The Oriental Longhair is a breed of English origin that belongs to the Siamese group of breeds and is noted for its slender appearance and semi-long coat. Its long and slender body, accompanied by large ears and almond-shaped eyes, give it a refined appearance. The Oriental is an energetic, intelligent, sociable and deeply affectionate cat, ideal for families and people looking for an active and interactive companion.
General details
Oriental longhair cats are of medium size. Adult males weigh between 3.5 and 5.5 kilograms, while females weigh between 2 and 3.5 kilograms. They measure approximately 20 to 28 centimeters to the shoulders. Their life expectancy is higher than average, and they can live more than 20 years. The breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).
Breed history in brief
The Oriental is a man-made breed that originated in the 1950s in England as a result of the efforts of breeders who, after World War II, sought to rebuild their breeding programs. These breeders made crosses between Siamese, Russian Blue, British Shorthair, Abyssinian and Domestic cats, resulting in non-pointing cats that were back-crossed with Siamese. Within a few generations, cats emerged that were indistinguishable from the Siamese except for color. The non-pointing cats became the ancestors of modern Orientals. In the 1970s, Orientals were imported to the United States, where new crosses were made with American Shorthairs to create even more colors. The Oriental Shorthairs International club achieved recognition of the breed by the CFA, being registered in 1974. Subsequently, in 1988, long-haired Orientals were accepted and both varieties were grouped under the name Oriental, although they are classified in separate divisions according to the length of their coat.
Breed characteristics
The long-haired Oriental is a cat of elegant and athletic bearing, characterized by its long and tubular body, accompanied by slender and slender legs, tail and even toes. Although they are not large cats and have a slender build, they maintain a firm musculature. The head is wedge-shaped and smooth, tapering to a slender muzzle. The ears are large with a wide base and the almond-shaped eyes are preferably green. The neck is long and the tail is thin, elongated and feathered. The coat is semi-long and close-fitting, with a fine, silky texture. In addition, it has a surprising diversity of colors and patterns that include: solids, brindle, silver, smoky and color combinations, adding up to more than 281 possibilities in the varieties of short hair and long hair. They are energetic, curious and intelligent cats. They are also vocal cats and require constant attention and affection. Their friendly and adaptable character makes them ideal pets for families.
Common health problems
The Oriental Longhair is generally a healthy breed. However, they tend to be sensitive to anesthesia and susceptible to the development of amyloidosis.
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