), while their shoulder height is around 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches). However, it's important to note that these figures can vary depending on various factors such as gender and individual genetics.

The breed was initially recognized by the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) in 1972, and then by the TICA (The International Cat Association) in 1977. The latter played a crucial role in the recognition and promotion of the breed worldwide.

Today, the Oriental Shorthair is esteemed and cherished worldwide for its exquisite beauty and charming character. Although not as widespread as some other cat breeds, it has gained a solid base of admirers and dedicated breeders. Its timeless elegance, engaging personality, and silky coat make it a sought-after choice for cat enthusiasts seeking a graceful and energetic companion.

In summary, this stylish feline embodies elegance and sophistication. Its history is closely linked to that of Siamese and Orientals, and its appearance combines grace and finesse. Its curious and social personality makes it a devoted companion, while its variety of colors and patterns add to its irresistible charm. Thanks to its recognition by the International Cat Association, the Oriental Shorthair continues to captivate the hearts of cat lovers worldwide.

Origins

The Oriental Short Hair comes from a breeding program designed to explore a variety of colors and patterns in Siamese-type cats. Initiated in the 1950s and 1960s, this program crossed Siamese with American Shorthairs, Abyssinians, and other breeds to introduce a range of colors while maintaining the physical type and character of the Siamese. The result was a distinct breed, recognized for its diversity of colors and its elegance.

History

The Oriental Short Hair quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique appearance and engaging personality, similar to that of the Siamese but available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Officially recognized in the 1970s, this breed has continued to captivate cat enthusiasts around the world, valued for its exotic looks and lively personality.

Standard

The Oriental Short Hair is distinguished by a slender and muscular body, a wedge-shaped head, large spaced ears, and almond-shaped eyes that express its intelligence and curiosity. Its coat is short, fine, and silky, available in over 300 colors and patterns. The breed is appreciated for its elegant appearance and graceful gait.

Physical characteristics

Oriental Shorthairs are known for their slender and athletic build, long slender legs, and their tapered tail. Their short, sleek fur highlights their defined musculature. Their large expressive eyes, usually green, add to their distinctive appearance. Though their bodies are slim, they are surprisingly strong and agile.

Character

The Oriental Short Hair is extremely sociable, affectionate, and talkative, sharing many personality traits with the Siamese. They form close bonds with their owners and often seek their attention and company. Their curious nature and intelligence make them easy to train and participative in family activities. They are known for their "conversation" with expressive meows.

Life expectancy

With proper care, Oriental Shorthairs can live between 12 and 15 years, or even longer. A balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and attention to their emotional well-being are essential to ensure a long and healthy life. They are generally robust, but can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions such as heart diseases.

Exercise and activity needs

These active and playful cats need daily stimulation to stay fit and happy. Interactive games, toys that encourage hunting and exploration, and an environment enriched with perches and cat trees promote their physical and mental well-being. Orientals also enjoy intellectual challenges and can learn tricks or intelligence games.

Recommended diet

A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates is recommended for the Oriental Short Hair to support its active metabolism and maintain its slender figure. High-quality foods specially formulated for active breeds can meet their nutritional needs. It is important to monitor portions to prevent overweight.

Training and obedience

The intelligence and curiosity of the Oriental Short Hair make it easy to train and educate. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn commands, tricks, and routines. Early socialization is important for developing their confidence and emotional well-being.

Behavior with children

The Oriental Shorthair, with its playful and affectionate character, generally gets along well with children, especially if they are respectful and gentle in their interactions. Their sociable nature and love of play make them excellent companions for active families, though adult supervision is always advised to ensure safe interactions.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Oriental Short Hairs are extremely sociable and get along well with other cats and dogs, especially if socialized from a young age. Their curious and playful nature often leads them to seek the company of other animals, allowing them to easily integrate into multi-animal households. However, their need for attention means they should not feel neglected in favor of new companions.

Grooming needs

The Oriental Shorthair has a short, sleek coat that requires little maintenance. A weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hairs and keep their coat in good condition. Although their grooming is minimal, it is important to regularly clean their ears and to pay attention to the health of their teeth and claws to prevent disease.

Health

Generally, Oriental Shorthairs are a hardy breed with few genetic health problems. However, they can be prone to heart diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and dental issues. Regular vet check-ups and a quality diet are crucial for their well-being.

Average price

The price of an Oriental Short Hair kitten can vary significantly, usually between 600 and 1200 euros, depending on the lineage, color characteristics, and pedigree. Kittens intended for shows may cost more, while those adopted simply for companionship may be less expensive.

Expenses

In addition to the initial purchase cost, owners of Oriental Short Hairs must budget for expenses for food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories such as litter boxes and cat trees. Annual costs vary, but it is important to budget for preventive care and potential medical emergencies.

Name ideas

Exotic names or those inspired by their elegance, such as Zephyr, Orion, Cleo, or Nefertiti, may suit Oriental Short Hairs. Names that reflect their lively personality and agility, such as Slinky, Dash, or Mischief, are also popular among owners.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific legislation for Oriental Short Hairs beyond the general animal welfare laws. Owners must ensure their cat is properly vaccinated, microchipped, and registered if necessary according to local regulations.

Official recognition

The Oriental Short Hair is officially recognized by major international feline organizations, such as the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and the International Cat Association (TICA). This recognition validates the breed standard and ensures its eligibility for cat shows around the world.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees, providing information on lineage and confirming the breed's authenticity, are available from certified Oriental Short Hairs breeders. These documents are important for owners interested in breeding, competitions, or simply to ensure the purity of their cat's breed.

Destination and usage

Oriental Shorthairs are primarily bred as pets, valued for their affectionate temperament and sociable nature. Their intelligence and adaptability make them suitable for a variety of home environments, making them ideal companions for families, couples, or single individuals.

Prohibitions

There are no specific bans on owning Oriental Short Hairs. However, owners must adhere to local regulations regarding pet ownership and care, ensuring that their cats receive the proper care for their well-being.

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