This long-legged, sleek, svelte cat is the tomboy of the feline world. Always into everything, with its boundless energy, it will take an intelligent interest in all the family’s activities and loves being taken for walks with the dogs, on or off a harness and lead. But, unlike a dog, it cannot be relied upon to obey every command or to walk to heel, particularly if something more interesting takes its attention! Because the Oriental Shorthair is energetic and has an inquisitive nature, it may be inclined to stray from home.
Consequently, in towns, it may be necessary to impose some restriction on its freedom for its own safety. A wired in run, as large as you can afford, leading from a room in the house if possible, is ideal for use during the day, but it must have a range of shelves at different heights. Since this cat may become morose if left alone for long periods, it is a good idea to have more than one, or another domestic pet for companionship. With its need for company met, the Oriental Shorthair makes the most charming and affectionate pet.
Grooming
A daily comb to remove dead hairs and a rub with a chamois leather or silk cloth is all that is required, plus plenty of hand stroking to burnish the coat. The ears and teeth should be checked regularly.
Health care
Since the Oriental Shorthair is more susceptible than some breeds to feline illnesses, it is advisable to have the kittens inoculated before they are two months old.
Since the Oriental Shorthair is more susceptible than some breeds to feline illnesses, it is advisable to have the kittens inoculated before they are two months old.
Origin and history
The original Oriental Shorthaired cats came from arranged matings between Siamese for type and other shorthaired cats for colour. Later, Siamese were mated to longhaired Chinchillas to produce Oriental cats with tipped coats and this unusual mating combination opened up the field for all kinds of possibilities in the colour range, including new solid colours caramel, apricot and beige, tipped tabbies, torbies patched tabbies and shaded, tipped and smoke tortoiseshells. In the United Kingdom, the self or solid coloured cats are known as Foreign Shorthairs, although this name is gradually being replaced by Oriental.
The original Oriental Shorthaired cats came from arranged matings between Siamese for type and other shorthaired cats for colour. Later, Siamese were mated to longhaired Chinchillas to produce Oriental cats with tipped coats and this unusual mating combination opened up the field for all kinds of possibilities in the colour range, including new solid colours caramel, apricot and beige, tipped tabbies, torbies patched tabbies and shaded, tipped and smoke tortoiseshells. In the United Kingdom, the self or solid coloured cats are known as Foreign Shorthairs, although this name is gradually being replaced by Oriental.
The tabby and other varieties are already known as Oriental Shorthairs, and in the United States, all cats of this type are known as Oriental Shorthairs. These foreign breeds had their first all foreign show in the United Kingdom in July 1979.
Breeding
Oriental queens are very prolific and can have two litters per year, often of five or six kittens each.
Oriental queens are very prolific and can have two litters per year, often of five or six kittens each.
Kittens
The kittens are born the same colour as the adults from birth, unlike the Siamese from which they were originally derived, and whose kittens are paler at birth.
The kittens are born the same colour as the adults from birth, unlike the Siamese from which they were originally derived, and whose kittens are paler at birth.
A London based Veterinary surgeon, Sanja is also an avid writer and pet advocate.
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