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    Oriental & Foreign Group

    Oriental Shorthair

    A Siamese in every color except colorpoint. Oriental Shorthairs share the Siamese build, temperament and voice but come in 300+ color and pattern combinations. Slender, athletic, intensely social and demanding — and just as loud as their Siamese cousins.

    Sleek black Oriental Shorthair cat with very large pointed ears standing on a white pedestal

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    UK (1950s — Siamese outcrossing)
    Weight (M / F)
    8–12 / 6–9 lb
    Lifespan
    12–18 years
    Coat
    Short fine glossy single coat (no points)
    Shedding
    low
    Hypoallergenic
    Often tolerated
    Energy
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Affection
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Vocal
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Grooming need
    ●○○○○ (1/5)
    Climber
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Indoor only
    Recommended
    Multi-pet OK
    Yes

    History & Origin

    Oriental Shorthairs were created in 1950s Britain by crossing Siamese with shorthair domestics to introduce non-pointed colors. CFA recognized them in 1977.

    Temperament & Personality

    Identical to Siamese — loud, social, intense.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Asthma

    Elevated vs. mixed-breed

    Chronic airway inflammation.

    Screening: Annual breath-sound exam

    Amyloidosis

    Some lines affected

    Protein deposits in liver.

    Screening: Pedigree review

    Periodontal disease

    70%+ of cats by age 3

    Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.

    Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

    Breed-elevated risk

    Thickening of the left ventricular heart wall — the most common heart disease in cats. Lower than other breeds; recommended to screen.

    Screening: Annual echocardiogram from a board-certified cardiologist; DNA test where available (Maine Coon, Ragdoll)

    Progressive retinal atrophy

    Rare with screening

    Inherited blindness.

    Screening: DNA test

    Enrichment & Play

    Same intense play and climbing needs as Siamese.

    • Tall cat trees
    • Wall shelving
    • Wand toys 2× daily
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Clicker training
    • Harness walks
    • Companion cat

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 200–280 kcal/day.

    High metabolism; three small meals.

    Common allergens to watch: Beef, Fish.

    ⚠ Slim breed — weight changes visible.

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush weekly. Self-maintaining coat.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Oriental Shorthair: low.

    Living Situation Fit

    Active multi-pet homes; not for long workday isolation.

    Choosing a Kitten

    Pet-quality kittens $600–$1,200.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are Oriental Shorthairs the same as Siamese?

    Genetically nearly identical, but Orientals come in non-pointed colors. CFA and TICA register them as separate breeds.

    Do Oriental Shorthairs make good first cats?

    Only for owners ready for high vocal output, intense demands and the need for a feline companion.

    Related breeds

    Seal-point Siamese cat with sleek cream coat and bright blue almond eyes sitting on a hardwood floor

    Siamese

    The original talking cat. Siamese are slender, vocal, intensely social and dog-like in their bond with humans. They invented the colorpoint pattern (warm body, dark face/ears/legs/tail) and most modern oriental breeds descend from them. Loud, opinionated and unsuitable for households that want a quiet pet.

    Mink Tonkinese cat with aqua eyes sitting on a wooden cat tree

    Tonkinese

    A Burmese × Siamese hybrid that captures the best of both. Tonkinese have the Burmese's compact body and the Siamese's energy, with distinctive aqua-blue eyes and 'mink' coloring (a soft gradient between point and solid). Friendly, playful, vocal but less loud than Siamese.

    Sable Burmese cat with glossy short brown coat and golden eyes on a leather sofa

    Burmese

    A muscular, dense little cat that's been called a 'brick wrapped in silk.' Burmese are extremely affectionate, dog-like and slightly less loud than Siamese. Health watchouts include diabetes mellitus (the Burmese is the most diabetes-prone breed) and a craniofacial defect in 'contemporary' lines.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual cats vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.