Oriental Shorthair Cats: The Elegant Extroverts

Oriental Shorthairs look like Siamese cats in designer colors. They have the same sleek, elegant build, large ears, and wedge-shaped faces - but come in 300+ color combinations.

They also share the same personality: vocal, social, demanding, and completely people-oriented.

If you want a cat who acts more like a talkative shadow than an independent pet, Oriental Shorthairs deliver. Just know they are high-maintenance and do not tolerate being ignored.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 8-12 pounds (females smaller)
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Temperament: Vocal, social, demanding, loyal, intelligent, energetic
  • Grooming needs: Low (short coat)
  • Energy level: High
  • Intelligence: Very high
  • Vocal level: Very high (constantly talking)
  • Good with kids: Yes, if kids are active
  • Good with other pets: Excellent (they need companionship)
  • Nickname: “Ornamental Shorthair”

What Makes Oriental Shorthairs Special

Siamese Personality, More Colors

Oriental Shorthairs were developed by breeding Siamese with other breeds to introduce new colors and patterns while maintaining the Siamese body type and personality.

They share:

  • The same vocal, demanding temperament
  • The same sleek, elegant build
  • The same high intelligence
  • The same need for constant interaction

The difference? Oriental Shorthairs come in 300+ color and pattern combinations instead of just color-points.

300+ Color and Pattern Combinations

Oriental Shorthairs come in more colors and patterns than any other cat breed.

Solid colors:

  • White, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, cinnamon, fawn

Patterns:

  • Tabby (classic, mackerel, spotted, ticked)
  • Tortoiseshell
  • Smoke
  • Shaded
  • Bi-color

Eye colors:

  • Green (most common)
  • Blue
  • Odd-eyed (rare)

If you can imagine a color or pattern, an Oriental Shorthair probably exists in it.

Sleek, Elegant, Model-Like Builds

Oriental Shorthairs have the same body type as Siamese:

  • Long, lean, tubular bodies
  • Long legs
  • Wedge-shaped heads
  • Large, bat-like ears
  • Almond-shaped eyes
  • Whip-like tails

They look like runway models - elegant, refined, and impossibly graceful.

Extremely Vocal

Oriental Shorthairs inherited the Siamese voice - and they use it constantly. They:

  • Talk all day long
  • Have loud, raspy voices
  • Express opinions about everything
  • Demand attention vocally
  • “Converse” with you

If you value peace and quiet, Oriental Shorthairs are not for you.

People-Oriented to the Extreme

Oriental Shorthairs are among the most people-oriented cat breeds. They:

  • Follow you everywhere
  • Demand constant interaction
  • Become depressed if ignored
  • Bond deeply with their humans
  • Want to be involved in everything

They are velcro cats who do not understand personal space.

Temperament

Oriental Shorthairs are:

  • Vocal - They never stop talking. They meow, chirp, trill, and yowl to communicate constantly.
  • Social - They need constant human interaction. They do not tolerate being alone.
  • Demanding - They will not let you ignore them. They demand attention and get it.
  • Playful - High energy well into adulthood. Daily play is mandatory.
  • Loyal - They bond deeply with their humans and often choose a favorite person.
  • Intelligent - They learn tricks quickly, solve puzzles, and figure out how to open doors.
  • Curious - They investigate everything. Closed doors are unacceptable.
  • Affectionate - They love cuddling, sitting on laps, and sleeping with you.
  • Dog-like - Many play fetch, walk on leashes, and follow commands.

Oriental Shorthairs are extroverts who need constant engagement.

Living with an Oriental Shorthair

They Never Stop Talking

Oriental Shorthairs vocalize constantly. They:

  • Greet you at the door with loud meows
  • Announce their presence in every room
  • “Tell” you about their day
  • Demand food, play, and attention vocally
  • Meow back when you talk to them

Their voices are loud and raspy. If you live in an apartment with thin walls, neighbors may complain.

They Are Velcro Cats

Oriental Shorthairs follow you everywhere. They:

  • Sit on your lap while you work
  • Follow you to the bathroom
  • Sleep on your pillow
  • “Help” with everything you do
  • Demand to be held

If you want personal space, Oriental Shorthairs are not for you.

They Cannot Be Alone

Oriental Shorthairs become anxious and depressed when left alone for long periods. They:

  • Vocalize excessively
  • Become destructive
  • Stop eating
  • Develop behavioral issues

If you work full-time, get a companion cat or dog. Oriental Shorthairs need constant companionship.

They Are Mischievous

Oriental Shorthairs are intelligent and curious. They:

  • Open cabinets and drawers
  • Knock things off shelves
  • Steal small objects
  • Figure out how to escape enclosures
  • Get into everything

Oriental-Shorthair-proof your home or accept the chaos.

They Need Mental Stimulation

Oriental Shorthairs are too intelligent for passive ownership. Without mental challenges, they become bored and destructive.

