Oriental Shorthair Overview

Buy Oriental Shorthairs Online California Oriental shorthair for sale california Oriental shorthair kittens for sale california. Oriental shorthairs don’t just enter a room: They command it. From their large ears and angular faces to their long, slender frames, these stunning cats only look like they’d be standoffish. Their friendly, loving personality is quite the opposite.

The Oriental shorthair’s sleek coat means grooming is a little easier than with his cousin cat, the Oriental longhair. And this big-eared breed tends to enjoy a longer lifespan—it’s not unusual for an Oriental shorthair to live more than 15 years.

Though their looks are unusual and many might not be familiar with these felines, Oriental shorthairs aren’t as rare as exotic cat breeds like the Khoa Manee or American Bobtail. But while you may find some Oriental shorthair kittens or cats available for adoption, a reputable breeder is the more common avenue to bringing one home.

Appearance

While the Oriental shorthair is technically a medium-sized cat at 8–12 pounds, their long, narrow frame gives them a much taller presence—and it also gives a hint about their history. “Look closely and you’ll see that [his] body structure is almost identical to the Siamese,” says Teresa Keiger, editor at the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

The big difference between the two breeds? The incredible variation in color and pattern. Oriental shorthairs come in virtually every hue from blue and lavender to ebony and with patterns including tortoiseshell and smoke. And like their name suggests, their coat is short, sleek, and shiny when brushed regularly. And while a completely hypoallergenic cat isn’t exactly a reality, the Oriental shorthair can be a good choice for some allergy sufferers, alleviating sneezing and sniffles. Buy Oriental Shorthairs Online California Oriental shorthair for sale california Oriental shorthair kittens for sale california

If that all wasn’t appealing enough, the Oriental shorthair has one of the most unforgettable faces you’ll see. Their wedge-shaped head creates an interesting distribution of facial features, with a long nose, almond eyes, and prominent cheekbones. And at the very top of that noggin?

Temperament

Up for a chat? An Oriental shorthair is always in talkative mood, with an unusual cry that’s commonly referred to as a honk. “They talk when they want something, want to know what’s going on, what you’re doing, or where you are,” Keiger says.

As you can probably guess, these cats are very social animals. Intelligent and affectionate, Oriental shorthair cats love to be around their families and other pets, particularly fellow felines. They’re total “Velcro kitties,” and often act as your second shadow.

“[They’ll] get very attached to you, so that even if you walk to any part of your home. They will follow you unconditionally,” Gonzalez says. While their moderate energy levels don’t make them the kind of lap cat that spends the day watching the world go by, they’ll definitely seek out that lap when the mood hits. These kitties are equal parts snuggly and on-the-go.

Living Needs

Oriental shorthair cats can thrive in both homes and apartments. Their main living needs align with their social nature and activity levels—Oriental shorthairs always need a friend in sight and love to play and explore. This is mainly why Gonzalez recommends getting your cat a buddy: “Make sure to get more than one! They hate to be alone, and be very prepared to give up any free time to their whims and needs. They need constant stimulation and playtime.”

Buy Oriental Shorthairs Online California Oriental shorthair for sale california Oriental shorthair kittens for sale california. Your Oriental shorthair will make good use of scratching and stretching on a cat tree, and might enjoy a high-up cat shelf, too. He loves to explore so much that you need to give him appropriate outlets to do so, otherwise you might find him on top of your refrigerator or opening kitchen cabinets to see what’s inside.

Care

Oriental shorthair cats may be more popular than their longhair cousins due to their easy-to-care-for coats. Routine brushing will show off that sleek fur and help ease shedding, which happens year-round. An occasional cat bath or wipe-down also brings out the best in their coats.

Their biggest grooming need isn’t their short fur, but their big ears. You’ll want to do a weekly check for wax and anything unusual. Your veterinarian can walk you through the task of preferred ear cleaning methods.

Then there’s the typical cat care all breeds need: Trim their nails regularly. (If you hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long) and make sure their litter box stays clean. And keep up with regular vet appointments to make sure your Oriental shorthair kitten stays healthy. Buy Oriental Shorthairs Online California Oriental shorthair for sale california Oriental shorthair kittens for sale california

Regular play sessions with interactive cat toys will help stimulate an Oriental shorthair’s need to explore while also keeping boredom at bay. (Remember, these cats are very smart and need to exercise their brains as well as their legs.) Having lots of one-on-one playtime is also an important social outlet for your cat—and, let’s be real, for you too. Bonus: These play sessions are often followed by kitty cuddles.

Health

The Oriental shorthair lifespan is typically 12–15 years, but some can live well past that milestone. However, as with all breeds, there are some specific health issues to watch out for.

Like the Abyssinian, Siamese, and Balinese breeds, Oriental shorthairs can be susceptible to Amyloidosis. According to the Oriental Cat Association, this is a serious condition where amyloid (an abnormal protein) forms deposits in tissues and organs. The deposits then lead to organ failure or death. Symptoms tend to develop before a cat is 5 years old, and it’s believed to be an inherited condition. Unfortunately, there aren’t currently any non-invasive or genetic tests to detect amyloidosis.

But the average Oriental shorthair is typically the most preoccupied with obesity and dental issues. Regular exercise, keeping treats to a minimum, brushing your cat’s teeth. And taking him to your vet for regular dental exams will help your cat live a happy and healthy life. Buy Oriental Shorthairs Online California Oriental shorthair for sale california Oriental shorthair kittens for sale california