How to Identify an Oriental Cat

The Oriental cat is also commonly known as an Oriental Shorthair. The breed originated in Thailand. They are a part of the breed of Siamese but instead of having point colors, the Orientals are solid colored cats. The general physical shape of these cats is referred to as Foreign. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Brush your hand over the coat of the Oriental. It will be short and fine. The coat is glossy and the hair sits very close to the skin.

2. Examine the color of the cat. Orientals are solid colors and fall into the following general color groups: solid, shaded, smoke, tabby and parti-color. The parti color may be a solid color but with a patch of a different color present.

3. Look at the general shape of the body. The Orientals are lanky medium size cats. They have thin legs and the hind legs are a bit shorter than the front legs. The body has good muscle tone and its movements tend to be elegant and even a bit haughty.

4. Look carefully at the head. It will be almost a perfect triangle from the tips of the ears to the point of the chin.

5. Peer deep into the eyes of the cat. They have yellow or green eyes and they are very deep. If the cat is white, it may have blue eyes. The eyes are almond shaped.

6. Feel the length of the tail. It will be long and slender ending in a fine point. They have a characteristic curve to the tail that is unmistakable.

Tips & Warnings

• Orientals are very sensitive and complex cats. They can be unpredictable in their nervous reactions.
• The Oriental cat's attitude towards play and affection often changes from day to day.
• These cats are very jealous and wish to be the center of attention.

Resources

• The Cat Fancier's Association website
• The Cat Fanciers' Federation website