With an oriental shorthair cat, also called OKH, it is guaranteed never to be boring. Intelligent, lively cats with big ears need a lot of attention and don’t like to be alone. For this, they reward “their” people with a large portion of affection.
The Appearance of the Oriental Shorthair Cat
The most striking feature of the oriental shorthair cat is its large “bat ears”. They stand far apart, are wide at the base, and then taper to a point.
OKH has a distinctive, wedge-shaped head with a long, straight nose. Their almond-shaped, slightly slanted eyes are always bright green – regardless of the color of their fur. Only white oriental shorthair cats can have blue eyes. Some white animals also have one green and one blue eye.
Physique: Slim and Elegant
Oriental shorthair cats are descended from the Siamese cats and have a similar physique: They are slim and long-legged. The tail of the Oriental Shorthair is long, thin, and resembles a whip.
OKH are among the medium-sized cat breeds: a cat weighs between three and four kilograms, a male four to five kilograms on the scales.
The short, fine, close-fitting fur also contributes to the slim appearance. It has a nice sheen and no undercoat.
Colors of the Oriental Shorthair
The wide variety of coat colors and drawings is typical of this breed of cats. Here are the most important colors and patterns of the OKH cat:
- Black
- White
- Blue (blue-gray)
- Chocolate (dark brown)
- Lilac (light gray with a purple tinge)
- Red
- Cream
- Cinnamon (red-brown)
- Fawn (matte beige)
- Tortoiseshell (black and red patterned)
- Tabby (brindle, mackerel, spotted and ticked)
Tabby is the generic term for different, typical cat patterns. All tabby cats have an M-shaped mark on their foreheads.
The Temperament of the OKH: Lively and “Talkative”
OKH cats are very playful, curious, and people-oriented. They want to be involved in family activities and they do it loudly. Her motto is: “Right in the middle instead of just being there.” An oriental shorthair cat follows you at every turn. If need be, except for the toilet.
They are also very intelligent. Some of them are even able to open doors and drawers. Clicker training is a great way to keep those clever velvet paws busy.
Like their relatives, the Siamese cats, Oriental Shorthair cats meow a lot. When your OKH speaks to you, they expect an answer from you too.
The Oriental Shorthair Needs Attention
If you want to share your life with an Oriental Shorthair, you should be aware that these animals need a lot of time and attention.
OKH Need Company
An OKH cat doesn’t like to be alone. She needs company to be happy. They particularly like to be with other members of the same breed. So if you are at work and don’t have a lot of time, the best thing to do is to get two Oriental Shorthairs.
The kitties enjoy a garden or a secure balcony but are also satisfied as an indoor cats. Most Orientals are also available for a walk on a leash.
Easy-care Fur
Due to the short hair and the lack of an undercoat, the OKH’s coat is very easy to care for. Occasionally rub it with a soft cloth to make it shine even more.
Regular brushing is not necessary with this breed of cats, but the Orientals enjoy the attention that comes with grooming. You can also simply rub your darling’s fur with damp hands to shed loose hair.
Health and Life Expectancy
Oriental shorthair cats are considered robust animals. However, they are quite sensitive to the cold. Their average life expectancy is 15 years.
In contrast to their relatives, the Siamese cats, the OKH are not known to have any breed-specific diseases – while Siams are prone to problems with the eyes, the heart, and certain types of cancer.
However, even an OKH is not immune to “normal” cat diseases and parasites. So make sure you get the necessary vaccinations and take your cat to the vet for a health check-up once a year.
Where Can You Buy an Oriental Shorthair?
Would you like to give an oriental shorthair cat a home? You can get an OKH kitten from a breeder, for example.
Before buying, however, you should make sure that the animals are housed appropriately. A serious breeder has nothing to hide and will be happy to show you the parents of the kittens.
Make sure you have full papers and kittens no younger than 12 weeks before you take them home. The kittens should be vaccinated, chipped, and dewormed before handing in. If not, you better look elsewhere.
OKH is also offered for sale online on various advertising portals. Animal rights activists advise against buying cats online. Because the animals are not always kept in a species-appropriate manner by such providers. Often there is a lack of space, hygiene, and the right medical care.
What does an oriental shorthair cost?
You can get an oriental shorthair from 700 dollars and up.
You might also find something at your local animal shelter. It is not that rare that pedigree cats end up in animal welfare. Shelters usually give cats away for a small nominal fee. The fee is intended – at least in part – to cover the costs of feed, accommodation, and the veterinarian and also to deter spontaneous buyers.
Origin of the Breed
The Oriental Shorthair also called the Oriental Shorthair Cat or OKH for short comes from the Siamese. Siamese cats originally come from Thailand and so the oriental shorthair also has Thai roots.
There is contradicting information about the exact origin of the breed: Some sources locate its origins in England, others in the USA. In English, the breed is called “Oriental Shorthair”.
OKH cats have apparently been bred according to plan since the 1970s. The breed is not particularly widespread in Europe but has a small community of lovers.
A related breed is the Oriental Longhair Cats, believed to have originated from a cross between Abyssinians and Siamese in the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
With their very slim body and large ears, oriental shorthairs are certainly not to everyone’s taste. However, lovers of this breed rave about their elegant appearance and smooth movements.
OKH cats are not for people who value rest. They are agile, very talkative, and definitely bring life to your home. For a happy cat life, they, therefore, need a lot of care and employment opportunities.
