Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is essentially a Siamese in every coat colour and pattern except colourpoint — it is genetically a Siamese but with the full expression of pigment throughout the coat rather than restricted to the points.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
3–5 kg (6.5–11 lbs)
Height
20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality food appropriate for active cats.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Oriental Shorthair is essentially a Siamese in every coat colour and pattern except colourpoint — it is genetically a Siamese but with the full expression of pigment throughout the coat rather than restricted to the points. Developed in the UK in the 1950s and 1960s by crossing Siamese with domestic shorthairs to produce Siamese-type cats in non-pointed colours, the Oriental Shorthair was bred to give the Siamese body type and temperament in a full spectrum of colours and patterns. With over 300 recognised colour combinations, it has the widest colour range of any cat breed.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Identical in body type to the Siamese — long, tubular, elegant body, wedge-shaped head, large triangular ears, and almond-shaped eyes. The eyes are typically vivid green in solid and tabby varieties (blue in white cats). The coat is very short, fine, and glossy. Comes in solid colours, tabby, bicolour, tortoiseshell, shaded, and smoke — in essentially every colour and pattern combination imaginable.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Length
short
Coat Type
smooth
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Identical to the Siamese in personality — extremely vocal, demanding, intelligent, and people-dependent. The Oriental Shorthair is among the most demanding and vocal of all cat breeds. They need constant interaction and do not cope with being left alone for long periods.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
15°C to 30°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Preferred
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
loud
Stress Signals
excessive vocalisation, pica, over-grooming, spraying, aggression
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Minimal grooming. High social needs — pairs strongly recommended. Same care requirements as Siamese.
Nutrition Notes
Same health profile as Siamese. Amyloidosis. Dental disease. Pica. 300+ colour/pattern combinations — genetically identical to Siamese except colourpoint restriction.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Same as Siamese — amyloidosis, PRA, asthma, dental. 300+ colour/pattern combos (same body as Siamese, any colour). 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same health profile as Siamese — amyloidosis, progressive retinal atrophy, HCM, dental disease. Generally shares the Siamese's long lifespan when well cared for.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
300+ colour combos. Same personality as Siamese. India: suits climate.
Purchase Price
$600 to $1,800
Adoption Fee
$75 to $300
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Oriental Shorthair holds the record for the widest colour range of any cat breed — over 300 colour and pattern combinations are recognised, including some colours and patterns not seen in any other breed.
The Oriental Shorthair is sometimes called the "chameleon" of cats — same Siamese personality and body type, but in every possible colour and pattern combination.
