The Oriental, a graceful and communicative cat, an embodiment of feline elegance.
The Elegance of the Orient
The Oriental is a cat breed of striking elegance, recognizable by its slender silhouette, wedge-shaped head, large ears, and piercing green eyes. Closely related to the Siamese through its ancestry, the Oriental distinguishes itself by its vast range of coat colors and patterns, which are not limited to the traditional 'points'. First developed in England and the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, it is cherished for its extroverted, intelligent, and vocal personality.
Whether short-haired or long-haired (Oriental Longhair), this cat is a devoted companion that demands a lot of interaction and affection, integrating perfectly into an active family.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The Oriental's short, fine coat requires minimal grooming, with weekly brushing sufficient to maintain its shine. For Oriental Longhairs, brushing two to three times a week will prevent tangles. This is a very intelligent and curious cat that has a great need for mental and physical stimulation. Provide interactive toys, regular play sessions, and opportunities to climb. Being very sociable and 'talkative,' the Oriental does not tolerate loneliness. If you are often away, consider getting a feline companion so it doesn't get bored.
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Identifying the Oriental: Key Characteristics
The Oriental's triangular head and large ears give it a distinctive silhouette.
The Oriental is a medium-sized cat, slender and muscular, with a long and elegant 'foreign type' silhouette. Its head is one of its most distinctive features, forming a perfect triangle from the ears to the muzzle.
Size: Medium-sized cat, with a long, slender, and tubular body.
Coat: Short, fine, silky, and glossy, very close to the body. Or medium-long to long, fine and silky for the Oriental Longhair. All colors and patterns (solid, tabby, tortie, bicolor, etc.) are accepted.
Head: Long, narrow wedge shape, with a straight profile from the forehead to the tip of the nose.
Eyes: Medium-sized, almond-shaped, slightly oblique, generally green (except for white and bicolor cats where blue is possible).
Ears: Very large, wide at the base and well-opened, extending the lines of the head triangle.
Tail: Very long and thin, whip-like, carried high.
Dimensions and Key Information (Oriental)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
22 – 28 cm
22 – 30 cm
Weight
3 – 5 kg
2.5 – 4 kg
2.5 – 5 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 4-6
These figures indicate that the Oriental is a medium-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Elegant, Vocal, and Highly Intelligent
The Oriental is a strikingly elegant cat breed, recognizable by its svelte silhouette, large ears, almond-shaped eyes, and short, glossy coat. It is a cat of keen intelligence and insatiable curiosity, but above all, it is known for its highly communicative and affectionate temperament. Orientals love to "talk" with their owners, using a wide range of vocalizations to express their thoughts and needs, a characteristic they share with their close cousin, the Siamese.
Extremely attached to their families, Orientals are devoted companions who constantly seek interaction and attention. They love to participate in all household activities and are often described as "velcro cats," following their humans everywhere. Their energy and need for stimulation make them very playful, enjoying interactive games and toys that challenge their intelligence. Their agility and exploratory nature can recall the lively character of the Abyssinian or the boundless energy of the Bengal, though the Oriental is often more focused on verbal interaction.
The Oriental is a cat that requires commitment from its owners. It dislikes solitude and prefers to have company, whether human or feline. If you are looking for an elegant, intelligent, and vocal cat, the Oriental is a perfect choice. For those who love the Oriental's sociability and intelligence but prefer a slightly different appearance, the Tonkinese offers a fascinating blend of temperaments, while the Devon Rex also provides a very interactive personality with a truly unique look.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Oriental truly began in the 1950s and 1960s. After World War II, the Siamese gene pool in England was very limited. Breeders then crossed Siamese with other breeds such as the British Shorthair, Russian Blue, and Abyssinian, with the aim of broadening genetic diversity. These crosses resulted in kittens of Siamese type, but with coats of various colors and patterns, without the traditional 'points'. This is how the Oriental Shorthair breed was born.
The breed was officially recognized in the 1970s by the CFA and TICA. Later, a long-haired variety, the Oriental Longhair (sometimes called Javanese), was also developed. The Oriental is a very adaptable cat that can live in an apartment, provided it receives a great deal of attention, play, and stimulation. It is sensitive to cold due to its fine coat and prefers warm and cozy interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Oriental
What is unique about the Oriental compared to the Siamese?
The Oriental shares the same elegant morphology and vocal temperament as the Siamese, but differs in having a wider variety of coat colors and patterns (solid, tabby, tortie, bicolor, etc.) all over the body, rather than just on the extremities ('points').
What is the temperament of the Oriental?
The Oriental is a very intelligent, curious, playful, and extremely sociable and vocal cat. It is very attached to its family and needs a lot of attention and interaction. It is known for being talkative and following its owners everywhere.
How do you groom the Oriental's coat?
For the Oriental Shorthair, weekly brushing is sufficient. For the Oriental Longhair, two to three brushings per week are recommended to prevent tangles and maintain the softness of the coat.
Is the Oriental prone to specific health problems?
Being closely related to the Siamese, the Oriental can be predisposed to similar health problems, such as renal amyloidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and dental conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and screenings are important.
What is the life expectancy of an Oriental?
The average life expectancy of an Oriental typically ranges between 12 and 15 years, with good care and a balanced diet.
