Oriental

UK / USA · 1950s

Siamese personality in hundreds of colors

SizeMedium6–12 lb
Life span12–18 years
CoatShort or long
Typical price$800–$1,800

Orientals are Siamese relatives with the same slim body and big ears, but in solid, tabby and many other colors, usually with green eyes. They are talkative, curious and devoted.

At a glance

EnergyNon-stop
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldCuddly
TalkativeVery chatty
GroomingMinimal
SheddingLow
With kidsGood
With petsGood
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneNeeds company

Life with an Oriental

Expect a loud, chatty shadow that wants constant interaction. They are acrobatic, smart and easily bored. Most do best with another cat for company when people are out.

Great for
  • People who are home a lot
  • Homes with another active cat
  • People who want an interactive, trainable cat
Think twice if
  • You want quiet
  • You live alone and work long hours
Care tips
  • Brush weekly (twice a week for longhairs).
  • Puzzle toys and daily play.
  • Dental care.

Health

Similar to the Siamese: PRA (causes blindness), dental disease and liver amyloidosis.

Ask the breeder for
  • PRA (rdAc) DNA test
  • Parents’ dental history
Typical US price$800–$1,800
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Oriental kittens

Similar breeds

SiameseVery active · CuddlyBalineseVery active · CuddlyCornish RexVery active · Cuddly
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.