Oriental Shorthair
The Good
- Incredibly affectionate and forms strong bonds with their humans
- Stunning rainbow of over 300 coat colours and patterns
- Highly intelligent and trainable, perfect for interactive play
- Generally healthy breed with good longevity
The Real
- Extremely vocal with their signature "honking" sound
- Requires almost constant companionship and attention
- Can become destructive when bored or left alone too long
- Prone to climbing high places like kitchen cupboards
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Oriental Shorthair is essentially a Siamese cat dressed in a rainbow coat. These svelte, elegant cats are the result of careful breeding that maintained all the wonderful personality traits of the Siamese while introducing an incredible array of colours and patterns. With their wedge-shaped faces, dramatically large ears, and almond-shaped eyes, they're impossible to ignore – which suits them perfectly.
These cats are the ultimate attention-seekers in the best possible way. They'll follow you from room to room, "help" with your work-from-home setup by walking across your keyboard, and provide running commentary on your Netflix choices. In Melbourne's changeable weather or Brisbane's humidity, they're equally content as long as they're by your side. Their short, silky coat makes them relatively low-maintenance, but their emotional needs are high. Think of them as the friend who calls every day – delightful if you love constant companionship, overwhelming if you prefer independence. They're particularly suited to Australian apartment living, provided you can handle their vocal nature and your neighbours are understanding.
History
The Oriental Shorthair's story begins in post-World War II England, where cat breeders faced a crisis. Many domestic cat breeds were in jeopardy, including the beloved Siamese. To revive the Siamese population, English breeders introduced Russian Blues, Abyssinians, and British Shorthairs into their breeding lines during the 1950s.
What happened next was unexpected magic. The crossbreeding produced kittens with the Siamese body type and personality but without the traditional pointed coat pattern. Initially, each colour variation received its own breed name, but breeders soon realised they were dealing with a genetic goldmine of colour possibilities. To simplify things, all non-pointed kittens became known as Orientals.
The breed made its way to the United States in the 1970s, where American breeders continued expanding the colour palette. The Cat Fanciers' Association granted championship status in 1977, and further crossbreeding led to approximately 300 colour and pattern combinations we see today. This earned them the nickname "rainbow cat." The Oriental Longhair variety followed later, receiving championship status in 1995. Today, these cats are beloved worldwide for combining the Siamese temperament with an artist's palette of coat possibilities.
Traits & Characteristics
Oriental Shorthair characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Oriental Shorthairs are generally robust cats with a 12-15 year lifespan, but they do share some health concerns with their Siamese relatives. The most serious condition to watch for is amyloidosis, particularly affecting the liver, which can develop between 1-7 years of age. Early signs include sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or abdominal swelling.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is another inherited condition that can lead to blindness, typically starting with night vision problems in young cats. Responsible breeders should test for the PRA gene. These cats may also develop bladder stones, mast cell cancers, and have a tendency toward pica – eating non-food items like hair ties or plants.
Australia's climate presents specific considerations for Oriental Shorthair health. During Perth's scorching 40°C summer days, ensure your cat has access to air conditioning and multiple water sources, as their lean build offers less insulation. In Canberra's frosty winters, provide warm bedding and consider a heated cat bed for those 2°C mornings. The breed's short coat means they feel temperature extremes more than fluffier cats.
For coastal owners in humid areas like the Gold Coast, ensure good ventilation to prevent skin issues. Regular vet checkups are crucial, and pet insurance is worth considering given their predisposition to certain genetic conditions. Watch for seasonal tick activity along Australia's eastern seaboard, and in rural areas, be aware of snake risks during warmer months.
Oriental Shorthairs don't require special diets, but their lean build means portion control is crucial. These cats are prone to overeating if free-fed, so stick to scheduled meals – typically 2-3 smaller portions throughout the day rather than leaving food out constantly.
Choose high-quality commercial cat food meeting AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards. Kittens need growth or all-life-stage formulas, while adults do well on maintenance diets unless health issues require special nutrition. As they age, consult your vet about senior formulations.
Their high intelligence makes them perfect candidates for puzzle feeders and foraging activities. This mental stimulation is particularly important for Melbourne apartment dwellers or busy Sydney professionals who might not have hours for interactive play. Food puzzles can keep your Oriental entertained during those long summer afternoons when it's too hot for active play.
During Australia's intense summer heat – think Adelaide's dry 38°C days or Darwin's humid extremes – ensure fresh water is always available. Some cats prefer moving water, so consider a fountain. In air-conditioned homes, monitor that your cat is still drinking enough, as artificial cooling can affect their thirst drive.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Given their social nature, treats become valuable training tools for teaching tricks or harness walking – skills many Oriental Shorthairs master easily.
The Oriental Shorthair's grooming needs are refreshingly simple. Their short, silky coat lies close to the body and rarely mats or tangles. A weekly brush with a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt will remove loose hair and keep their coat gleaming. During seasonal coat changes – typically spring and autumn in southern Australia – you might need to brush twice weekly.
These cats are excellent self-groomers, but they'll often appreciate the bonding time that comes with gentle brushing. It's also a perfect opportunity to check for any skin issues, lumps, or changes in their condition.
