Siamese vs Oriental Shorthair: Same Body, Different Coats
At first glance, a Siamese and an Oriental Shorthair look like cousins. In fact, they are close to siblings. They share a body, a voice and a personality. The big difference is the coat, and that single difference is enough to make them separate breeds in most registries.
The shared family
Both breeds descend from the cats of Siam, now Thailand. Western breeders developed the modern elegant, long-lined look. In the mid-twentieth century, breeders wanted Siamese-type cats in colors other than the pointed pattern, and they crossed Siamese with other breeds, then bred back to Siamese, to keep the body type. The result was the Oriental Shorthair, which has the Siamese body in any color and pattern. See the Siamese and Oriental Shorthair profiles.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Siamese | Oriental Shorthair |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Long, slim, muscular | Same |
| Head | Wedge-shaped | Same |
| Ears | Large | Same |
| Coat | Short, pointed pattern | Short, any color or pattern |
| Eyes | Blue | Usually green, blue in white cats |
| Colors | Seal, chocolate, blue, lilac and other points | Hundreds of solid, tabby, smoke, shaded and bicolor options |
| Personality | Vocal, social, demanding | Very similar |
| Grooming | Weekly brush | Weekly brush |
Longhaired versions exist for both, called the Balinese and the Oriental Longhair (see the Balinese and Javanese profiles). Colorpoint Shorthairs are Siamese-types with non-traditional points. See the Colorpoint Shorthair profile.
Personality
Both breeds are intelligent, curious, affectionate and talkative. They follow their people around, comment on everything and like to be involved in activities. They are acrobatic climbers and enjoy puzzle toys and fetch. They bond closely, and they dislike being alone. See cat separation anxiety and leaving a cat alone.
Individual personality differs more than breed does. Some Siamese are calmer than some Orientals and vice versa.
Health
The two breeds share the same health risks, since they share the same genes in body type.
- Dental disease. See cat dental disease.
- Asthma and respiratory disease. See feline asthma.
- Heart disease. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
- Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye disease.
- Amyloidosis (liver) and megaesophagus, seen in some lines.
- Anxiety and overgrooming. See why do cats overgroom.
Choose breeders who test for inherited conditions. See how to choose a kitten.
Grooming and care
Both have a short, fine coat that needs a weekly brush. See how to brush a cat. Both need dental care, play, climbing and company. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
Which should you choose?
Choose by looks. If you love the classic pointed pattern and blue eyes, the Siamese is for you. If you prefer solid black, a tabby, a smoke or a bicolor with green eyes, the Oriental offers a wide choice. If you want a pointed cat with unusual colors, see the Colorpoint Shorthair.
Either breed will be happy in a home with someone who is around, and not suited to a house that is empty most of the day. See best cat breeds for families and how to choose a cat breed.
Living with a talkative cat
Both breeds are famous for their voices, and they use them to chat, complain and demand attention. If you want a quiet cat, neither is the right choice. If you enjoy a cat that follows you from room to room and answers when you speak, either could be a joy. Keep them busy with puzzle feeders, climbing space and daily play. Two cats of similar energy are often happier than one alone, especially if you work away from home. Be patient with training, since both breeds are clever and can learn tricks, but they also learn how to get what they want. Keep a steady routine, and avoid rewarding loud demands at night. See kitten crying at night for tips that apply to young cats of any breed.
Cost, availability and finding a kitten
Both breeds are available from registered breeders, and prices vary with region, pedigree and demand. Siamese are the better known, so waiting lists can be long, while Orientals may be harder to find in some areas because fewer breeders work with them. Expect to pay more for show-quality cats with rare colors. Always visit the cattery or see video of the kittens at home, meet at least one parent, and ask for health test results and a written contract. Adult retired breeding cats and rescue groups that focus on Siamese-type cats can be a very good source for a loving companion, often with a known personality. Plan for the lifetime cost, including food, dental care and insurance, since both breeds can live well into their teens. See cat pet insurance guide for how to compare plans before you bring a cat home.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your cat coughs, wheezes, loses weight or has eye changes. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Are Orientals just Siamese with different colors?
Essentially yes. They share body type and temperament but differ in color and eye color.
Which is noisier?
Both are very vocal, and individuals vary more than breeds.
Do they have the same health problems?
Largely yes, including dental and respiratory issues, so choose carefully.
Are Orientals rarer than Siamese?
Siamese are more widely known, but both are available from breeders.
Sources and further reading
We link to recognised organizations so you can check the basics for yourself. We have no commercial relationship with any site listed here.
- Cat Fanciers' AssociationBreed standards and the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats.
- The International Cat AssociationBreed information and a global cat registry.
- International Cat CareVeterinary-reviewed advice on feline health, behavior and welfare.
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