Oriental Cat and Kitten Information - By: Mitch Endick

The Oriental cat resembles the Siamese. There is a long hair and short hair variety. The reason this breed was started was to get additional colors in a cat that resembled the Siamese. The Siamese is officially recognized in four colors while the Oriental comes in 300 pattern and color combinations. Solid ebony is the most common.

Oriental cats are often described as energetic, affectionate, sensitive, devoted, intelligent, social, friendly, and even demanding. Loyal and emotionally sensitive, their behavior can be almost dog-like.

Brief History of the Oriental Cat

The Oriental breed originated in Thailand and is a hybrid developed from the Siamese cat. In the 1960s breeders in the United States crossed Abyssinians, domestic shorthair cats and the Siamese. The Oriental short hair was accepted for full Championship status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1977 and they accepted registration as early as 1972. The Oriental Longhair was accepted for registration status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1988. The long hair and shorthair were combined by the Cat Fanciers Association into one breed in 1996.

The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wildcat, the genus Felis Lybica. This genus is comprised of smaller cats. Cats are thought to have been domesticated with the advent of farming and the storage of grain. The grain attracted rats and other vermin which naturally attracted wild cats. As time evolved, certain of these cats were domesticated for the mutual benefit of both cat and man. The African Wildcat has certain features which is obvious in the housecat of today.

Health

Cats who reside in the house should generally visit the veterinarian yearly, unless health problems are evident. Cats who enjoy the outdoors may need to see the vet as many as four times a year. When you take your cat to the vet, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample so the vet can do a fecal exam to check for internal parasites such as tapeworm, round worm, whip worms and hook worms. The vet will also check for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites.

Any vet check should include a dental examination and a cleaning if necessary. Cats who are eight years of age or older are considered geriatric and additional blood and urine tests may be necessary to screen for any health problems. At about six months of age, the kitten should also be examined for sexual maturity and decisions about birth control should be made.

Behavioral Considerations

Is often a one person cat
They are entertaining
Can be very sensitive
Can be very vocal

Oriental Cat Registries and Clubs

Oriental Cat Club
Cat Fanciers Association CFA
International Cat Association TICA
The Traditional Cat Association, Inc TCA
Canadian Cat Association CCA
The Australian Cat Federation Inc
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts AACE
American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA
United Feline Organization UFO
Cats United International

Oriental Kittens

Kittens are generally available and the price depends upon bloodlines color and markings. Unlike puppies, kittens should not be separated from their mother until twelve to sixteen weeks of age. Some very important developmental stages occur during this period including emotional, mental and health. Curtailing this development may lead to any number of medical and behavioral problems.

Kittens that are separated from their mother at too young an age often fail to gain weight fast enough, have immune system problems because they have not had enough mothers milk. The may also develop eating and eliminating problems, and can have problems socializing with other cats and with people.

Every cat and kitten is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your cat or kitten. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author

Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular framed picture and panorama site NewOrleansSkyline.com. He provides informative advice on purchasing beautiful, high quality framed New Orleans panoramas and pictures. Shop New Orleans Skyline.com today.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Mitch-Endick/7958

Additional Articles From - Home | Home & family | Pets