Oriental Longhair
A Siamese body in solid colours under a long coat, with the same wedge head and huge ears. Hundreds of colour and pattern combinations are recognised.
Overview
The Oriental Longhair is a Siamese body in a semi long coat and in any colour except the pointed pattern, which is what makes it Oriental rather than Siamese. Between the Oriental Shorthair and Longhair the breed group runs to several hundred recognised colour and pattern combinations.
The coat is single, with no undercoat, so it lies close to the body and shows the extreme angular Siamese outline rather than softening it.
Temperament
Siamese in personality, which means loud, clever, demanding and completely involved. Orientals talk continuously and expect answers.
They bond intensely, often to one person, and they follow that person everywhere. They are among the most trainable cats and among the least suited to being left alone all day.
Care and grooming
Far less work than the coat length implies. With no undercoat it does not mat, and a comb twice a week is enough.
The oriental group shares a set of concerns worth asking about: progressive retinal atrophy in the rdAc form, which is testable, amyloidosis affecting the liver, and a real tendency to periodontal disease that wants staying ahead of from young.
Living and exercise
Company, height and mental work. Two cats is often kinder than one, and a household that is out for ten hours a day is a poor fit.
They are lean cats that feel the cold and will seek out warmth. Twelve to fifteen years is usual.
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