Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is a sleek feline created in the United Kingdom during the 1950s by crossing Siamese with other domestic breeds.

Following World War II, British breeders sought to restore feline lineages and expand color varieties beyond pointed patterns. Crosses involving Siamese, Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians established solid and patterned lines that were backcrossed to Siamese stock. Baroness von Ullmann developed the chestnut brown variety known as the Havana. Fédération Internationale Féline granted official recognition in 1959. The Cat Fanciers' Association accepted the breed for registration in 1972 and advanced it to championship status in 1977, while The International Cat Association recognized it in 1979.

Slender tubular bodies carry fine bone structure and firm musculature, with mature males weighing between 3.5-5.5 kg (8-12 lb). The head forms a tapering triangular wedge anchored by large flaring ears and almond-shaped green eyes. A short, fine-textured coat lies closely against the skin with a lustrous sheen across hundreds of patterns. Official descriptions portray an inquisitive, athletic, and socially demanding feline that communicates through loud vocalizations and seeks constant human interaction.

Coat maintenance remains minimal, needing occasional brushing with a soft rubber mitt to clear shed hair. Dental hygiene requires consistent monitoring as narrow jaw anatomy increases susceptibility to tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Inherited medical conditions documented in lines include systemic amyloidosis affecting the liver or kidneys, feline asthma, progressive retinal atrophy, and dilated cardiomyopathy.