Oriental

History
Oriental Cat is said to be a native of Thailand. But the Oriental Cat found today is not the type which was imported from Thailand. They have their foundation in the Siamese breed which was developed in the 1950s and 1960s. This new specie was invented because breeders wanted a cat that look and act like a Siamese but came in a wider range of colors. In the 1950s, British breeders crossed Siamese cats with domestic shorthairs and Russian Blues. In the late 1960s American breeders, fascinated with the British Orientals crossed Siamese, domestic shorthairs, and Abyssinians to create a new look.

In 1972, the CFA accepted the Oriental Shorthair for registration, and granted them a full Championship status in 1977. In late 1970s, The Oriental Longhair was developed by breeders who crossed the Oriental Short-hair with the Balinese. The breed achieved official recognition in 1985 when TICA accepted them for Championship status, and they were accepted for registration by the CFA in February, 1988. In 1996, the Oriental Shorthair and Oriental Longhair breeds were combined into one breed division simply called Oriental by CFA.

Appearance
Oriental is similar to Siamese but differs in the sense that it comes in a variety of colors. Siamese generally comes in only four colors and one pattern. On the other hand, the Oriental is available in over 300 color and pattern combinations. Out of them, solid ebony is the color which is most commonly found. It has a long, whippy tail. Oriental is very sleek in appearance. This elegant cat looks graceful with its tall, slender legs. Oriental has a pointed head and large flaring ears. It looks graceful with the almond shaped eyes. Although having slim body; these cats have astonishing weight and muscle tone which is neither frail nor fragile.

Personality
Orientals are natural entertainers, full of enthusiasm and energy. They demand full attention. They are very sensitive and easily hurt, if ignored. They usually bond with one person and become extremely devoted and dependent upon their chosen human. Just like a good companion, Orientals eagerly greet you at the door. If you're late, they will scold you and tell you how worried they were, in their own way.

Curiosity & intelligence is the main trait of this breed which will make them find anything and everything, even if it is hidden. They can also have habit of opening a drawer, or emptying your purse to discover their favorite toy. Orientals desperately need the attention and affection of the owner without which, they will droop with despair. They love to rest in the lap as they love to feel the closeness of the person whom they like.