Provide:

  • Puzzle feeders
  • Training sessions (teach tricks)
  • Interactive toys
  • New experiences

Care Requirements

Grooming

Oriental Shorthairs have short, sleek coats that need minimal grooming.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush weekly with a soft brush or grooming mitt
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Check ears weekly for wax buildup
  • Brush teeth 2-3 times per week

They shed minimally.

Bathing

Oriental Shorthairs rarely need baths. If you do bathe them:

  • Use a gentle cat shampoo
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Towel dry

Exercise and Play

Oriental Shorthairs need at least 20-30 minutes of active play daily.

Best activities:

  • Feather wand hunting
  • Laser pointer chase (end with a catchable toy)
  • Fetch (many love it)
  • Agility courses
  • Puzzle feeders
  • Clicker training

Without exercise, Oriental Shorthairs become destructive.

Diet

Oriental Shorthairs are lean and muscular. Feed high-quality, protein-rich food.

  • Choose meat-based wet or dry food
  • Measure portions to prevent obesity
  • Provide fresh water at all times

Companionship

Oriental Shorthairs are social and need interaction. They cannot be left alone for long periods.

If you work full-time:

  • Get a second Oriental Shorthair or another social breed
  • Consider a dog (Oriental Shorthairs often bond with dogs)
  • Hire a pet sitter for midday visits

Oriental Shorthairs are happiest in pairs or with other pets.

Health Considerations

Oriental Shorthairs share health issues with Siamese.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is a genetic eye condition that causes gradual vision loss and eventual blindness.

Signs:

  • Bumping into things
  • Dilated pupils
  • Reluctance to jump

Prevention: Ask breeders for PRA screening results. A genetic test exists.

Amyloidosis

Some Oriental Shorthairs inherit amyloidosis, where abnormal proteins deposit in organs (especially liver and kidneys).

Signs:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

Prevention: Ask breeders about family history. No genetic test exists yet.

Dental Disease

Oriental Shorthairs are prone to dental issues.

Prevention:

  • Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
  • Provide dental treats
  • Schedule annual dental cleanings

Heart Issues

Some Oriental Shorthairs develop heart conditions like HCM.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Ask breeders for heart screening results.

Lymphoma

Oriental Shorthairs have higher rates of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).

Signs:

  • Weight loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Regular vet checkups help catch it early.

Are Oriental Shorthairs Good with Kids?

Yes, if kids are active and interactive. Oriental Shorthairs:

  • Match kid energy levels
  • Love interactive play
  • Tolerate handling well

Teach kids to:

  • Play gently
  • Respect the cat’s space
  • Use toys, not hands, for play

Oriental Shorthairs prefer older kids who can engage in play.

Are Oriental Shorthairs Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Oriental Shorthairs are social and need companionship.

With other cats:

  • Choose playful, social breeds
  • Provide separate resources (food, litter, beds)
  • Supervise introductions

With dogs:

  • Oriental Shorthairs often bond closely with dogs
  • Choose cat-friendly breeds
  • Supervise introductions

With small pets:

  • High prey drive
  • Supervise interactions with birds, hamsters, or fish

Oriental Shorthairs prefer companionship over being solo cats.

Common Mistakes

Underestimating Their Vocal Nature

Oriental Shorthairs never stop talking. If you want a quiet cat, choose a different breed.

Leaving Them Alone Too Long

Oriental Shorthairs become anxious and destructive when left alone. They need companionship.

Expecting a Low-Maintenance Cat

Oriental Shorthairs need daily play, interaction, and mental stimulation. They are not cats you can ignore.

Ignoring Dental Care

Oriental Shorthairs are prone to dental disease. Brush teeth regularly and schedule annual cleanings.

Not Providing Mental Stimulation

Oriental Shorthairs are intelligent and need mental challenges. Without them, they become bored and destructive.

Finding an Oriental Shorthair

Oriental Shorthairs are moderately popular, so finding breeders is easier than rare breeds.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese occasionally end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • Oriental Shorthair and Siamese rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Oriental Shorthair”)
  • Local shelters

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $800-$1,500 for a purebred Oriental Shorthair from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents PRA tested?
  • Are parents heart tested?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No genetic testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 3-6 months for a kitten.

Oriental Shorthair vs. Siamese

Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese are nearly identical except for coloring.

Oriental Shorthair:

  • 300+ color and pattern combinations
  • Green, blue, or odd eyes
  • Same vocal, demanding personality

Siamese:

  • Color-point pattern only
  • Blue eyes only
  • Same vocal, demanding personality

If you love Siamese but want more color options, Oriental Shorthairs are perfect.

What To Do Next

  • If you want a vocal, interactive, social cat who is constantly with you, Oriental Shorthairs are perfect
  • If you value peace, quiet, and independence, choose a different breed
  • If you have time for daily interaction and can provide companionship, Oriental Shorthairs thrive
  • If you work long hours and want a low-maintenance cat, Oriental Shorthairs are not the right fit
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