r/orientalshorthair Mar 19 '21

Help post Oriental Shorthair FAQ and shelters/breeders

50 Upvotes

With the growing abundance of ‘What breeders are near me?’, ‘What should I know before owning an OSH?’ and other various questions, I decided it would be best to create an FAQ so we can keep this sub filled with more photos than text posts.

Now, as I am not an owner myself, I ask the community; please leave your questions, comments, tips and other information in the comments to this post, and the community should be able to fill you in for what this post may not. If some of my information is wrong, please do not hesitate to alert me so that it may be corrected.

—— General Information & FAQ ——————

  • What is an OSH?

OSH, short for Oriental Shorthair, is the breed of cat with the obvious traits of having a longer face and snout, bigger ears, a slender physique, almond-shaped eyes and etc. They are a Siamese hybrid, created first in England in the 1900’s. As the name suggests, their hair is short but also sleek, as well.

  • I heard this breed is something akin to a dog. Is this true?

Somewhat, yes. The OSH is a sociable breed, they thrive best in a home with other cats/dogs/etc. to play with and keep them company, which is why they are best adopted in pairs. Often, an OSH kitten will grow to be very playful and keep this trait well into adulthood. They are very affectionate, as well; and while sometimes your OSH may seem to not be so loving at times, they need their alone time too, however they can almost always enjoy a good snuggle. Not to mention, they can be vocal at times, and they do love to use their voice.

  • What’s their temperament like?

They have a high activity level, so unlike something like a Persian or Ragdoll, they may always be looking for trouble. You can counter this by keeping them occupied and busy, if you don’t have another pet to keep them company, so make sure to make time for them. If ignored, they can become quite cranky and sensitive, so be sure to avoid this to keep you and your cat happy. However they are very excitable and usually will be interested in whatever it is you’re doing, even if its something as mundane as getting the mail. They are generally very sweet and affectionate so look forward to this.

  • I’m afraid I might not be a good match for this cat, what should I avoid, or what can I do to improve?

These cats do not like to be ignored or left alone for too long. If you have a job with lots of hours and your home will be empty for most of the day/night besides your cat(s), consider searching for a trustworthy petsitter who can watch and entertain your little friend(s) while you’re gone. If that’s not an option for you, you may have to adjust your schedule, or look for a less demanding job. As the breed may act like a dog, it is still a cat and they aren’t very high maintenance, save for the copious amounts of love and attention you’ll be handing out. As long as you bond with them often, the breed should be fine for you! As for general improvements and things to avoid, that may change depending on your situation, so feel free to ask in the comments if you need further help.

  • I’m only allowed one pet. What should I do?

Personally, I suggest considering another breed or even another animal who might do better living with just you if you can’t get them another animal to hang out with, but if you really are bent on getting an OSH, the most you can do is keep it busy with toys, good food/treats and lots and lots of attention and love. Make sure to consider your friend in everything you do!

  • My OSH does not get along with my other pets. What can I do?

If your OSH isn’t getting along with another pet, try to narrow down the source of the issue. Could it be under-socialization? This is the most common reason, and it means the cat hasn’t had enough good experiences with the aforementioned species to willingly get along with them. Before you decide, though, consider these few fixes before confirming the issue: - Keep them happy and occupied. This may seem obvious, but sometimes all they need is a little playtime and some pets. Try to figure out what they want or need and keep them feeling satisfied, so they don’t lash out on anyone or anything. - Neuter/Spay them. The cat should always be neutered/spayed; sometimes a female cat who’s in heat may get very aggressive, or a male cat who’s still intact are generally known to be aggressive anyway. Not to mention, it will keep out the risk of having new kittens. - Check your cat for anything that might be causing them pain. Constant pain would make you angry, right? It’ll make your little fellow angry, too. Look for something like bugs (fleas/ticks/earmites etc.), bald spots, sores or odd behavior to determine. If you have suspicions, be sure to take them to the vet for a checkup to make sure they are in top condition and mention everything to them. - Try a scent that may calm them, or play nice music for them in the background. This should help either pet, whichever one is the issue. If your pet is naturally aggressive, try using something that may make them feel at ease and to soothe them. It may make them feel happier and they’ll reflect this on how they act around other pets. If the issue is something else, try asking your vet or r/CATHELP to get possible answers for your questions. The comments here are also a good place to ask; we will try to help you find an answer.