Coat Specifications:
- Coat Length: Short, lying close to the body with a silky texture
- Coat Colours: Over 300 variations including solid colours (black, white, blue, chocolate), plus silver, smoke, and shaded varieties
- Coat Patterns: Solid, tabby (classic, mackerel, spotted, ticked), tortoiseshell, bicolour, and smoke patterns
- Hypoallergenic: Considered more suitable for allergy sufferers due to lower shedding, though no cat is truly hypoallergenic
Regular ear cleaning is important, especially in humid coastal areas from Cairns to the Sunshine Coast where moisture can lead to ear problems. Check weekly and clean gently with a damp cloth if needed. Their large ears can collect dust and debris, particularly if your cat enjoys exploring Brisbane balconies or Perth courtyards.
Dental care is crucial – brush teeth several times weekly with cat-specific toothpaste. Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks keeps their claws healthy, especially important for apartment cats in Sydney or Melbourne high-rises where natural scratching opportunities might be limited.
Oriental Shorthairs are among the most trainable cat breeds, combining high intelligence with a strong desire to please their humans. They excel at learning tricks, walking on harnesses, and even playing fetch – perfect for active Australians who want a more interactive pet experience.
Start harness training early if you're planning beach walks along the Gold Coast or exploring Melbourne's cat-friendly parks. Many Oriental Shorthairs take to leash walking naturally, making them excellent companions for apartment dwellers who want to safely provide outdoor experiences.
Their vocal nature means they're often eager to "chat" during training sessions. Use this to your advantage – many owners teach their Orientals to respond to specific questions or commands with different vocalisations. This mental stimulation is crucial, especially during Darwin's wet season or Adelaide's hot summers when outdoor exploration might be limited.
Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and rotating toy selection keep their minds engaged. Consider clicker training for more advanced tricks – these cats genuinely enjoy the mental challenge. Interactive toys that mimic prey movement are perfect for solo play during those long Australian work days.
Socialisation is equally important. These cats thrive on interaction, so if you're working from home in Canberra or managing shift work in Perth, ensure they have plenty of human contact. They often do best with a feline companion, making them ideal for families considering multiple cats.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Oriental Shorthair owner is someone who genuinely enjoys constant feline companionship. These cats aren't suited to people who travel frequently for work or prefer independent pets. Instead, they're perfect for work-from-home professionals in Melbourne's inner suburbs, retirees on the Sunshine Coast, or families with teenagers who appreciate an interactive, chatty companion.
They thrive with owners who have time for daily interactive play sessions and don't mind a cat who'll follow them around providing running commentary on daily activities. If you're the type who enjoys having deep conversations with your pet, you'll love an Oriental Shorthair's vocal responses.
These cats work well in various Australian housing situations – from Sydney apartments (provided neighbours are tolerant of their vocal nature) to Brisbane family homes with secure yards. They're excellent for families with children, as they're patient and playful, but also suit single professionals who want an engaging companion for those long winter evenings in Hobart or cool Canberra nights.
First-time cat owners often do well with Oriental Shorthairs because they're so people-focused and responsive to training. However, they're not ideal for anyone wanting a low-maintenance pet. Consider your lifestyle carefully – these cats need attention, interaction, and mental stimulation to thrive.
Interesting facts about the Oriental Shorthair
Interesting Fact
Oriental Shorthairs come in over 300 colour and pattern combinations, earning them the nickname "rainbow cat"
Interesting Fact
They're sometimes called "honking cats" due to their distinctive vocalisation that sounds more like a goose than a traditional meow
Interesting Fact
The breed shares the same body type and personality as Siamese cats but without the pointed coat pattern
Interesting Fact
An Oriental Shorthair named Teddy went viral on social media for his resemblance to actor Adam Driver
FAQ
Oriental Shorthairs typically cost between $800-$1,800 AUD from reputable breeders, depending on location, bloodline, and colour rarity. Pet-quality cats are generally less expensive than breeding or show-quality animals.
Yes, they're extremely talkative and will "converse" with you throughout the day. Their signature sound is more of a honk than a meow, and they're not shy about expressing their opinions on everything from meal times to your Netflix choices.
They can thrive in apartments if their social and mental stimulation needs are met, but their vocal nature might concern neighbours. They're better suited to apartments with understanding neighbours or good sound insulation.
Absolutely! Oriental Shorthairs are patient, playful, and gentle with children. They often become devoted companions to kids and enjoy interactive games that children love.
Very little – a weekly brush is usually sufficient. Their short coat is low-maintenance, though they shed moderately year-round and may need extra brushing during seasonal changes.
Their short coat means they feel heat more than fluffier breeds. In extreme temperatures (35°C+), ensure they have air conditioning, shade, and plenty of fresh water. They're generally adaptable but need climate consideration.
Yes, they're extremely social and can become depressed or destructive if left alone for long periods. They're ideal for work-from-home situations or families where someone is usually around.
Oriental Shorthairs typically excel in multi-pet households and often prefer having a feline companion. They usually get along well with dogs and other cats when properly introduced.