Oriental

Orientals are athletic and physically powerful but behave like kittens for life. You can find them playing hide-and-seek in places you haven’t dusted in years or rummaging through your cupboards. They originate from the Siamese breed, and look similar, except for their brilliant blue or green eyes and array of coat colours.

Snapshot

Maintenance

Orientals have short coats, so a rub down with a damp cloth or rubber brush will remove loose hairs.

Ego

They are busybodies who want to be involved in everything you do.

Intelligence

Orientals are impressive; they can easily outwit much bigger cats and dogs.

Sociability

Orientals become extremely attached to humans, and struggle with loss or separation. They also need to be treated respectfully by children.

Celebrity Doppelgänger

Adam Driver

Scratching

Due to their energetic nature, Orientals need lots of designated scratching areas.

Popular Names

Kylo, Bat

Health & Care

Orientals are naturally athletic cats, but like Siamese, they suffer from asthma and dental problems due to their wedge-shaped head. Some lines are predisposed to cancers and intestinal tumours, and others tend to eat non-edible objects (known as pica).

Key Facts

AVERAGE LIFESPAN
12 - 15 years
AVERAGE WEIGHT
3.5 - 6.5 kg

Common Conditions

Dental Disease

This can range from calculus (plaque build up) to more severe gum disease or fractured teeth. In younger animals poor alignment of the teeth may need to be addressed. Treatment can range from a ‘scale and polish’ to root canal work. Pets almost always require an anaesthetic for any dental work, which increases the cost.

Average vet fees: £300 - 1200

Asthma

Cats can get asthma in a similar way to people and the therapy is also similar. This could involve medication or hospitalisation for oxygen therapy.

Average vet fees: £200 - 3000

Tip for first-time owners

Shut the door if you need to get work done, as Orientals love to play.

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