Oriental Longhair

Key Visual Markers

• Long, tubular body — svelte, muscular, and elegant, standing on long slender legs with small oval paws; the CFA standard calls the Oriental excellent in physical condition and not fat
• Wedge-shaped head with a long straight nose — the profile runs in one clean line from the top of the head to the nose tip, with no break
• Very large ears, wide at the base, continuing the wedge lines of the head — the ears are the largest relative to head size of any breed group
• Almond-shaped green eyes in all non-pointed colors — vivid and clear; pointed Orientals have blue eyes
• Fine, silky medium-length coat that lies close to the body with minimal undercoat, flowing over the body and tail
• Long, whippy tail tapering to a fine point, carried in motion with the body
• More than 300 accepted color and pattern combinations — solid, tabby, shaded, smoke, bicolor, and more, far beyond the Siamese color restriction

Temperament & Traits

• Extremely vocal — inherited the Siamese voice and uses it constantly, in a loud, raspy meow
• People-oriented to a fault — follows owners from room to room and is miserable when left alone for long stretches
• Intelligent and curious — learns tricks, opens cabinets, and solves puzzle feeders
• Active and playful — sprints, jumps, and climbs; stays kittenish well into its senior years
• Affectionate lap cat once settled — curls up close, kneads, and purrs loudly
• Social with other cats and gentle children — tolerant and outgoing, though it wants attention pointed its way

Health Notes

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — the most common heart disease in Siamese-derived breeds; annual echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — inherited retinal degeneration shared with Siamese lines, starting with night blindness; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
• Hepatic amyloidosis — a hereditary liver condition in Siamese-derived breeds, where amyloid deposits accumulate in the liver; unexplained weight loss with a normal appetite is the early sign
• Asthma and bronchial disease — a higher incidence of airway sensitivity than most cats, shared with Siamese ancestry; keep dust, smoke, and aerosol triggers low
• Dental disease — the narrow muzzle and crowded teeth raise gingivitis risk; regular dental care and annual cleanings recommended
• Anesthesia sensitivity — the svelte, low-body-fat frame narrows the safety margin; discuss with a veterinarian before any surgery

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions