Oriental Shorthair Cat Breed Guide: Complete Profile, Characteristics, Training, Care, Choosing Tips, Pros, Cons, and Price

The Oriental Shorthair is one of the most striking, intelligent, and affectionate cat breeds you can welcome into your home. With its sleek physique, large ears, and wide array of coat colors, the Oriental Shorthair offers both beauty and an extraordinary personality. This complete guide will help you understand everything you need to know before bringing one into your family — including how to care for, train, and choose the perfect Oriental Shorthair.

1. Breed Profile of the Oriental Shorthair

Attribute	Details
Origin	United Kingdom
Size	Medium
Weight	6–12 pounds (2.7–5.4 kg)
Lifespan	12–15 years
Coat Type	Short, fine, and sleek
Coat Colors	Over 300 color and pattern combinations
Eye Color	Usually vivid green (except white ones with blue or odd eyes)
Temperament	Intelligent, vocal, affectionate, playful
Activity Level	High
Suitable for	Active families, singles, households with other pets

The Oriental Shorthair was developed in the 1950s by crossing Siamese cats with other breeds such as the British Shorthair and Russian Blue, aiming to create a cat with Siamese elegance but in various colors and patterns.

2. Physical Characteristics of the Oriental Shorthair

Appearance

Head: Triangular face with a straight nose and prominent whisker pads.
Ears: Very large, flared, and set wide apart.
Eyes: Almond-shaped and usually brilliant green.
Body: Long, sleek, and muscular yet delicate-looking.
Tail: Long and thin, tapering to a fine point.

Coat

Ultra-short, tight, and shiny. It’s a low-maintenance coat that still looks incredibly luxurious.

Color and Pattern

Oriental Shorthairs come in an astounding array of colors and patterns:

Solids (black, white, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, etc.)
Tabbies
Smokes
Bicolors
Shaded and more!

3. Personality and Behavior

Oriental Shorthairs are celebrated for their vibrant personalities:

Highly Intelligent: They quickly learn routines, commands, and even tricks.
Affectionate: They form strong bonds with their humans and often “follow” you around the house.
Vocal and Expressive: Expect frequent conversations — they’ll tell you when they’re happy, bored, or hungry.
Energetic: They love to climb, run, and explore their surroundings.
Social: They generally get along with children, other cats, and even friendly dogs.
Sensitive: They thrive on attention and can become depressed if left alone for long periods.

4. How to Care for an Oriental Shorthair

Diet and Nutrition

High-protein diet is essential due to their active nature.
Feed a balanced premium cat food with real meat as the first ingredient.
Monitor portion sizes to prevent obesity, especially as they age.

Grooming

Minimal grooming is needed.
Brush once a week with a soft-bristle brush or grooming glove.
Regular dental care is vital — brush their teeth weekly.
Trim nails every 2–3 weeks.
Clean ears gently if needed to prevent wax buildup.

Exercise and Enrichment

Provide climbing trees, shelves, and scratching posts.
Offer puzzle toys and regular interactive play sessions (laser pointers, feather toys, etc.)
Rotate toys frequently to prevent boredom.

5. How to Train an Oriental Shorthair

Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to engage, Oriental Shorthairs are relatively easy to train.

Litter Training

Most kittens from reputable breeders will already be litter-trained.
Keep litter boxes clean and placed in quiet, accessible areas.

Obedience and Trick Training

Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise.
Short sessions (5–10 minutes) work best — they learn quickly but bore easily.
Teach commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and fun tricks like “high five” or “fetch.”

Harness Training

Many Oriental Shorthairs enjoy outdoor exploration safely via leash and harness.
Start harness training indoors and gradually move outside.

Discourage Bad Habits

Never use harsh discipline; redirect with toys and reward desired behavior instead.

6. How to Choose an Oriental Shorthair Kitten

Choosing a healthy, well-socialized Oriental Shorthair is critical for long-term happiness.

Selecting a Breeder

Choose a TICA (The International Cat Association) or CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) registered breeder.
Visit in person if possible to observe living conditions.

Questions to Ask

Have the parents been tested for genetic conditions?
Can you see the kitten’s parents?
Has the kitten been vaccinated and dewormed?

Signs of a Healthy Kitten

Bright, clear eyes with no discharge.
Clean ears without redness or odor.
Glossy coat without bald spots or excessive scratching.
Energetic but not hyperactive or lethargic.

7. Common Health Issues

Oriental Shorthairs are generally healthy but may be prone to:

Respiratory issues due to their long, slender noses.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — a degenerative eye disease.
Amyloidosis — a disease affecting the liver and other organs.
Dental disease — regular dental care is crucial.

Annual vet check-ups are essential to catch any issues early.

8. Pros and Cons of Owning an Oriental Shorthair

✅ Pros

Extremely affectionate and loyal companions.
Highly intelligent and trainable.
Wide variety of stunning colors and patterns.
Low-maintenance coat.
Good with children and other pets.
Entertaining and playful.

❌ Cons

Very vocal — not ideal if you prefer a quiet home.
Demands lots of attention — not suited for people away from home often.
Sensitive to cold due to their thin coat.
Potential hereditary health issues if from irresponsible breeders.
High activity levels require time and stimulation.

9. Price and Ongoing Costs

Initial Purchase Price

Pet-quality kitten: $800 – $1,500
Show-quality kitten: $1,500 – $3,500+

Factors that influence price:

Lineage and pedigree
Coat color and rarity
Breeder reputation
Location

Monthly Costs Estimate

Expense	Approximate Cost
Food	$30–$60
Litter	$20–$40
Routine Vet Care	$30–$50
Pet Insurance	$20–$40
Toys/Accessories	$10–$20

Annual vet check-ups, dental cleanings, and vaccinations should also be budgeted.

10. Is an Oriental Shorthair Right for You?

An Oriental Shorthair could be the perfect companion if:

You have time to interact, play, and bond daily.
You enjoy a lively, talkative pet.
You can provide mental and physical stimulation.
You prefer a low-shedding cat.

However, if you prefer an independent, quiet cat or have little time for interaction, another breed might suit you better.

Conclusion

The Oriental Shorthair combines Siamese elegance, boundless energy, and captivating charm into one unforgettable feline companion. With proper care, training, and love, they will reward you with years of loyal, vibrant companionship.

If you’re ready for a highly affectionate, witty, and lively cat that fills your home with fun and conversation, the Oriental Shorthair may just be your purr-fect match!