Oriental Shorthair is a feline breed that has occurred in Thailand, alongside the Siamese, for a long time as a self-colored cat and was brought over with other cats from the Orient to Britain in nineteenth century. Even as it was initially just considered a non-pointed version of the Siamese, the Oriental Shorthair gained formal recognition only in the twentieth century when, in the fifties, development of the cat was started through breeding with Abyssinians, Domestic Shorthairs, Russian Blues and Siamese. The cat was termed as ‘Foreign’ in United Kingdom and ‘Oriental’ in United States. It was another two decades before official recognition and championship status was given to the graceful cat. Today it is registered and recognized as a distinct entity in nearly all cat fancies around the world. Occasionally, as in the case of Cat Fanciers’ Association, it is coupled with its sister breed, the Oriental Longhair, into a single breed called simply the Oriental.

Oriental shorthairs come in every color of the rainbow including tabbies, smokes, tortoiseshell ,etc.. In Great Britain, a few breeders with the approval of the Cat Association of Britain have created a separate breed, The Seychellois, which is slightly longer haired and has a white coat with colored splotches, but is otherwise identical to the Oriental Shorthair. A svelte and finely built animal, the Oriental Shorthair is amongst the most attractive of all domestic cats. Its lithe, tubular body appears slender but is in fact quite well muscled. Head is wedge shaped with large pointed ears and slanted almond shaped eyes that occur in blue or green colors. Legs and tail are long. Coat of the Oriental Shorthair occurs in an amazing array of colors and patterns, with over three hundred variations recognized. Combinations include bi-color, parti-color, shaded, smoke, solid and tabby.

Like their longhair counterparts Oriental Shorthairs are prone to certain ailments in some of their lines. These include dental disorder, Amyloidosis of liver and dilated cardiomyopathy. These conditions are rare overall though and generally the cats live a long healthy life of fifteen years or more. Oriental Shorthairs are very curious and intelligent. They are also known for their loud and expressive voice and will happily chat with their owners using a variety of vocal expressions. Playful and affectionate, they hate to be left alone for long periods. They like to explore everything and are not shy to open cabinets and get on top of cupboards to satisfy their natural inquisitiveness. They are athletic and maintain their active, playful lifestyle even as they age. If you are considering acquiring a cat of any of the Oriental Shorthairs breeds the most important thing you must ask yourself, is if you are willing and able to return their absolute devotion.

American shorthairs are athletic cats. They have deep, broad chests and well-developed shoulders. Their legs are strong and built for hunting. Their medium-length tail tapers toward a rounded tip. A shorthaired felid, American Shorthair is one of the commonest house cats in United States. It traces its origin to British Shorthairs who were brought over on ships with European settlers owing to their good hunting skills. With time these adept hunters moved into cities and started being bred for their good looks, health and temperament. Initially they were known as Domestic Shorthairs. However, with time as issues of pedigree and pure breeding started taking ground, they were given the name of American Shorthair to distinguish them from non-pedigreed alley cats.

Well built felines, American Shorthairs are muscular and strong. Males may weigh around fifteen pounds with females reaching ten pounds on average. It takes these robust cats nearly three to four years to reach their full size. Fur is short and glistening. They are recognized in over eighty colors and patterns.Perhaps the most well known is a dark tabby pattern on a silver coat. Athletic and active, these pretty felines don’t require extensive maintenance and grooming. They are quite healthy and free from any recurring genetic ailments. American Shorthairs are known for their longevity and normally live for fifteen to twenty years. All they need is good food, love and periodic medical assessment.

Playful and adoring cats, American Shorthairs are ideally suited to a large variety of households. They are quiet and not overly demanding. They go along very well with all the family members including children. Tolerant of other pets, they have a loving personality and good temperament. No significant persisting health conditions run in their lines. Establishing and maintaining good relations with everybody from the start, these easy going cats soon make themselves a part of the family. Owing to their many wonderful attributes, these pretty cats are greatly admired by proud pet owners across United States.
The American shorthair is one of the ten most popular breeds of cats. You can buy a purebred kitten from a breeder. Rescue shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet shows may also have cats for adoption.