ORIENTAL
ORIGIN
Orientals represent a diverse group of cats that have their foundation in the Siamese breed. The Oriental was developed to explore all the possibilities of color and pattern When the Oriental Shorthair was accepted for championship status in 1977 it rapidly became one of CFA’s most popular breeds. With the 1995 addition of the Oriental Longhair into this family of sleek, muscular felines the Oriental breed can provide a cat for just about anyone.
ASPECT
From the tip of its nose to the end of its long, whippy tail, the Oriental is a study in sleek design. This elegant cat gracefully glides across the room on its tall, slender legs. The lines of its angular head flow into its large flaring ears, and are complimented by its almond shaped eyes. These cats have surprising weight and muscle tone and are neither frail nor fragile. There are over 300 different colors and patterns: Imagine a Siamese wearing a head to toe coat in white, red, cream, ebony, blue, chestnut, lavender, cinnamon or fawn.. For a sparkling undercoat, stir in the silver gene (to all but the white), and you have a smoke Oriental. Perhaps, instead, you'd like the color restricted to the tips of the hair. For this, we have the shaded to whet your appetite. Paint splashes of red and/or cream on any of these coats and you have a parti-color. In 1995 Orientals added the bi-color pattern to their repertoire. With the clear white underside, legs, chest and inverted V on the face, these distinctly marked members of this breed have already developed a following of devoted fans
CHARACTER
They eagerly greet you at the door and tell you all about their day. If you’re late, they will scold you and tell you how worried they were. Give them the attention and affection they so desperately need, and they will do anything to please you. Ignore them, and they will droop with despair. These elegant, svelte cats remain playful, spirited and loyal well beyond their youth. In the busiest moments, your Oriental will find a way to interrupt your activities; a little nudge while you eat, a close examination of your tooth brush prior to use, or some help tying your shoes before you leave in the morning.
CARE
One will give it a bath / month.