The
Oriental shorthair, also called Oriental, is an atypical medium sized cat,
oriental type like three other breeds (Siamese, Balinese and Mandarin). Its
gait, which is often compared to that of a greyhound, differs from that of
other cats in particular because of its triangular shaped head surmounted by
two large pointed ears carried very straight and its thin and muscular body.
The Oriental Shorthair is an excellent pet, affectionate and faithful, but with
a strong character.
Size: 30 cm
to 35 cm
Weight: 4
kg to 7 kg
Coat :
short
Color : all
Life
expectancy: 15 to 19 years of age
Gestation
period: 63 days
Description
and characteristics of the Oriental shorthair
The
Oriental Shorthair is an athletic looking cat with a long, muscular body and
long, slender legs. It looks a lot like the Siamese, from which it differs
mainly by the color. But it is easy to recognize it thanks to its triangular
head, its long muzzle and especially its large ears broad at their base,
pointed at the ends and erected straight on its head. He has green,
almond-shaped eyes, like all oriental type cats, and spaced apart.
Origin
of the Oriental Shorthair
The
Oriental shorthair is native to Thailand from where it was imported, especially
in Great Britain, from the middle of the 19th century. It is a breed very close
to the Siamese one, but still quite rare.
Character
and behaviour of the Oriental Shorthair - Who is it for?
The
Oriental Shorthair has the particularity of being very attached to its master.
It can even sometimes be considered too "sticky" and too possessive.
It is a cat that does not tolerate solitude. He needs to spend a lot of energy
playing with children or other pets, cats or dogs. In any case, his owner must
be available to take care of him.
It is an
intelligent and curious cat, but it also has a strong personality. This is why
it is important to teach the Oriental Shorthair very early on the limits he
must not exceed.
The
Oriental Shorthair also stands out from other cats by its ability to be very
talkative. It has a developed language with a meowing and a wide range of
sounds. The female has the particularity to have a fecundity above the average
of other cat breeds. Characteristic to be taken into account if you don't want
to find yourself with a lot of kittens in your house!
How to take
care of your Oriental Shorthair: its needs
Because of
its short hairs, the Oriental Shorthair does not require any particular
maintenance except brushing once a week.
Feeding
the Oriental shorthair
The
Oriental Shorthair has a fragile stomach. It is therefore necessary to give it
a digestible diet based in particular on meat, fresh vegetables and starchy
foods. Very good quality kibbles are also suitable. It is a very greedy cat
whose food quantities should be monitored, especially according to his physical
exercise.
The
health of the Oriental Shorthair
The
Oriental Shorthair is subject, like the Abyssinian, Siamese and Burmese, to
psychogenic alopecia, a disease that can be detected by endless grooming
sessions during which the cat constantly bites and licks itself.
It can also
be affected by a genetic disease that affects the liver and can be fatal, renal
amyloidosis.
Price of
an Oriental Shorthair kitten
The price
of an Oriental Shorthair kitten will depend on the sex, the pedigree of the
parents, the conformity to the breed standards, etc.
Price of an
Oriental shorthair male: 500 to 2 850€.
Price of a
female Oriental shorthair : 700 to 2 850€.