They look like Siamese cats -- sort of -- and they certainly act like them. But they're not exactly Siamese -- they're Oriental shorthairs. First bred in the 1950s, these Siamese offshoots have the same basic body type as their forebears, but what a variety of colors (figure A) and patterns -- 155 in all! Some of the colors and patterns seen in Oriental shorthairs appear in no other breed. Personality - People-oriented
- Playfull well into adulthood (figure B)
- Inquisitive
- Energetic
- Affectionate
- Demanding of attention.
Physical Traits - Large ears
- Wedge-shaped head (figure C)
- Long, muscular body and legs
- Long, pointed tail.
As the name implies, the Oriental shorthair has an extremely short coat; consequently, these cats love heat -- the hotter, the better. Very low-maintenance pets, they shed little and require only minimal grooming: once a week or so, you should groom them with your bare hands and trim their claws regularly. Otherwise, they never need bathing (unless, thanks to their inquisitive nature, they've gotten into something messy). The feel of the Oriental shorthair's fur has been likened to a silk glove covering a steel hand. If you want to adopt an Oriental shorthair, be advised that these cats are very affectionate -- they want to be babied by their humans. If such a cat is for you, check out several breeders, and be sure to see the parents before adopting so you can determine their temperament. Also check the environment in which the kitten was raised. You should look for several indications of good health: - Normal respiration
- Bright eyes
- Clean ears
- No coughing or sneezing
RESOURCES :
The Guide to Owning an Oriental Shorthair Cat
Model: 0793821908
Author: Lynn Miller
TFH Publications
May 2000
Oriental Shorthair Cat
Model: 1562395823
Author: Stuart A. Kallen
Abdo & Daughters
September 1998
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