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The Oriental Shorthair cat is a thin, elegant cat that comes in many colors. They’re related to Siamese cat breeds, including Siamese, Balinese, and Oriental Longhair. They’re beautiful, exotic domestic cats!
Are you considering adopting an Oriental Shorthair cat? If so, then you’ll need to know how much it costs to adopt one of these beauties. In addition, there are other expenses you’ll need to consider when bringing one of these cats home.
We’ve put together information about the Oriental Shorthair, how much it costs to adopt one of these cats and more. Let’s get started!
What is an Oriental Shorthair?
The Oriental Shorthair is a cat breed that’s been developed through crossbreeding different cat breeds. Siamese cat breeds were not numerous after WWII. So, some Siamese cat breeders in England began crossing Siamese cats with the Russian Blue, Abyssinian, and British Shorthairs. The result is these crosses, over time, led to the Oriental Shorthair cat breed.
The Oriental Shorthair was first brought to the US in the 1970s, quickly becoming popular. These cats were bred with others and led to the development of the Oriental Longhair and the Oriental Shorthair.
Today, these cats remain popular. They have an elegant, regal bearing. You’ve heard the saying “making an entrance.” Well, that’s what these cats do! They have large ears and triangular faces on a long, slender body. They look very elegant and as if they’d not be very friendly. However, they are friendly, loving cats, which comes as a surprise to many pet parents.
These cats have sleek, shiny coat that requires minimal grooming. And while they look exotic, the Oriental Shorthair is just like other domestic cats.
While these cats look very similar to the Siamese cat, Oriental Shorthairs have more color and pattern variations in their coats. These cats come in a wide range of colors, including blue and lavender, ebony, and more. You’ll also find cats that have a tortoiseshell pattern combined with a smoky color. The variations of these cats are amazing and beautiful.
The Oriental Shorthair is a talkative cat, with an unusual meow that some have called more like a honk. They will talk when they want something or just to say hi. You may also hear your fur baby honking if she’s lost track of where you are!
Oriental Shorthairs are very social cats who are also very intelligent and affectionate. They love to be around their families and other pets. They particularly like to be around other cats. You might say these are “Velcro” cats. You may feel as if you have another shadow following you about!
These kitties thrive in large and small homes, including apartments. They require plenty of social interaction and some places to play. If you’re away from home during the day, it’s best to find another feline companion for you and your Shorthair Oriental.
Now that you have some background information about these cats, we’ll next take a look at how much it costs to adopt an Oriental Shorthair!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Oriental Shorthair Cat?
Adoption prices for Oriental Shorthair cats can vary. For instance, adopting your cat from a reputable breeder will cost more than adopting from a shelter. In addition, adopting a “show-quality” cat vs. a “pet-quality” cat will also be more expensive.
Oriental Shorthair cats from a reputable breeder can cost between $600 and $1,000. This is the price range for a pet-quality cat. There’s nothing wrong with these cats; they visually don’t meet the breed standards, that’s all. That means a pet-quality cat is not able to participate in cat shows or other competitions.
If you’d like to breed Oriental Shorthair cats or buy a show cat, then the cost can go up to $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
If these adoption prices are beyond your budget, don’t despair! While it’s not common, finding an Oriental Shorthair in a rescue is possible. In that case, you could be asked to pay an adoption fee between $100 and $300.
Why are the costs so different between a reputable breeder and a rescue? First, the breeder has to cover all the costs of breeding, housing, feeding, and providing medical treatment for their cats. In addition, a reputable breeder may also have their cats tested to ensure they’re free of genetic mutations that can cause major health issues. Some breeders may also train and socialize their cats from a young age, which means that they are well-rounded and comfortable in different environments, with different people, and animals.
Rescues face some of the same expenses when they take in cats and other pets. They must feed, shelter, and provide medical treatment for all the pets in their care. And bear in mind that rescues are non-profit organizations. The adoption fee you pay for your Oriental Shorthair cat is re-invested in the rescue. They use these funds to help other pets in need.
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Ask a Vet Live NowAdditional Costs to Consider When Adopting an Oriental Shorthair Cat
Along with the adoption fees, you’ll have to consider the other costs that go along with adopting your fur baby. These expenses include items and supplies your cat will need when she first comes to your home!
Here’s a short list of supplies and items your Oriental Shorthair cat will need:
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $20
- Cat carrier: $30
- Toys: $20
- Litter box: $20 to $50 (or more, depending on the type of box you get)
- Litter scoop: $10
- Brush: $5 to $20
- Cat bed: $20 to $30
- Cat harness & leash: $14
- Cat food: $10 to $35/month
- Medical care: $50 to $445/month (depending on the age and health of your cat)
Summing It Up
Oriental Shorthair cats are beautiful, exotic domestic felines that love to love and be loved in return. They make excellent family companions and get along with kids and other pets! These social butterflies are sure to win your heart.
And we’re also sure that if you adopt an Oriental Shorthair cat, you’ll have a loving companion for many years to come!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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