Oriental Shorthair cat insurance
Is the Oriental Shorthair the right cat breed for you?
Our guide to living with an Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is a highly vocal and affectionate breed with striking ears and a lean, elegant build. Known for its sleek coat and wide array of colours, this cat is intelligent, expressive and enjoys the company of its humans.
Oriental Shorthair quick facts
- Size: 28 - 35cm
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Weight: 3 - 6kg (adult male 4 - 6kg, adult female 3 - 5kg)
- Colours: Over 300 variations including solid, shaded, smoke, tabby, bicolour, and more
- Characteristics: Calm, affectionate, independent
- Common diseases and health problems: May be prone to Hepatic amyloidosis, Flat-chested kitten syndrome and Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Country of origin: United Kingdom
Where are Oriental Shorthairs from?
Oriental Shorthairs were developed in the UK in the 1950s. They’re closely related to Siamese cats and were bred to expand the Siamese coat colour range while retaining the same lean, muscular body. Recognised as a separate breed, they soon gained popularity for their unique voice, slender form, and endless variety of patterns and colours.
Looking for pet insurance for your Oriental Shorthair?
Protect your Oriental Shorthair with peace of mind from Agria.
What is an Oriental Shorthair's temperament?
Oriental Shorthairs are known for their high energy and strong personalities. If kept indoors, they’ll need plenty of toys, things to climb on, and interactive play to stay satisfied.
Vocal
They thrive on companionship and are known for being very vocal – they’ll often follow their owners around, chatting as they go.
Loyal & loving
These cats form deep bonds with their humans and are not so good at being left alone for long periods.
Interactive
While they’re not typically outdoor hunters, they have an inquisitive nature and love games that stimulate their chasing instincts.
Oriental Shorthair training and engagement
These cats are super-smart and appreciate plenty of mental engagement and enrichment. Here are a few tips on keeping Oriental Shorthairs happy:
- 1
Training tricks
Orientals need mental stimulation and will often learn to open cupboards or solve puzzles.
- 2
Encouraging play
Scatter feeding works well for this breed. Hide treats around the house or invest in puzzle feeders. Just make sure you rotate the challenges to keep them engaged.
- 3
Toys
Orientals are playful well into adulthood. Try feather wands, moving toys, or laser pointers for interactive fun. Puzzle toys can keep them busy when you're away.
- 4
Take them out for a walk
Orientals are generally confident cats and some may enjoy lead training. Start slowly with a harness indoors, then move to a secure garden or quiet area. Not all cats like this however, so don’t ever force it.
Oriental Shorthair appearance and size
Oriental Shorthairs are slender, muscular cats with a wedge-shaped head and large, bat-like ears. Their eyes are almond-shaped and usually a vivid green (though colours can vary).
They have a short fur coat that shows off their sleek physique. And the breed is known for coming in a wide variety of coat colours and patterns too —potentially 300 combinations exist!
Are Oriental Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, their short, fine coat produces less dander than many breeds, which may help some allergy sufferers. That said, individual reactions vary, so it's best to spend time with the breed first if you have allergies.
Why do Oriental Shorthairs honk?
Oriental Shorthairs often make unique and expressive sounds, which can include a ‘honking’ noise. It's just their way of communicating and getting your attention. Chirping or trilling is also common.
Are Oriental Shorthair cats healthy?
Generally, Oriental Shorthairs are a healthy breed with a good lifespan. However, like many purebred cats, they can be prone to certain conditions. These can include:
Hepatic amyloidosis
A condition where abnormal proteins build up in the liver, potentially leading to liver failure.
Flat-chested kitten syndrome
Where the chest doesn't form properly, making it harder for kittens to breathe.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition that causes gradual vision loss and can lead to blindness. DNA testing is available to check if a cat carries the gene for PRA.
How to look after an Oriental Shorthair
Grooming
Thanks to their short coat, Oriental Shorthairs don’t need lots of grooming. A weekly brush through is usually enough, which can be a good opportunity to bond with your cat. If their coat looks greasy, it can be a sign your cat is not grooming themselves. This is sometimes a sign of poor health, and is worth getting checked out by a vet.
Healthcare
Like all cats, they benefit from regular dental care and nail checks. Their large ears should be checked frequently for cleanliness.
Buying an Oriental Shorthair kitten
Oriental Shorthair kittens are adventurous and highly social. They develop quickly and need plenty of interaction to stay mentally stimulated.
If you buy an Oriental Shorthair kitten, ensure the kitten has been health-checked, vaccinated, and wormed. Breeders should provide detailed care instructions and a socialisation history.
Because they’re quite demanding (as far as cats go), they’re probably better suited to owners that can give them a bit of a fuss, make sure they’re mentally engaged, and enjoy some playtime and the odd quirk too.
Learn more about kitten care and tips for introducing them to your home.
Oriental shorthair cat insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Oriental shorthair's life, we’ll always be there for you and your cat!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your cat can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your cat.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Oriental Shorthair FAQs
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