Character and Origin of Oriental Shorthair and Siamese

The Oriental Shorthair, just like its sibling the Siamese, originated from Thailand. The Oriental Shorthair is the non-pointed color variation of the Siamese. Their origins are intertwined until their importation to the United Kingdom in the 1880s. As breed clubs decided to focus on breeding the pointed color variety, the other color varieties began to disappear. It was only after World War II, with the aim of expanding the genetic pool and reintroducing certain colors, that breedings were conducted with cats of other breeds. The pointed-colored kittens resulting from the crossing of this new generation were reintroduced into Siamese breeding programs. Some color varieties, such as the Havana Brown and the Foreign White, were retained in the creation of distinct related breeds. All other color varieties were used in the creation of a separate breed, the Oriental Shorthair.

The Oriental Shorthair is a cat of unparalleled grace and elegance. With its long and slender body, it possesses impressive agility. They love heights and will need a stimulating living environment that allows them to jump and climb freely. They are very attached to their owner, particularly affectionate and fond of close contact. With an extremely curious nature, they are never far away and show interest in everything happening around them.

The Oriental Shorthair is a wonderful playmate for children in the family and generally gets along well with other feline and canine companions. Both the Oriental Shorthair and the Siamese have behavior traits that resemble those of a dog. Mischievous and playful, they will not hesitate to grab your attention with their acrobatics and tactics. They are particularly intelligent and form an exclusive bond with their owner. They require dedication and special attention from their owner, but they will give back just as much in return. Their owner should be prepared to invest time and effort in providing the necessary attention and playtime for their well-being, as they can be a bit demanding if the essential conditions for their happiness are not met. The Oriental Shorthair knows how to communicate its emotions and attract its owner’s attention through various vocalizations. They can be quite chatty, which is a big part of their charm. The Oriental Shorthair is an extraordinary breed and an ideal companion, possessing a unique personality that leaves no one indifferent.