🐈Oriental Shorthair: gear and buying guides

The Oriental Shorthair is a slender, highly vocal cat that forms an intense bond with its human, a close cousin of the Siamese. Its fine build (3 to 5 kg) hides boundless energy that calls for daily interactive play. Sensitive to cold because of its very short coat, it appreciates warm beds and high perches.

Profile : Medium-sized cat (3 to 5 kg) with a very short, fine coat and very high energy.

Oriental Shorthair gear, family by family

• 🍖 Food

  Very active with a fast metabolism, the Oriental burns plenty of calories: choose kibble rich in animal protein and make sure it does not lose weight. A puzzle feeder channels both its appetite and its need for stimulation.

• 🧴 Care & grooming

  Its very short coat only needs weekly brushing with a soft brush or rubber grooming glove. A quick polish with a chamois cloth is enough to make its coat shine.

• 🎾 Toys & enrichment

  The Oriental gets bored quickly and lets you know with its famous vocalising: plan several play sessions a day with feather wands and balls. Interactive toys and clicker training suit its intelligence well.

• 🏠 Bedding & habitat

  Sensitive to cold, it seeks out warmth: a cosy igloo bed or a radiator hammock (15 to 30 euros) suits it perfectly. A tall cat tree with high platforms satisfies its love of climbing.

• 🧳 Travel & safety

  Light and slim, it fits in a standard carrier, but choose a well-ventilated model as it copes poorly with stress and is not shy about saying so. A familiar blanket inside the carrier reassures it during the trip.

• 🧰 Accessories

  A small cat harness can allow supervised outings, as this breed often takes well to training. Also consider a sturdy vertical scratching post for this tireless climber.

Guides to read

• Kitten food: how to choose the right kibble from 2 to 12 monthsFood

  Which kitten food should you buy? Key criteria (protein, kibble size, DHA), daily portions, budget in euros and how to transition to adult food.

• Wet food or dry food for cats: which should you feed every day?Food

  Wet food or kibble for your cat? Pros and cons, mixed feeding, monthly budget in euros and practical tips for getting the portions right.

• Automatic cat feeder: which one should you choose?Food

  Buying guide for automatic cat feeders: gravity or programmable, capacity, prices from 15 to 150 € and tips for a smooth introduction.

• Slow-feeder bowl for cats: put an end to gulped-down mealsFood

  Why and how to choose a slow-feeder bowl for a cat that vomits after meals: maze designs, materials, prices from 8 to 25 € and fun alternatives.

• Cat-proofing a balcony: safety net or catio?Travel & safety

  How do you make a balcony safe for a cat? Protection nets, catios, no-drill mounting, prices from 15 to 600 € and building rules to check first.

• Cat harness: getting your first walks on a lead rightTravel & safety

  Which cat harness should you choose for safe outings? H-style or vest models, sizing, step-by-step training and prices from 10 to 35 €.

• GPS tracker for cats: follow every outing in real timeTravel & safety

  Which GPS tracker should you choose for your cat? Weight, battery life, subscription, accuracy, prices from 30 to 100 € and the limits of Bluetooth tags.

• Heated beds and pads for cats: winter comfort done rightBedding & habitat

  Electric or self-warming heated pads for cats, insulated outdoor shelters: safety, power use, prices from 15 to 90 € and how to choose.