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 Cat Breeds - There are a variety of different cat breeds. Read about the many domestic cat breeds, including the Maine Coon and Siamese cats. And view the many cat breeds pictures to see how each breed differs dramatically in coat length and overall look.
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Oriental Cats. Read all about these elegant, svelte cats. Information on the history of Oriental Cats, breed standards and how they are playful and inquisitive. Also view the many Oriental Cats images.
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ORIENTAL CATS
The Oriental breed in short is a non-pointed Siamese. These elegant
and elongated cats of many colours and patterns share the Siamese
build and personality. This has become a popular breed in both the
shorthair and longhair versions.
History
During the 1950's, breeders began to explore the new
possibilities of multi-coloured cats with the Siamese build and
personality.
At first,
in the UK the breed was also known as the Foreign type cat. The
Oriental is the standard name today in most associations. The only
exception is the white Oriental, which is still called the Foreign
White in the UK.
Description
The Orientals share the svelte body shape of modern
Siamese. The body is slender and elongated, with talls legs and a
long tail. The wedged head shape is complemeted by long large ears
and large almond-shaped eyes.
Orientals come in virtually every coat colour and pattern. Solid
Orientals are quite impressive cats, with dazzling black, blue or
white coats, or any other solid variation.
Tabbies are also
available in the various tabby patterns and colours. In recent years,
bi-color Orientals have entered the show ring and become quite
popular.
Eye colour can vary and should be consistent with coat pattern and
colour. Only white Orientals can have blue eyes.
Orientals can be either shorthaired or longhaired. Shorthairs have
smooth close-lying coat that needs very little grooming. Longhairs
have silky semi-long coat that does not mat easily and is relatively
easy to groom.
The term "Oriental" encompasses all the cats with a Siamese
body shape that are not "pointed". Orientals have much to offer
as pets. Sassy and sleek, the Oriental is certainly a cat with
mystique.
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Characteristics and Temperament
Orientals are inquisitive cats that need plenty of
attention. Their character is identical to their Siamese relatives in that they are quite demanding cats,
very active and
highly vocal.
These elegant, svelte cats remain playful,
spirited and loyal well beyond their youth.
Special Requirements
Oriental cats do not require special grooming, other than a
weekly brushing to remove dead hair.
These are active cats that need to remain so throughout their lives,
in order to maintain the slender body shape.
Individuals that do not
get enough exercise, may gain weight and lose the unique body shape.
This can be changed with daily play sessions and a balanced diet.
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Site written by Gemma Littlemore