Oriental cat: character, breed description, features, photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

It would seem that it is impossible to surprise with the appearance of a cat, but at the sight of an oriental breed, there is no limit to admiration. These cats are not only original, but also graceful, beautiful and noble. But this is not surprising, since their genealogy is very long and dates back to the XIV century. More details about the oriental cat, character, features and habits - below.

A century of recognition

If you make a translation, then the name of the breed sounds like “oriental cat”, and this is not accidental, because the birthplace of this graceful animal is Thailand. For a very long time, on pain of death, its export from the country was prohibited, but nevertheless, the desire of many rich people to have such a pet led to the fact that they appeared in England. Such an event happened in the 19th century.

However, for a very long time they were not recognized as thoroughbreds, all phenological councils completely denied the appearance of this beauty as an official representative. For some reason, it was generally believed that only the Siamese breed was worthy of attention. Such an offensive phrase, preserved from the time of the exhibition held in 1894, is documented. The oriental cat was said to be just a chestnut Siamese cat.

Another attempt to introduce a new breed again met with complete misunderstanding. It happened at an exhibition held in 1896. The presented beauty was disqualified, again, due to her special color, as she was equated with the standards of her Siamese counterparts.

And when in 1956 an American breeder decided to take an Oriental cat from the cattery for testing, trying to refine and breed a new breed for official recognition, he was allowed to do this.

The experiment turned out to be quite successful, because two years later the Americans determined the standard parameters of the breed. And when, after 8 years, a chocolate-colored cat became the winner of the competition, they considered that this particular color was the most original and at the same time typical. Special merit belongs to Baroness Edith von Ullmann, who put in a lot of effort and as a result was still able to bring the Orientals to the official level, turning many criticisms, especially regarding color, into the virtues of the breed. So the Siamese cats have a worthy rival.

For many years, they tried to ennoble the breed, attracting Siamese brothers to mating, because since then Orientals have numerous colors. Then a long-haired variety was bred with bicolor wool, andenthusiastic breeders made sure that all of them were registered and recognized by the FIFE classification.

In 1974, the breeders celebrated the victory, because the Orientals were officially recognized and registered.

Appearance features

It is necessary to consider in more detail the character of the Oriental cat and the description of the breed.

Head size - medium. The ears are large, slightly rounded, wider at the base. During exhibitions, a prerequisite is that their line smoothly continues the line of the wedge of the head. Kittens of this breed have active ear growth after birth, so at this age they look very funny. But then their growth stops, and as they grow older, this disproportion disappears. The same happens with the nose.

The nose of these cats is long and even. If even a slight snub is observed, this is considered a defect. The nose should continue the line of the forehead.

The eyes of orientals are almond-shaped, the slightest depressions between them are excluded. Some cats of this breed suffer from strabismus, and such a pet will not be registered at the exhibition. The color of the eyes of the majority is only green or there is a so-called discordance. But if the color is snow-white, then the eyes will be light blue.

The body is stately, graceful. Its elongation and refinement are observed. The thoroughbred oriental has strong muscles. The belly is lean. Cartilages show through in the chest area. The hind legs are longer than the front.

The weight of a cat is from 6 to 8.5 kg, cats - no more than 5 kg.

Features of coat

Perhaps, representatives of no breed can boast such a variety of coats as oriental pets. Their coat can be either long or short. But when choosing a pet, you can get confused, these cats have such a large color palette of wool. This is about 300 shades and color combinations. All colors with spots, dots, stripes, intricate patterns, as well as brindle, leopard, marble are acceptable here.

What colors are there?

But still there are a number of the most common colors. This is:

1. Havana. The color is rich brown, evenly colored. In this case, a prerequisite is that the nose should be in harmony with the overall tone, and the paw pads should be colored pink-brown.
2. Blue shade. The entire coat should be of this color, down to the tail. Nose also.
3. Faun. There should be a combination of beige wool or light gray with pink pads and earlobe.
4. Lavender. This means that gray wool has the effect of frost, there is no blue coating. The earlobe and pads should be lavender.
5. Red color. Pets of this color have red hair, dark hairs should not be present in it. Pads and earlobe can only be pink.

Singing pet

All owners of oriental pets, whether they want it or not, have toendless meowing. This breed most often accompanies any of its actions with sounds, and sometimes it seems that they cannot be silent. For many owners, soft pleasant sounds are soothing or amusing.

But in addition, they require constant attention, and in the absence of it they suffer greatly, as they believe that all household members should entertain them.

Activity

Judging by the reviews about the nature of oriental cats, they have many advantages. The energy of oriental cats is in full swing. They do not know how to lie in one place for long hours and are constantly on the move. Kittens are especially active. They love to explore everything, climbing into the most hidden places, and all this is done by running. Climbing under the ceiling along the curtain is not difficult for them.

