Oriental Shorthair

Key Visual Markers

• Long, tapering wedge-shaped head forming a triangle from the nose tip to the ear tips — the CFA standard calls for a wedge starting at the nose and flaring out in straight lines to the ear tips; the skull is flat, the nose is long and straight with no stop, and the chin is medium in size with the tip of the chin in vertical line with the nose tip
• Large, wide-set, almond-shaped eyes slanted toward the nose — set at an angle that follows the wedge lines; eye color is solid green in most colors (blue in whites, odd-eyed in bi-colors); the vivid green against a warm chestnut or ebony coat is one of the breed's most striking features
• Very large, pointed ears wide at the base — set continuing the wedge lines so the face forms an equilateral triangle from nose tip to ear tips; the ears are one of the defining features of the breed, giving the head its extreme angular silhouette
• Short, fine, glossy coat that lies flat against the body — the CFA standard describes it as "fine, short, close-lying, and glossy"; there is no undercoat, so the coat has a sleek satin texture and the cat's musculature is visible beneath
• Long, tubular body described as "svelte" in the breed standard — medium to large size with a long neck, fine-boned legs, and a long, tapering "whippy" tail; the shoulders and hips are the same width, creating a straight line from shoulder to hip
• More than 300 color and pattern combinations accepted — solid, tabby, shaded, smoke, bicolor, tortie, and every coat color possible in the feline genome except the color-point restriction of the Siamese; this is the breed's defining difference from its Siamese parent

Temperament & Traits

• Extremely vocal and communicative — carries on conversations with owners in a loud, demanding voice identical to the Siamese; will "tell you about their day" and voice displeasure at closed doors or empty food bowls
• Intensely people-oriented — follows owners from room to room, sleeps on or next to their person, greets at the door, and hates being left alone; the breed is not suited to owners who are away from home for long hours
• Highly intelligent and curious — opens cabinets, turns on faucets, learns tricks, and solves puzzle feeders; needs significant mental stimulation or boredom leads to destructive behavior
• Extremely active and athletic — jumps to the highest perches, plays fetch, and stays kittenish well into senior years; needs cat trees, interactive toys, and daily play sessions
• Social with visitors and other pets — the wedge-head breeds are famously outgoing; Orientals greet strangers, get along with cat-friendly dogs, and enjoy multi-cat households
• Sensitive to cold — the short, fine single coat offers minimal insulation; Orientals seek warm spots, heated beds, sweaters, and under-the-covers sleeping

Health Notes

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — a retinal degenerative disease linked to the same rdAc mutation found in Siamese lines; affected kittens show night blindness as early as 8-12 weeks, progressing to complete vision loss over 2-4 years; DNA testing available and recommended before breeding
• Feline asthma and bronchial disease — the breed shows a higher incidence of chronic lower airway disease than most cats, likely inherited from Siamese ancestry; symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and labored breathing; triggers include dust, pollen, smoke, and aerosol sprays; diagnosis requires chest X-rays and bronchial washings; treatment involves corticosteroids and bronchodilators
• Amyloidosis — a condition where amyloid protein deposits accumulate in the liver, leading to progressive liver dysfunction; inherited from Siamese ancestry; common early sign is unexplained weight loss despite normal appetite; diagnosed through bloodwork (elevated liver enzymes) and liver biopsy; some cases respond to medication, but the condition is often progressive
• Dental disease — the long narrow muzzle structure contributes to tooth crowding, early gingivitis, and tooth resorption; the breed needs regular dental care and annual professional cleanings starting from young adulthood (as early as 2-3 years old)
• Sensitivity to anesthesia — all svelte-type breeds with low body fat percentage have a narrower anesthesia safety margin; pre-anesthetic bloodwork and a thorough veterinary assessment are essential before any surgical procedure
• Crossed eyes (convergent strabismus) — a harmless genetic trait inherited from Siamese ancestry where the eyes turn inward slightly; does not affect vision or quality of life but owners should be aware it can occur

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