Did you know there is a special kind of cat that is just for cat lovers who love the look of a Siamese, but don’t want all the personality quirks? It’s called a British Angora, a Foreign Longhair, a Javanese or an Oriental Longhair! These cats are basically a Siamese with a longer coat, and they come in all sorts of colors and patterns. They have big, beautiful eyes and are usually quite social creatures. If you’re looking for a beautiful cat to add to your family, an Oriental Longhair may be the perfect fit for you!
History of the Oriental Longhair
The Oriental Longhair used to be known as the British Angora, however in 2002 the name changed to Oriental Longhair in order not to confuse it with the Turkish Angora.
Primarily, these cats were bred in Turkey within the 19th century, and they were an adjustment of the popular Persian cat. The notoriety of the breed would continue, and they would be scattered across Europe. Within the 20th century, breeders were curious to create these cats to have numerous distinctive coat designs. Crossing the breeds of Siamese, Russian Blue, British Shorthair, and Abyssinian delivered the primary of Oriental Shorthairs. The Cat Fanciers federation recognized this breed in 1995.
Breed Characteristics of the Oriental Longhair
It bears similarity to the Siamese Longhair cat breed, and is a silky coated feline. It is 8-11 inches high and weighs around 6 – 12 pounds, with a body length of 11-14 inches. If you are asking about the life span of these cats, a British Angora can live up to 15 years or even more if you take good care of him/her. The length of the coat is more often than not medium-long one. Typically, the fur is close to the body and the longest hair will be along the tail. There are numerous color and pattern assortments accessible for Oriental Longhair cats, and you’ll be able to get them in nearly any color you want, from orange to dim tones and more.
Temperament of the Oriental Longhair
The Oriental Longhair cat will find its own toys if his/her pet parent don’t have enough time for them. They are easy-going, elegant and very intelligent. It is hard to find a clumsy Javanese, so no worries about falling things in the house. If we had to describe them with three main words, it would be lively, interactive and sociable. Now, who wouldn’t want such a domestic cat? If you have kids in the house, this feline buddy is very friendly with younger members of the family, always eager to play and frolic around.
Oriental Longhair Care
As any Longhair cat owner knows, these beautiful animals require a bit of extra care when it comes to grooming. Their long, flowing coats can easily become matted and tangled, so regular brushing is a must. In addition, these cats are prone to developing tear stains, so it’s important to wipe their eyes daily with a damp cloth. While some people may view cat grooming as a hassle, it’s actually a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend.
Learning how to properly groom your Javanese cat will not only keep them looking their best, but it will also help you to create a lasting bond. There is no one definitive answer to this question as each Oriental Longhair will have its own individual needs, but here are some general tips on how to care for this breed of cat:
- Give your Oriental Longhair plenty of attention and affection. They thrive on human companionship and love being petted and groomed.
- Make sure they have a good quality diet and plenty of fresh water to drink.
- Regularly groom your cat, using a soft brush, to keep their coat healthy and free from mats and tangles.
- Trim their nails regularly to keep them short and avoid scratches.
- Keep them indoors where they will be safe and warm, particularly in cold weather.
What’s the Price of Oriental Longhair Kittens?
There’s no mistaking with an Oriental Longhair Mandarin kitten. With their small, delicate features and graceful movements, they epitomize elegance. But their beauty comes with a price tag: these kittens can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000. The high price is due in part to their rarity, as they are one of the less common cat breeds. For potential owners who are looking for a regal and beautiful companion, an Oriental Longhair Mandarin kitten may be the perfect choice, but be prepared to pay a premium price.
Fun Facts and Trivia
In case you missed some cool feline facts, here are some more to take in:
- If you mix an Oriental Longhair with an Oriental Shorthair or Siamese Cat, the result will be a feline with short hair.
- Some Mandarins (yet another name for the Oriental Longhair) love being trained on a leash.
- The 1950s were key to the Mandarins, as it was then when they developed after the extinction of many cats in WWII.
- Some Javanese cats might suffer from cat asthma. Thus, if you notice your furry friend coughing around, make sure you call the vet.
- Although they are often described as aloof or independent, Longhairs can actually be quite affectionate and loving.
Oriental Longhair Health Issues
This social cat is in general a healthy breed, but may suffer the same issue as Siamese cats. Thus, if you want your tabby to live a long a happy life, make sure you watch out for such ailments as: liver concerns, eye disorders that can lead to blindness, teeth diseases or feline hyperesthesia syndrome making your four-legged friend’s nerves and skin be very delicate. Diabetes and vestibular disease are also frequent problem in this particular cat breed, so make sure you have your vet appointments scheduled if you own an Oriental Longhair cat.
Pros and Cons of Owning Oriental Longhairs
While owning a pet is a great hobby, some downsides can always appear. Let’s look at the pros and cons of having a Foreign Longhair. The Oriental Foreign Longhair cat has a great disposition and is an excellent companion for families. It is easy to train, lives well with children and other pets, and is playful and bright. There aren’t many drawbacks, but they can still be a problem if not kept in check. They are somewhat vocal and talkative, so you’ll need to keep them entertained when left alone for long periods of time. If you skip your vet visits, they might develop cross eyes.
So, ready to purchase or adopt a beautiful long-haired kitten? We hope we convinced you to this cat breed. Let us know if you are fond of the Oriental Longhair cat and if you are planning to get one.
Similar Posts:
- The Javanese Cat Breed: Personality Traits, Kitten Cost and Other Breed Information About This Unique Domestic Cat
- British Longhair Cat Breed: Things You Should Know. Breed Information, Temperament, Features and Unusual Trivia
- Oriental Shorthair Cat – a Distinctive Breed with a Sociable Personality and Unique Look
- Black Cat Breeds. We Created a List of the Most Beautiful Black Breeds With Some Fun Cat Facts About Them
- Siamese Cat: Cat Breed Profile, Traits, Care and More
- Meet the Silky Turkish Angora Cat. Full Cat Breed Profile with Grooming Tips, Fun Facts and More
- Short Hair Cat Breeds: A List of Unique Domestic Shorthair Cats
- The Most Beautiful Brown Cat Breeds: From the York Chocolate to the Havana Brown Cat
