The Oriental isn't a specific breed of cat, but rather a group of cats with the shape of the Siamese and an incredible array of color patterns.
Oriental Colors and Patterns
The beautiful Oriental cat, which boasts an amazing range of colors and patterns (112 in tabby pattern alone and more than 300 altogether), originated with just that intent in mind. It would take more than one article to cover how each of the Oriental’s colors were created by outcrossing, but they have genes from an incredible variety of breeds, most of whom have the Siamese as their foundation.
Differences Between the Oriental and Siamese
The main differences between the original Siamese and the Oriental are that the Oriental isn’t a color pointed cat, and they have green eyes instead of blue, except for the Foreign White, which does have blue eyes. Also like the Siamese, the Oriental comes in both shorthair and longhair but neither version requires excessive grooming.
Oriental Characteristics
Oriental cats are the picture of elegance and grace. They have the same body type as the Siamese, including the wedge shaped head, large ears, and almond shaped eyes. The Oriental’s coat is soft and silky, even in the shorthaired varieties. Orientals have a very long, fabulously expressive tail that lends to their lithe appearance.
Oriental Temperament
As with most breeds on the Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds list, the Oriental is mostly treasured for its personality. If you are looking for a docile cat, skip this article and go straight for the Persian because the Oriental is anything but! They are an active and vocal cat, insisting on your attention and companionship. They want to be actively involved in everything you do! Everything. The Oriental is incredibly curious and intelligent, and they maintain their playful personalities well into their later years.
Orientals are well known for their affection and loyalty to their people. They need to be with you and will suffer if they are not. Your Oriental will be by your side to assist you and train you, they will be there to welcome you home from work, and they will make sure you have enough love and cuddles and someone to talk to. Oh yes, they are quite vocal! If you don’t have time and patience to devote to your kitty, reconsider adopting the more than devoted Oriental. Not only will they get lonely, but they will also get bored, and no one wants a bored kitty that is this creative and smart.
Oriental Health
The Oriental varieties have been so extensively outcrossed that they have a sort of hybrid vigor. Orientals have no special dietary needs, but they do need exercise so they do not get chubby. Some may have crossed eyes, but this affects their health in no way. The only other worry is the possibility of heart defects, but this isn’t a wide-spread problem.
If you have any questions or would like to share stories, information or pictures of your Oriental, please join us in the discussion area. If you are thinking of adopting an Oriental, please consider the Oriental Rescue or check out adoptable Oriental cats at Petfinder.com.
If you are researching different breeds of cats, you might also enjoy reading Birman Cats, Ragdoll Cats, Abyssinian Cats, Persian Cats, Himalayan Cats, Maine Coon Cats, Exotic Cats, and Siamese Cats.
