Oriental shorthair cat (OSH) is a modern man-made breed with ancient roots. The Orientals share the same breeding group as Siamese (SIA), who were the founders or the breed, and who are still used in the breeding programme of Orientals.
The first Oriental cats appeared in the 50s in Great Britain similarly as other cat breeds. The reason probably stemmed from the desire to reestablish breeding history affected by the WW II. and the enthusiasm to experiment among breeders.
At that time different cat breeds were used to mate with Siamese: Abyssinian, Russian Blue and even British Shorthair and domestic cats. These descendants were used in the new breeding programme, where they were mated with Siamese cats again. Besides colourpoint cats, the results of this mating included solid and tabby cats, who were the origin of the moders Orientals.
Other breeds came later as Seychellois shorthair (SYS) and longhair (SYL), Oriental longhair (OLH), Balinese (BAL) and hairless breed Peterbald (PEB).
Oriental shorthair cats are attractive not only for their elegance and lively green eyes, but also for their temperament, loud talkativeness and friendly character.
They are very clever and enjoy new things and fetching. Orientals and Siamese are one of the most amazing breeds and their relationship with humans one of the deepest.
Orientals are exceptionally well-adjusted to share their life with humans, they depend on constant contact with their owners.
The Oriental cat will welcome you every day tirelessly, will assist in all your activities and just adore you! Keep in mind that she/he doesn't do well alone, so it is better to have company as other cat or dog.
And why did I choose Oriental cats? For their mysterious character, inner strength, sensibility and absolute energy, which you can see in their every move and behaviour. Let's not forget their talkativeness and their desire to be interactive and communicate!