Siamese vs Oriental Shorthair
Siamese or Oriental Shorthair? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Siamese | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand (Siam) | Britain and US, 1950s–70s |
| Size | Medium · 6–12 lb | Medium · 6–12 lb |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 12–18 years |
| Coat | Short, fine, pointed | Short, fine, many colors |
| Temperament | Vocal, clever, demanding | Vocal, social, playful |
| Best fit | Homes with people around | Homes with company |
| Energy | ●●●●● Active, loves to fetch | ●●●●● Playful and athletic |
| Affection | ●●●●● Bonds hard, hates solitude | ●●●●● Deeply people-bonded |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Occasional brushing | ●●●●● Weekly wipe or brush |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Easy care, big personality | ●●●●● Easy care, needy nature |
| Observed price | $450 median (25 prices) | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Affection: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (1 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (3 of 5 each).
The Siamese
An ancient pointed breed from Thailand, lean, loud and intensely social. A Siamese wants to be involved in everything you do and will tell you about it, which is a joy for some owners and too much for others.
A Siamese is loud, needs company and gets bored fast, so long empty days often mean a second cat. The breed also has known eye, liver and dental risks.
The Oriental Shorthair
The Siamese body and voice in hundreds of colors and patterns, with large ears and green eyes. An Oriental is extroverted, talkative and deeply attached to its people, and it does not enjoy being left alone.
An Oriental is loud, needs company, and can become anxious or destructive when lonely. It shares the Siamese risks of eye disease, amyloidosis and dental trouble.
Questions
Is a Siamese or an Oriental Shorthair better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 3 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Siamese: Easy care, big personality. Oriental Shorthair: Easy care, needy nature.
What is the main difference between a Siamese and an Oriental Shorthair?
A Siamese is loud, needs company and gets bored fast, so long empty days often mean a second cat. The breed also has known eye, liver and dental risks. By contrast, an Oriental is loud, needs company, and can become anxious or destructive when lonely. It shares the Siamese risks of eye disease, amyloidosis and dental trouble.