Also called Oriental, Foreign Shorthair, Foreign Type, Havana (UK name for the solid brown variety), Foreign White (UK name for the blue-eyed white variety)
A lively, clever and talkative companion that bonds closely with its people and wants to be involved in whatever is going on.
Very short, fine, glossy coat lying close to the body, with almost no undercoat
Origin
Developed in the United Kingdom from the 1950s by crossing Siamese with other cats to get the Siamese body in solid and patterned colours; the breed was then built up and first formally recognised as 'Oriental Shorthair' in the United States in the 1970s. Its Siamese ancestors trace back to Thailand.341
A lively, clever and talkative companion that bonds closely with its people and wants to be involved in whatever is going on. Orientals are curious, love interactive games and often learn to fetch, and many stay kitten-like and playful into adulthood. They enjoy conversation and attention, and some happily curl up on a lap despite their sleek, athletic look. They are sociable with families and usually thrive with company.4312
Coat and looks how to spot one
very short, fine, glossy coat lying close to the body, with almost no undercoat
A long, slim and elegant cat with fine bones and firm, well-toned muscles, its shoulders no wider than its hips. The head is a long, clean wedge with a straight nose, leading out to very large, pointed ears set wide at the base, which give the breed its striking outline. The medium, almond-shaped eyes slant towards the nose and are usually a vivid green; white cats may have green, deep blue or one of each. The legs are long and slender with small oval paws, and the tail is very long, thin and whip-like. The coat is extremely short and satin-smooth, with a glossy sheen.5431
Colourswhiteblack (ebony)bluechestnut or brown (Havana)lilac (lavender)cinnamonfawncaramelredcreamapricottortoiseshellsmokeshadedsilvertabby (classic, mackerel, spotted, ticked)bicolour, van and harlequinpointed (in some registries)3542
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Oriental Shorthair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 60 minutes of play a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. These are agile jumpers that love heights, so provide cat trees, perches and shelves, plus daily interactive play such as fetch, wand toys and puzzle games. Many can be taught to walk on a harness and lead.231
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very little coat care needed. A weekly brush or rub with a soft glove keeps the short coat glossy, and most Orientals enjoy grooming as a moment of attention; they shed only lightly. The Oriental Longhair variety needs regular combing, although its silky coat has no woolly undercoat and resists tangles.432
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to indoor or apartment living as long as there is vertical space to climb and perch, scratching posts, and plenty of toys and daily play with people.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food suitable for its life stage, with measured portions to keep this slender, long-legged cat lean. Fresh water should always be available.2
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and does best with an attentive household. GCCF notes Orientals do not tend to enjoy being the only animal and are happier with other cats or pets and people around them for company when owners are out.342
The story where it all began
Orientals are essentially Siamese cats without the restriction of pointed colouring. In Britain in 1951, Baroness von Ullmann began crossing chocolate-pointed Siamese with a non-pedigree black cat to produce solid-coloured cats with the fine 'foreign' body type, and in October 1952 the first modern chestnut brown cat, Elmtower Bronze Idol, was born; this colour became known as the Havana. Lilac cats followed, and in the 1960s breeders developed the blue-eyed Foreign White. To widen the palette, British breeders also brought in Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, Abyssinians and domestic shorthairs. In the early 1970s, American breeders such as Vicky and Peter Markstein imported solid and tabby foreign-type cats from British catteries including Angela Sayers' Solitaire and Patricia White's lines. Oriental Shorthairs International formed in 1973, CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1974 and granted championship status in 1977, added bicolours in 1985 and the longhair variety in 1988. The GCCF recognised the colours step by step, first under names like Havana and Foreign White, before grouping them under the Oriental name.314
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Counting every colour, pattern and coat length, CFA says there are over 600 possible Oriental combinations, making it one of the most colour-varied breeds in the fancy.4
2
The very first modern Havana, a chestnut brown cat named Elmtower Bronze Idol, was born in Britain in October 1952.3
3
Unlike its blue-eyed Siamese cousins, a coloured Oriental is expected to have vivid green eyes; white Orientals may have blue, green or odd eyes.5
4
Many Orientals love retrieving and will play fetch like a dog.3
5
Orientals can often be trained to walk on a lead and harness.2
6
Orientals are judged together with Siamese in the same standard group by FIFe, reflecting their shared body type.5
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is called 'Oriental' because it was developed to resemble the elegant, foreign type of the Siamese cat but in a wide array of colors, originating from crosses in 1950s England.6
I am the talk of the house, always ready for a conversation. This morning, I greeted my human with a series of meows, telling them all about my dreams. I fetched my favorite toy mouse, dropping it at their feet, ready for a game. My leaps are legendary, from the floor to the top of the bookshelf in one bound. I love to be in the middle of everything, helping with chores by 'supervising' from the counter. In the evening, I curl up on a lap, my purr a constant hum. I am the clever companion, the playful spirit, and I would not have it any other way.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Accepted for registration 1974, championship status 1977; bicolours added 1985; longhair variety added 19884
GCCF
Section 6 (Siamese & Oriental), Group 1; recognised colour by colour from the 1950s, starting with Havana, Oriental Lilac and Foreign White; bicolours 19973
FIFe
Fully recognised, Category 4 (code OSH), sharing a standard with Siamese, Balinese and Oriental Longhair7
Oriental Shorthairs are lean and active, so treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Dental treats with the VOHC seal can help with their higher risk of gum disease, but always count the calories.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Oriental Shorthair, and at what times?
Feeding times and amounts vary by age, weight and activity. Follow the portion guide on your cat food label and check with your vet for a schedule that keeps your Oriental lean. Fresh water must always be available.
What should an Oriental Shorthair eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food suitable for your Oriental's life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and raw eggs or meat. Cats are especially sensitive to onion and garlic.28
Does an Oriental Shorthair need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for an Oriental Shorthair. Only bathe if the coat is very dirty or sticky, as overbathing can dry the skin.9
How often does an Oriental Shorthair need brushing?
A weekly brush or rub with a soft glove keeps the short coat glossy. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.432Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an Oriental Shorthair's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 10 to 14 days, taking only the tip and no more than two claws per session at first. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests every 3 weeks as a beginning schedule.9Pet Wiki plan
How much play does an Oriental Shorthair need?
Orientals need about 60 minutes of interactive play each day. They love fetch, wand toys, puzzle games and climbing. Provide cat trees and shelves for their high energy.231Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an Oriental Shorthair's teeth and ears?
Brush your Oriental's teeth daily if possible; Pet Wiki suggests every 2 days as a starting routine. For ears, check weekly and clean only if needed, but ask your vet for specific ear care advice. Pet Wiki plan
How long does an Oriental Shorthair live?
Oriental Shorthairs typically live 8 to 15 years, with many staying playful well into adulthood.23
Is an Oriental Shorthair good with children and other pets?
Yes, Orientals are very sociable and bond closely with families. They usually get along well with children and other pets when introduced properly.432
Can an Oriental Shorthair be left alone?
Orientals are very people-oriented and do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. They are happier with another pet or with company, so consider a companion or interactive toys.342
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Siamese
Oriental Longhair
Balinese
Cornish Rex
Peterbald