Oriental longhair
The Oriental Longhair is the semi-long-coated member of the Oriental group — a Siamese body type in solid, shaded, smoke and tabby colours rather than points, with a silky flowing coat and a plumed tail.
It was developed in Britain and the United States from Siamese crossing programmes.
It weighs 2.5 to 5.5 kilograms, is long, fine-boned and angular with very large ears and almond eyes. The coat has no undercoat, so despite its length it lies flat and mats little. Temperament is thoroughly oriental: extremely vocal, extremely intelligent, physically demonstrative and unwilling to be ignored. It is a cat that participates in whatever its household is doing.
- Origin
- United Kingdom and United States, from Siamese breeding
- Size
- 2.5–5.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–18 years
- Coat
- Semi-long, silky, no undercoat; a plumed tail
- Temperament
- Very vocal and very demanding of involvement
- Health
- PRA, amyloidosis, asthma and early dental disease
Related: Siamese · Tabby · Oriental shorthair
2 oriental longhair photos, newest first
Living with a oriental longhair
The noise and the neediness are the breed, not a phase. Orientals talk constantly and object loudly to being left out, and this is the commonest reason they are rehomed. Be certain before buying.
Ask about progressive retinal atrophy testing, and about amyloidosis in the breeder's lines.
The narrow oriental jaw crowds teeth and brings early periodontal disease. Start toothbrushing as a kitten and expect professional dentals.
Asthma is more common in oriental-type cats; a persistent cough is not a hairball.
The coat needs only weekly combing despite its length. They feel the cold with so little undercoat, so warm sleeping places are welcome.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual cats vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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