Group Classification: Longhair
Country of Origin: North America
Date of Origin: 1985
Weight (M): 7-10 lbs.
Weight (F): 5-8 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15+ years

History
An Oriental Shorthair and a Balinese mated at breeder Sheryl Ann Boyle's Sholine Cattery. The result was a litter of silky, semi-longhaired Orientals. Development ensued and the breed was recognized by TIC and FIFe. But in 1995, the CFA combined Oriental Longhairs and Oriental Shorthairs into one category, Oriental.

General Description
This breed combines the slim lines of the Oriental Shorthair with the silky coat of their Balinese ancestors. They have no undercoat so their fur lies flat against the body. They have softly plumed tails. They have a narrow, wedge-shaped head featuring medium sized almond shaped eyes that slant gently upwards. They are slim, sleek and svelte.

Colors
All colors and all patterns except pointed, sepia and mink

Coat
Semi longhair

Notable Features
Slim elegant cats with shiny semi-longhair.

Health and Care
Like other foreign body breeds, Oriental Longhairs cannot fully retract their claws, which may make them uneasy on hard surfaces. Regular nail trimming will help their stability and ensure that nails do not become ingrown. Overall, this breed is prone to dental problems, including plaque build-up and gingivitis. Regular toothbrushing can keep both conditions at bay. In addition, since the breed was and is regularly outcrossed with Siamese, they are subject to the hereditary health problems expressed in them as well, which are amloidosis (a liver condition that leads to dysfunction and death) and cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart).

These are affectionate cats who take to a particular human and need to be with them constantly. Lively, vocal and demanding, this is a cat that does not do well if left alone for too many hours. They will spend the day in your lap if you let them, and follow you from room to room if you have to be on your feet.

Resources
The Oriental Longhair Breed Club at www.palantir.co.uk/abc.html