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United States•crossbreed
Oriental Shorthair
moderateApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Curious, intelligent, and social. Oriental Shorthairs are sleek, elegant cats with large ears and over 300 color variations.
Weight2.5-4.5 kg5.5-10 lbs
Height23-28 cm9-11"
Lifespan12-15 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
CuriousIntelligentSocialPlayfulVocal
Height
23-28 cm9-11"
Weight
2.5-4.5 kg5.5-10 lbs
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Vocalization
Very vocal
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐱
Oriental23-28 cm9-11"Compatibility
How well Oriental Shorthair matches your lifestyle
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Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well Oriental Shorthair matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Oriental Shorthair
high energy60-90 min/day
The Oriental Shorthair is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
High - needs lots of interaction and play
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
cat Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Oriental Shorthair
Low Maintenancefur coat
Oriental Shorthairs require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for Oriental Shorthair
Eager to Please
The Oriental Shorthair is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These cats are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early kittenhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other cat sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Oriental Shorthair
Medium Breed2 meals$25-50/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (kitten, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active cats need more calories; less active cats need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Oriental Shorthair
0
High Risk
4
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Oriental Shorthair
Monthly costs
Food
$25-50
Insurance
$15-40
Supplies
$10-20
Litter
$20-30
Monthly total
$70-140
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$144-432/yr
Annual total
$144-432/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Oriental Shorthair's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
3 references for Oriental Shorthair
Cat Fanciers' Association Breed Information
Registry·Cat Fanciers' Association
Feline Asthma
Veterinary·Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research