Group Classification: shorthair
Country of Origin: U.K. (Great Britain)
Date of Origin: 1950s
Weight (M): 12-14 lbs.
Weight (F): 9-11 lbs.
Life Expectancy: years

History
While solid color Oriental cats are certainly pictured in the Cat Book Poems (1350-1600), things have changed since these breeds came to the west. Solid color cats were some of the first Siamese brought to Europe, but once the Siamese Club of Britain vetoed any but blue-eyed Siamese in the 1920s, the solid colors fell into disfavor and eventual decline, which wasn't reversed until the 1950s. Beginning with the creation of the chestnut brown foreign, British breeders worked on solid colors again.

General Description
Shameless flirts, Oriental Shorthairs are solid color Siamese cats. They have the slender body typical of all Oriental breeds, which is designed to shed as much heat as possible in hot climates. They are medium sized and long of body, and their triangular heads resemble the Siamese in shape. Large pricked ears dominate their face and continue the lines of the head. White cats have blue eyes or may be odd-eyed; the rest always have green eyes, although the shade of green may vary.

Colors
All solid color and tabby patterns

(More than 300 colors)

Coat
Very short, fine and glossy

Notable Features
Long and slender with short, shiny fur

Health and Care
Regular petting will keep Oriental Shorthair coats gleaming. Claws should be clipped monthly. These are graceful, athletic cats with long sinuous bodies on slim legs. The tail is long so as to balance the extended body length.

Oriental Shorthairs are great family cats as they thrive on activity. They enjoy children, conversation, noise and motion. A playful, intelligent and loyal companion, these cats are curious and talkative, demanding your love and attention. Forget about doing any project without the help of your cat. Though not a lap cat, Orientals do enjoy a good cuddle.

Resources
Oriental Shorthairs of America, Inc. at http://home.comcast.net/~OSA_club/index.htm