People usually end up reading about Oriental Shorthairs for one of three reasons: they’ve fallen for that sleek, wedge-headed silhouette, they’re weighing up whether this is the right cat for their household, or they’re trying to make sense of the breed’s health and care needs before committing.
The decisions are small but real—choosing a breeder, setting up the home, budgeting for vet care, and understanding what “vocal and social” looks like at 2 am. Oriental Shorthairs can be wonderful company, but they do best when their need for contact, play and routine is taken seriously.
Oriental Shorthair, in plain terms
The Oriental Shorthair is a modern pedigree breed built around the same long, fine-boned body type as the modern Siamese—without the classic “point” pattern. The defining feature is variety: Orientals come in a huge range of coat colours and patterns, paired with the breed’s distinctive large ears, almond-shaped eyes and long, tapering lines.1, 2, 3
They tend to be active, people-focused cats. Many are talkative, and some can be persistent about attention, food, play, or joining in whatever you’re doing.1, 2
History: a modern breed with Siamese roots
Despite older claims you may see online, the Oriental Shorthair is not an ancient breed from the Middle East. It’s a deliberately developed “Siamese-type” cat that took shape from the 1950s onward, first in the UK and Europe, then strongly developed in the United States, with breeders expanding colours and patterns through carefully managed outcrossing and selection.2, 3, 4
Over time, the many non-pointed Siamese-type cats were grouped under the Oriental name in major registries, rather than treated as dozens of separate breeds by colour.4
Physical characteristics
Oriental Shorthairs are medium in size but often look larger than they weigh because of their length and fine frame. The breed standard emphasises a long, tubular body, a long tapering wedge-shaped head, very large ears, and a long, “whippy” tail.1, 3
The coat is short, fine and close-lying. Colour and pattern options are extensive, which is one of the breed’s signature traits across registries.1, 2
Temperament: what living with one is like
Orientals are typically bright, social and highly interactive. They often prefer to be near people—on laps, on shoulders, in the middle of the hallway—tracking household movement like a small, elegant shadow.1, 2
Vocalising is common. Some cats are chatty in brief bursts; others narrate the day in long, insistent conversations. If you want a quiet, self-contained cat, this breed group can be a mismatch.2
Good matches (and tricky matches)
- Usually suits: households that are home a fair bit, enjoy play and interaction, and don’t mind a talkative cat.1, 2
- Can be challenging for: people who are out long hours every day, light sleepers, or anyone wanting a low-demand companion.
Daily care: diet, play, and keeping a long body in good condition
There’s no special “Oriental Shorthair diet”, but they do best on a complete and balanced cat food suited to their life stage (kitten, adult, senior). If you’re mixing foods or adding extras, keep treats and “human food” as a small fraction of total intake so the main diet remains nutritionally complete.7
Because they’re typically active and athletic, build little pockets of movement into the day: short play sessions, climbing opportunities, puzzle feeders, and toys that encourage stalking and jumping rather than constant snacking.
Simple exercise set-up at home
- One tall, stable cat tree near a window (for climbing and watching).
- Two short interactive play sessions daily (wand toy, tossed toy, or chase games).
- Rotating toys weekly so the environment stays interesting.
Grooming: short coat, regular checks
The short coat is usually easy-care, but weekly grooming is still useful—less for “beauty”, more for skin and coat health, shedding control, and early detection of lumps, parasites or sore spots. Many Orientals enjoy gentle grooming when it’s kept calm and brief.1
Nails, ears and teeth
- Nails: trim as needed. If you’re unsure, ask your vet clinic to show you how to clip safely.8
- Ears: check weekly for discharge or smell; seek vet advice rather than cleaning aggressively at home.8
- Teeth: dental disease is common in cats, and home care helps. Use toothpaste made for cats—never human toothpaste.8, 9
Health: what to watch for
Oriental Shorthairs are often robust cats, but like many pedigreed lines they can have inherited risks. The most sensible approach is not worry—it’s screening, good records, and a breeder who can clearly explain what they test for and why.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is the most common heart disease in cats overall. Many cats have no signs early on, and the condition can vary widely in severity; in serious cases it may progress to heart failure or blood clots.5
If you’re buying a kitten, ask what heart screening the breeder does in their lines and whether a veterinary cardiologist has performed echocardiograms on breeding cats (and how recently).
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and genetic testing
Some Siamese-related breeds, including Orientals, can be affected by inherited retinal degeneration. DNA testing is available for at least one PRA variant (rdAc/CEP290) that is relevant across several breeds, including Oriental Shorthair, and responsible breeders use results to avoid producing affected kittens.1, 6
Amyloidosis (especially liver involvement)
Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese are reported as predisposed to hepatic (liver) amyloidosis, a serious condition involving abnormal protein deposits. Diagnosis typically involves veterinary investigation such as blood and urine testing, imaging, and sometimes biopsy.10
Training and enrichment
Orientals are often quick to learn household routines and can take well to reward-based training. Keep sessions short. Use small treats or a favourite toy, and aim for calm repetition rather than pushing for “big” tricks.
- Useful basics: come when called, go to a mat, accept handling (paws, mouth, ears).
- Enrichment favourites: food puzzles, clicker training, and climbing routes that let them move vertically through the room.
Final thoughts
An Oriental Shorthair is not just a look. It’s a whole style of cat: sleek, alert, social, often vocal, and usually happiest when the household treats them as a daily companion rather than background life.
If you choose a breeder who screens thoughtfully, keep up with routine vet checks, and provide steady play and contact, you’ll often end up with an intense, bright presence—one that settles close by, watches everything, and joins in.
References
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) – Oriental (breed information and history)
- Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) – Oriental (profile and history)
- FIFe – Breed standard (Siamese/Oriental group; includes Oriental Shorthair)
- The International Cat Association (TICA) – Oriental Shorthair (breed history and development)
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional) – Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in dogs and cats
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA rdAc) test information
- WSAVA – Global Nutrition Guidelines (how to choose and use complete diets)
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) – Grooming your cat (nails, ears, dental notes)
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) – Guide to cat dental care (including toothpaste safety)
- PetMD – Oriental Shorthair (health overview incl. amyloidosis and retinal degeneration)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom