Oriental Longhair
The Good
- Incredibly loyal and devoted to their families
- Highly intelligent and trainable for a cat
- Excellent with children and other pets
- Stunning variety of colours and patterns available
The Real
- Very vocal and demanding of attention
- Needs constant companionship and stimulation
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Can be mischievous when bored or understimulated
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Oriental Longhair is essentially a long-haired Siamese with an extraordinary personality to match their stunning looks. These cats are like having a chatty best mate who happens to have four legs and an impressive vocabulary of meows, trills, and their signature "honk." Don't let that fool you into thinking they're just noisy - they're actually trying to have proper conversations with you!
What makes Oriental Longhairs truly special is their unwavering devotion. These aren't cats who'll give you a polite head bump and wander off - they're the type who'll follow you from room to room, offering commentary on your daily activities. From their triangular heads and dramatically large ears to their silky, flowing coats that come in nearly 300 colour combinations, they're absolute showstoppers.
Originally developed by crossing Siamese cats with other breeds to create more colour variety, Oriental Longhairs maintain that classic Siamese intelligence and social nature. They're perfect for households in Melbourne's inner suburbs or Brisbane's family neighbourhoods where there's always someone around to appreciate their company. These cats genuinely suffer when left alone for long periods, making them ideal for work-from-home professionals or families with varying schedules.
History
The Oriental Longhair's story begins in ancient Siam (modern-day Thailand), where historical manuscripts described solid-coloured cats resembling Siamese but without the distinctive pointed markings. These sacred temple cats were so revered that laws prevented their export - quite the exclusive club!
The modern Oriental Longhair emerged in mid-20th century Britain when breeders wanted to expand beyond traditional Siamese colours. They began crossing Siamese cats with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians, creating the Oriental breed we know today. While the short-haired variety gained recognition first, the longhair took a bit longer to establish itself.
The International Cat Association recognised the Oriental Longhair in 1979, but it wasn't until 1995 that the Cat Fanciers' Association officially added the longhair to their listings. Sometimes called the British Angora (until the early 2000s), these cats arrived in Australia during the late 1980s, where they quickly won over cat enthusiasts from Perth to Sydney.
What's fascinating is that early Turkish versions of similar long-haired orientals existed in the 19th century but were overshadowed by the popularity of Persian cats. Today's Oriental Longhairs represent a successful revival of that elegant, svelte beauty combined with the irresistible Siamese personality that Australian families have come to adore.
Traits & Characteristics
Oriental Longhair characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Oriental Longhairs are generally robust cats with lifespans reaching 15 years, but they do carry some genetic predispositions that Australian owners should know about. The most serious concern is liver amyloidosis, where protein deposits accumulate in the liver, potentially leading to organ failure. This condition typically appears between 1-7 years of age, so regular vet checkups are crucial, especially during Melbourne's unpredictable weather changes when stress levels might spike.
Progressive retinal atrophy is another inherited condition that can lead to blindness, usually starting with night vision problems around 1-2 years of age. While there's no cure, affected cats adapt remarkably well to vision loss, especially in familiar environments like your Sunshine Coast apartment or Adelaide Hills home.
These cats may also inherit kinked tails or crossed eyes from their Siamese heritage - purely cosmetic quirks that don't affect health but might impact outdoor safety if vision is compromised. Periodontal disease is surprisingly common due to their long, narrow jaw structure, making dental care particularly important.
Seasonal Health Considerations for Australia:
During summer months (December-February), Oriental Longhairs need careful monitoring in temperatures above 30°C. Their long coats require good air circulation - consider fans or air conditioning in Brisbane's humidity or Perth's dry heat. Provide multiple water stations and cool tiles for them to lie on. In winter, particularly in Canberra or Melbourne, these cats appreciate warm bedding and draft-free sleeping areas, though their coats provide decent insulation. Watch for respiratory issues during Adelaide's dusty winds or Sydney's high pollen seasons.
Additionally, their Siamese ancestry means they can be susceptible to feline asthma, a respiratory condition causing inflammation in the airways. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, and laboured breathing. Managing the environment by reducing dust, smoke, and strong scents is important. If you notice any respiratory signs, a veterinary diagnosis is essential, as treatments are available. Reputable breeders should be transparent about any history of respiratory issues in their lines.
Oriental Longhairs don't need special diets, but their active nature and tendency toward dental issues require thoughtful feeding approaches. Choose high-quality commercial foods meeting AAFCO standards, but avoid free-feeding these naturally slender cats. Their curious nature and potential for pica (eating non-food items) means structured meal times work best.
Feed several small meals throughout the day rather than leaving food out constantly. This helps maintain their elegant figure and prevents the boredom-eating that can occur when you're stuck in Brisbane traffic or working late shifts. Food puzzles and interactive feeders are brilliant for these intelligent cats - they'll appreciate the mental challenge during those long Darwin wet season afternoons indoors.
Kittens need growth-formula food until about 12 months, while adults do well on maintenance diets unless health issues require special nutrition. Senior Oriental Longhairs might benefit from senior-specific foods, but check with your local vet first.
The breed's predisposition to periodontal disease makes dry kibble particularly valuable alongside wet food, as the crunching action helps remove plaque buildup. High-quality treats should comprise no more than 10% of daily calories - perfect for training sessions or those moments when they're performing their latest trick for your Zoom calls.
Fresh water should always be available, especially important during Australia's hot summers when these vocal cats might forget to drink while busy chatting with you about their day.
Despite their luxurious appearance, Oriental Longhairs are surprisingly low-maintenance in the grooming department. Their single-layer coat lacks the dense undercoat of breeds like Persians, making weekly brushing sufficient to prevent matting and reduce shedding around your Hobart home or Gold Coast apartment.
During shedding season (typically spring and autumn in Australia), you might want to brush twice weekly. A good quality slicker brush works wonders for removing loose hair, while a metal comb helps detect any small tangles before they become problems. These cats generally enjoy grooming sessions, often purring and "helping" by rubbing against the brush.
Bathing is rarely necessary unless they've gotten into something messy during their investigations around your Perth garden or Sydney balcony. Most Oriental Longhairs aren't fans of water, and their efficient self-grooming usually keeps them spotless.
Pay special attention to their impressively large ears - check weekly for wax buildup or signs of mites, particularly if you live in humid coastal areas like Cairns or Newcastle. Their almond-shaped eyes occasionally need gentle cleaning if discharge appears.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Long and silky, lying close to the body without a dense undercoat
- Coat Colours: Nearly 300 variations including black, white, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, caramel, fawn, red, cream, and apricot
- Coat Patterns: Solid colours, tabby, bicolour, tortoiseshell, and colourpoint varieties available
- Hypoallergenic: No, but lower shedding than many long-haired breeds may suit some allergy sufferers
Oriental Longhairs are among the most trainable cats you'll encounter, combining high intelligence with an eagerness to please that's almost dog-like. These cats excel at learning tricks, responding to their names, and even walking on leads - perfect for exploring Melbourne's cat-friendly neighbourhoods or secure Brisbane courtyards.
Start training early with positive reinforcement methods. They respond beautifully to clicker training and high-value treats, quickly learning to sit, shake paws, or even fetch. Their athletic build makes them excellent candidates for cat agility courses, though you might need to set up indoor courses during Darwin's wet season or Perth's scorching summers.
Mental stimulation is absolutely crucial for preventing destructive behaviour. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and rotating toy selection keep their brilliant minds engaged during those long Adelaide afternoons when you're working from home. They particularly enjoy interactive toys that mimic hunting - feather wands, laser pointers (never shine in eyes), and motorised mice.
Socialisation should start young and continue throughout their lives. These cats thrive on meeting new people and experiencing different environments, making them excellent candidates for supervised outdoor time in secure cat runs or harness training for exploring your local Sunshine Coast beaches or Blue Mountains walking tracks.
Consider setting up bird-watching stations near windows - these observant cats can spend hours monitoring the local wildlife, providing natural entertainment that satisfies their hunting instincts safely.
Who is an ideal owner?
Oriental Longhairs are perfect for households where someone's almost always home - think work-from-home professionals in Melbourne's inner suburbs, families with staggered schedules, or retirees who appreciate an intelligent, chatty companion. These cats genuinely struggle with loneliness, making them unsuitable for people who work long hours away from home or travel frequently for business.
They're brilliant with families, particularly those with school-aged children who can appreciate their playful nature and tolerance for handling. First-time cat owners often do well with Oriental Longhairs because they're so communicative about their needs - you'll never wonder what they're thinking!
Apartment dwellers in Brisbane, Sydney, or Perth will find these cats adapt beautifully to smaller spaces, provided there's plenty vertical territory (cat trees, shelving) and interactive entertainment. They're respectful of house rules and rarely destructive when properly stimulated.
These cats suit active households that enjoy interactive pets rather than independent observers. If you're the type who likes chatting to your pets, appreciates feline "help" with household tasks, and doesn't mind being followed around your Canberra home or Darwin unit, you've found your match.
Renters should check pet policies carefully, though Oriental Longhairs' excellent apartment manners and lack of destructive tendencies often win over initially hesitant landlords. Their moderate grooming needs and trainability make them excellent choices for busy families juggling work, school, and weekend activities around Australia's diverse lifestyle demands.
Interesting facts about the Oriental Longhair
Interesting Fact
Oriental Longhairs can produce over 100 different vocal sounds, earning them the nickname "honking cats" for their distinctive goose-like calls
Interesting Fact
The breed comes in nearly 300 colour and pattern combinations - more variety than almost any other cat breed
Interesting Fact
They're sometimes called British Angoras, Javanese, or Mandarins depending on their specific colouring
Interesting Fact
These cats are so devoted they can literally pine away if separated from their beloved humans
FAQ
Oriental Longhairs typically cost between $600-2,000 AUD from reputable breeders, depending on pedigree and show quality. Pet-quality cats are usually at the lower end, while breeding or show cats command higher prices.
Absolutely! They adapt brilliantly to apartments provided they have plenty of vertical space, interactive toys, and most importantly, human companionship. They're respectful of neighbours and rarely destructive.
Very vocal indeed! They're one of the chattiest breeds, using a wide range of sounds from meows to trills to their signature "honk." They genuinely try to hold conversations with their humans throughout the day.
Excellent family cats! They're gentle, patient with children, and rarely use claws during play. Their playful nature matches well with active kids, and they often become devoted companions to family members.
Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, though twice weekly during shedding seasons helps manage loose hair. Their single-layer coat is much easier to maintain than many long-haired breeds.
They really struggle with extended alone time and can develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviours. They're best suited to households where someone's usually home or they have feline companions.
Generally excellent with other cats and often good with dogs when properly introduced. Their social nature means they often prefer having companions, making them ideal for multi-pet households.
They handle most Australian climates well but need good air circulation during hot summers and may appreciate extra warmth in cooler regions. Always provide plenty of fresh water and shade during extreme weather.