Oriental Cat: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Oriental cat temperament and personality

The CFA describes the Oriental as intelligent, affectionate and very people-centered, and warns it can become needy or pine without enough attention, so it suits households that can provide it. It says Orientals are fairly vocal and like to share their thoughts on most things. VCA rates intelligence and chattiness at 5 out of 5.

The CFA says Orientals are active and interactive, follow their owners' movements closely and settle into laps when their person is still. Expect a cat that wants to be part of every conversation and every room.

How big do Oriental cats get?

The CFA describes a long, svelte, tubular body with fine bones and firm muscles, and says males may be somewhat larger than females, but gives no weight range. VCA lists an adult weight of 7 to 12 pounds.

VCA says Orientals are very active, burn off excess calories and are rarely at risk of becoming overweight, so many can be free-fed. Every cat is different; ask your vet whether your cat's weight and feeding suit it.

Oriental lifespan and common health issues

VCA gives a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. The CFA says most Orientals are healthy, but names progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye disease with a DNA test, and amyloidosis, which can be genetic or acquired and is harder to address, so buyers should ask about it in a kitten's lines.

Ask a breeder for DNA test results for progressive retinal atrophy on both parents and about amyloidosis in their lines, as the CFA advises. Ask your vet about dental care and liver and kidney checks as your cat ages. Vomiting, not eating or yellowing of the gums or eyes needs a vet promptly.

Exercise and activity needs

VCA says Orientals need regular exercise to avoid boredom and destructive behavior, and the CFA calls the breed active and interactive. Plan for several play sessions a day with wand toys, balls and fetch.

Tall cat trees, wall shelves and puzzle feeders keep an agile, curious cat busy. Many Orientals learn to walk on a harness for supervised outdoor time.

An under-stimulated Oriental can become noisy or destructive, so treat play as part of daily care rather than an extra. Short sessions before you leave for work and after you get home make the biggest difference.

Oriental cat grooming and shedding

The CFA calls Orientals minimal shedders that need brushing about once a week: a rubber curry brush for Shorthairs and a fine-toothed steel comb for Longhairs. VCA rates grooming needs at 1 out of 5 and shedding at 2 out of 5.

The CFA describes the Longhair's coat as silky with no downy undercoat, so it rarely mats. Trim the claws every couple of weeks, check the large ears and brush the teeth regularly.

Training an Oriental

VCA rates the Oriental 4 out of 5 for ease of training. Many learn tricks, fetch and harness walking quickly with short sessions and food rewards.

Reward quiet moments and avoid answering every demand meow instantly, or the conversation only gets louder. Teach scratching-post use early and give the cat approved high places.

Clicker training works well with this quick, food-motivated breed. Start with simple behaviors such as sit or touching a target with the nose, then build to fetch, high-fives and walking calmly on a harness.

Are Oriental cats good with kids and other pets?

VCA rates the Oriental 4 out of 5 with children and with dogs. Active, respectful children who enjoy interactive play are a good match for a sociable cat.

Because Orientals can pine without attention, a second cat, ideally another active, sociable breed, can be good company in homes that are empty during the day. Introduce new pets slowly.

Teach children to handle an Oriental gently, supporting its long body, and to play with wand toys rather than hands. A cat that is included in family activities is usually a happier and quieter one.

What an Oriental needs at home

Attention comes first, so plan your routine around daily play and company. Add tall cat trees, shelves, window perches, a scratching post, wand toys, puzzle feeders and a warm bed.

For care, keep a rubber curry brush or fine steel comb, nail clippers and a cat toothbrush, plus a harness if you plan to walk your cat. Ask your vet about eye and dental checks.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.