Oriental Shorthair, like the Siamese cat, originated in Thailand. The main differences between them are their fur and eye colors. There is even a saying that the Oriental Shorthair is a more ancient breed than the Siamese cat, and that the Siamese cat is its variant.
It is lively and energetic, likes to exercise, is curious, likes to play with people, is loyal to its owner, has a bold temperament, is not sensitive to unusual noises around it, and likes to act coquettish to its owner. If it is ignored when its owner is not with it, it will feel depressed and unhappy. Its personality is quite different from that of a Siamese cat. If it is accompanied for a long time, it will be found that its personality is sometimes like a dog, and it is highly intelligent.
In 1962, British scientists began crossbreeding white cats with Siamese cats in order to breed a pure white Siamese cat breed. As a result, the offspring had various genes, including pure white and pure black, as well as mixed colors such as red, brown, and chocolate. This is how the Oriental Shorthair was born. It wasn't until 1972 that it was officially recognized as the Oriental Shorthair by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), and in 1975 it was recognized as a separate breed in the United States. Since then, it has become popular in the United States and has been bred into various other colors, with the lavender color being the most famous.
Families and single individuals with or without children and other pets (not recommended for people allergic to cat fur)
1. Soft Stool and Diarrhea
Soft stool and diarrhea are common conditions in cats. Normal stool should be brown, cylindrical, well-formed, and moderately moist.
Causes: Catching a cold, changing food, poor food quality, stress reaction, parasitic infection, etc.
Symptoms: Soft, sticky, unformed, watery stool.
Solution: If it is caused by parasitic infection, it is recommended to deworm the cat. If it is a stress reaction from a change in environment, it is not a big problem and it is recommended to observe for a few more days. For dietary reasons, do not frequently change cat food to reduce gastrointestinal burden. Also, pay attention to controlling the amount of food, feed the cat in small portions multiple times a day and on a regular schedule. In terms of drinking water, keep it clean and fresh, and do not give the cat mineral water, as it can easily lead to urinary stones.
2. Depression
Cats are sensitive animals, and depression is a common condition.
Causes: Lack of companionship, loss of a partner, abuse, prolonged confinement, etc.
Symptoms: Loss of appetite, lying around all day, hiding, sensitivity and irritability, timidness.
Solution: Cat depression is a psychological problem, so it is advisable for the cat owner to spend more time with the cat. Treats or interactive toys can be used to interact with the cat on a daily basis to reduce the cat's stress as much as possible.
Oriental Shorthair cats have a relatively delicate digestive system, so it is best to feed them a fixed brand of cat food. Even if you want to switch their food, it needs to be gradually mixed in. During the transition, it is best to pay special attention to their bowel movements. If the switch is too sudden, it can easily cause diarrhea. It is best to ensure a moderate amount of food is given each day. Oriental Shorthair cats have a stubborn personality and do not like being ignored. If left alone for a long time, they may become irritable and unresponsive. You need to invest a lot of time and love to truly reap the greatest rewards from owning this breed. Do not let your cat go outside, as they can get lost after satisfying their curiosity.
The Oriental Shorthair has short and dense fur, and its most prominent feature is that it sheds very little. Therefore, the owner can save a lot of time grooming its fur. It is recommended to groom the cat 2-3 times a week using a comb, preferably starting from the kitten stage to allow it to gradually adapt. In daily life, you can directly stroke the cat's fur with your palm, which helps spread the oil in its fur and make the coat more glossy.