Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad – Oriental Shorthair

This breed, a sibling of Siamese cat, combines charm and elegance with cuddly, extrovert and playful nature.

In 1950s, keepers expressed their wish to breed Siamese cat without its typical features. These efforts resulted in Oriental Shorthair. It came into existence by crossbreeding Siamese cats with common domestic cats and other breeds. First cats from this crossbreeding were havanas (chocolate brown hair) but other colours and shades gradually grew in number.

Thanks to their relations to Siamese cats, Oriental Shorthair do not have a very different nature. People say, they are less talkative but that’s not always true. And they are not different with regard to their good relationship with other cats and dogs. They also get on well with children. They are very social so if you spend most of your days outside, it’s good to get your Oriental Shorthair some cat companion. There’s nothing worse for them than staying home alone for days. After all, the dog owner will probably pay for it, as they tend to express their unhappiness by destroying their flat and lack of hygiene.

If you pay enough attention to them (and they will let you know if you don’t), you’ll have a very cuddly cat at home which loves caressing. Oriental shorthair cats also like games and they are playful even when older. Thanks to their intelligence, it’s not difficult to teach them various tricks such as fetching a ball. It’s easy for them to learn how to walk in a harness. But watch over small children when they play with them. These cats like wild games and they might be a bit too rough when playing. However, you don’t have to be very careful when playing with them, oriental shorthair cats definitely don’t mind poking in the heat of battle.

Oriental shorthair cats like attention and want to get it from you as well as your visitors. They thoroughly check them at first and they’ll demand caressing from them. However, their combination of inquisitiveness and intelligence may sometimes cause problems. They soon learn to open various doors and it’s no exception that cats of this breed know how to turn on taps, open a fridge or a window.

Besides the elegance of the slim body of oriental shorthair cats, their beauty is also supported by shiny, soft and fine hair you’ll like when caressing them. Also, it does not get easily dirty and therefore doesn’t need much care. It is usually enough to brush it once a week. Their amazing emerald green eyes also make them even more beautiful. With regard to hair colour, there are many variants and new ones are still emerging, so anyone can choose according to his/her own wish.

Keeping these cats is great but it’s definitely suitable for everyone. If you like your peace or are very busy, look for another breed. They are really very extrovert and they will need attention. With these cats, you’ll never forget you have them. However, they’ll show you twice as much love as you give them, you’ll have fun together and you’ll never feel alone. And as a plus, you never have to go far for a hug.

 

Related articles

Fasting once a week: Truth or myth?

Allegedly, fast is instinctively practised by both wolfs and wild dogs. This has led many people to that assumption, that our dog on the couch should, once in a while, be fasting as well. A wild animal surely knows what it is doing, nature is wise, you...

Dog History II: Hachiko

In this cycle, we will get to know interesting dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let us take a look what they have already achieved during our life together. We should find Hachiko in the dictionary next to the phrase...

When is excessive movement harmful for your dog

Have you ever wondered how much movement is healthy for your dog and when it can be harmful? Or that not every movement is beneficial? Most dog owners never think about this. It’s said that the more you move, the better. But this is not always true.

My experience with humane trapping

As I mentioned in previous articles, I occasionally help out my friend Markéta, who runs a cat shelter. I had the opportunity to take part in several humane trappings for stray cats and would like to share the experience with you today. 

Dog depression

Did you know that even your pet dog can suffer from depression? As with people, we shouldn’t underestimate the mental state of our dogs. How to recognize it and what to do about it?

Dogs and cats in the world I: Greece

In this cycle, we shall take a look at how cats and dogs are getting along in the world. Where people nurture and spoil them, or on the contrary they suffer and their situation is critical. Today I would like to introduce you to the cats of Greece,...

Overheating your dog

The approach of warm sunny days will surely entice many people to go for long walks. Many of us take our four-legged companions on vacation. It’s during these times that we should be careful about sunstroke, both for us and our dogs. How can we prevent...

What to do if your dog is overweight

Just like with people, being overweight can have a negative impact on a dog’s health. Preparing the right diet and amount of food to give them can sometimes be, however, like pure alchemy, and so your dog can start to become obese. If this is the case...

How to protect your dog from ticks

There seems to be more and more ticks year after year. Fortunately, the ways to protect our furry friends, whether dogs or cats, against these parasites are growing. Everyone can choose what product fits best for them and their four-legged companions.

Skinny guinea pig or hairless guinea pig

Until recently skinny guinea pigs were relatively rare in our country. Word about them is quickly spreading, however, and they have become a sudden hit among breeders. What’s it like having these guinea pigs and what do they like to eat?

Feline kidneys need good nutrition

The kidneys perform one of the most important functions in the body - cleaning the blood. Due to their small intake of water, cats are more burdened than other animals and therefore suffer quite often from kidney problems the older they get.