If a kitten is naughty, breeders advise not to show aggression. Judging by the reviews, you just need to remove breakable objects away, hide the wires and raise the curtains high. Having matured a little, the kitten will not be so active, but for now you need to be able to switch his attention to the game. As can be seen from the reviews, the nature of the oriental cat, the photo of which is attached, is quite peculiar.

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This cat is very smart and loyal to its owner. She becomes attached to the owner very quickly, but also requires a lot from him, especially care and affection, communication and games. Contrary to notions, she does not like to walk by herself, and she always needs to have a partner during entertainment. Therefore, before you take such a pet into the house, you should consider that you need to have free time, because you have to give it to a cat. This breed perceives the change of owners very painfully and falls into depression, begins to get bored, sad, and often fade away.

There will be no silence in the house, and this fact must also be taken into account. Oriental cats are very "talkative" and their sounds are melodious and rather pleasant.

Devotion

Although the nature of the Oriental cat breed is docile and calm, their sense of resentment is very developed, and if the owner makes a mistake, he will be punished for inattention to the feline person. But if someone is sick in the house, the cat feels where the sore spot is located, lies down next to it, curled up in a ball, and will faithfully be around until the patient feels relieved. She also feels when someone in the family is tired or in a bad mood, and she will definitely try to entertain. By the way, she is trainable, so a couple of tricks can be taught to her. Only at the same time it is impossible to punish, use brute force: these cats do not accept coercion.

Orientals get along well with children, but can be jealous of the owner. However, when playing, even releasing their claws, they will not cause harm. They are very friendly when guests arrive. Other animals living in the house can usually befriended or ignored.

It's very easy to potty train them, many owners teach them to use the toilet and also show them how to turn on the faucet to drink water.

He alth

If leavingbehind the oriental is good, which means that diseases will not attack the animal. But still, veterinary practice shows that owners seek help when their pet starts having gingivitis. The impetus for the development of the disease is an infection that provokes tartar. You can recognize the disease by the following manifestations:

• had bad breath;
• constant strong salivation began;
• pet has lost his appetite or refuses to eat at all.

Illnesses such as:

• Retinal atrophy. And it begins to develop imperceptibly, and is detected only with the help of special medical equipment.
• Amyloidosis of the liver. It is believed that this disease was inherited by the animal from its ancestors.
• Flat chest syndrome. Kittens usually suffer from this defect. It is dangerous, if the deformation is significant, it is almost impossible to treat it. If the pathology is mild, then with growth the chest returns to normal.
• Fear of drafts. Orientals have almost no undercoat, because they are not adapted to cold climates and are very cold at sub-zero temperatures, and as a result, they start to get sick.
• If the care of the animal is correct, life expectancy is 15-17 years.

How to properly care

There are no special rules for caring for an oriental. You need to periodically, once a week, comb out the coat and make sure that it is shiny. If the coat is long, a furminator is used,if short - rubber or silicone glove

Constant ear cleaning is a must. You also need to visit the veterinarian from time to time to remove plaque, because this way you can avoid infection.

And the usual event is getting rid of worms and fleas.

The Oriental breed has long nails, and they have to be trimmed much more often than cats of other breeds. The main thing is to cut off only the light part of the claws.

They rarely bathe a pet, and you need to remember that after water procedures they are very cold. Therefore, you should prepare a warm towel for them in advance and wrap them carefully. By the way, another amazing property of the breed is the complete absence of a characteristic cat smell.

It is advisable to take the Oriental outdoors on a leash, as his curiosity and activity can lead him to run away, and it will be problematic to find him. In winter, its corner should be well insulated, and taken out in the cold only in warm clothes.

What to feed

This breed knows a lot about food, loves to eat, and the proof of this is frequent cases of obesity. Therefore, the owner is faced with the task of providing a rational balanced diet. For the beauty and he alth of wool, fats must be present in food.

You can use not only natural food, but also add dry food, canned food. It is necessary to give milk, but not as a main dish. Before calling a pet for lunch, you should slightly warm the food.

Choose a pet

When buying an oriental, many nuances are taken into account. For example, the price will be affected by the color - it is classic or simpler (it will not give the opportunity to win at the exhibition). The presence of a pedigree, an exterior matters. For example, a ponytail is rejected, as is a protruding bone in part of the chest. It is advisable to take a kitten in a cattery, then the owner will receive a vaccination card and a veterinary passport.

A kitten can be taken from its mother at three months old, when it is already developed and vaccinated.

As the reviews about the oriental cat say, there are many advantages and disadvantages in character. But the former prevail. Owners of such cats are advised to get a pet of this species. Although they say that he is very jealous of others. But this is a small drawback. Let such an oriental beauty settle in your heart forever.