Oriental Shorthair Cat Guide
About the Oriental Shorthair cat breed
Weight:Males: 3 – 5 kg, Females: 2 – 3.5 kg
Wither height: 20 - 25 cm
Energy level:Energetic
Lifespan: 8 - 15 years
Social need:Medium
Colours:Available in many patterns and colours, including white, chocolate, blue, brown, cream, red, and fawn.
Health problems:Generally healthy, but can be prone to eye conditions and kidney diseases like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
The Oriental Shorthair's personality
An Oriental Shorthair, often just called an Oriental, is a lively, sociable, and intelligent cat breed that loves to 'talk'. They're very affectionate towards their people and thrive on love and attention. Play and stimulation are vital for this active breed with a high energy level. They enjoy jumping, climbing, and being up high – so cat trees are a great idea! Their intelligence also makes them easy to train to walk on a lead.
Appearance and grooming your Oriental
The Oriental Shorthair is medium-sized, with a long, slender body. Their distinctive look comes from their large ears, elongated nose, and big eyes. The Oriental's coat is short, dense, and glossy, lying close to the body. It doesn't need much grooming, but most cats enjoy being brushed as it feels like affection. Since they shed very little, they can also be a good choice for allergy sufferers. A weekly brush helps reduce loose hair and keeps their coat looking great.
Health considerations for Oriental Shorthairs
Orientals are generally a healthy breed. However, their large eyes can make them more prone to eye conditions, so keeping them clean is important. Like all cats, they can also develop hereditary conditions, including kidney diseases such as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). A balanced diet can support kidney health.
Dental health
Did you know your cat needs their teeth brushed? Daily brushing is the best way to prevent dental disease, like periodontitis. Periodontal disease is common in cats and often linked to other issues. While brushing can be a challenge, treats and patience can help your cat get used to it. Learn more about how to brush your cat's teeth in our app.
Poisoning risks
Many common items can be toxic to cats, and you might not even realise it. Plants are one example – find out which ones are poisonous in the Lassie app. Other dangerous substances include chocolate and rodenticides. Always store anything that could harm your cat safely out of their reach.