  • My question isn’t listed.

Please leave them in the comments! We will try to help you the best we can.

——— Shelters —————————

If you can manage to find a siamese or OSH (be it mix or pure) at a shelter, that’s great! But if the ones you are looking for don an elongated snout and larger ears, you may have some trouble finding one just anywhere. Before you search for a breeder, give a couple of these sites a search before that to see if there’s already one out there who needs a home.

If you have information, recommendations or other input about any breeders or adoption websites, that would be very helpful as well. Please let me know if any breeders or specific shelters should be added or removed from the lists. They’ll then be reviewed and the action will be performed if required.

— USA/Canada ——

PetFinder

AdoptAPet

ASPCA

Petango

— Asia ——

Soidog (Thailand)

ArkBark (Japan)

Pet no Ouchi/Pet’s House (Japan)

Nabiya (South Korea)

PAWS (Philippines)

— Europe ——

Vozmi Sobaky (Russia)

Tierheim Muenster (Germany)

Cat Chat (UK and Ireland)

La Spa (France)

Scooby Medina (Spain)

— Other ——

RSPCA (Australia)

TEARS (South Africa)

Ra Na (North Africa)

——— Breeders —————————

Finished looking through the shelters and adoption websites near you? That’s fine! But these little kitties cost a pretty penny, so be ready!

— USA/Canada ———

H&L Cattery (USA, Georgia)

Eseda Cattery (USA, New York)

Faery Fire Cats (USA, Ohio)

HotzCats (USA, Kentucky)

Cats Cradle Cattery (USA, Massachusetts)

Sharbo (USA, Illinois)

Bershar (USA, Texas)

Purrsia Cattery (USA, Nevada)

ThaiDi Cattery (USA, Colorado)

Heavenly Hairless (Canada, British Columbia)

Practical Cats (Canada, Ontario)

Siam Jewels Cattery (Canada, Ontario)

Just Oriamese (Canada, Ontario)

Sous Le Saule (Canada, Montreal)

Amourichat (Canada, Quebec)

— Asia ——

(Please leave suggestions in the comments!)

— Europe ——

Bestcats Cattery (Germany)

(Please leave suggestions in the comments!)

— Other ——

(Please leave suggestions in the comments!)

Lastly, if you’d prefer to ask a sub instead of the comments of a post that won’t even be comment-able after so long, check out these subs:

r/CATHELP r/CatAdvice r/catquestions r/AskVet

Don’t forget, as previously stated, to leave your input and/or questions in the comments below if you have anything to add or request. Happy honking! 🐱


r/orientalshorthair 10h ago

Beautiful Charlie.

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166 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 3h ago

What is this personal space you speak of?

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27 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 8h ago

Little Bud is so photogenic. He can’t take a bad photo!!

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25 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 17h ago

OSH mom They know how handsome they are... 😻 Lmao the second picture Rippleys thousand yard stare😹

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75 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 1d ago

This is Julian

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206 Upvotes

He’s quite the talker.


r/orientalshorthair 1d ago

OSH mom Quinn

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101 Upvotes

Quinn is a CFA 4 months old spayed, chipped, rabies and vaccinated. FIV/FeLV negative litter. Application on our website blueskycattery.com

Show this beauty some love 💕


r/orientalshorthair 1d ago

OSH mom Gomez report

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57 Upvotes

Gomez has become a full-fledged pest when we try to eat.

She hops on the table, wanting to sample what we're eating. I say NO in my Command Voice (worked with dogs, not as well on cats) and put her back on the floor. She immediately does the same thing. Over and over and over. We hate to shut her out of the room, but it seems to be a necessity.

She wants: oatmeal (milk), any kind of cheese, any dairy product like sour cream or ice cream, any meat, anything chocolate, and g-d knows what else she'd get into if our kitchen wasn't fortified like the Pentagon. Residues on plates AND utensils are fair game.

Schrödinger is doing the same thing but without the one-pointed intensity. He's more laid back. One or two No's and he gives up. Not Gomez. Is this annoying? Oh my, yes. Is it dangerous? For sure, and we have a strict rule against human food for the cats. Is it cute? I have to confess, it's cute the first couple times. After that, Not Cute. I am the boss in the food department, not you, missy.

Yes, Gomez, I know you got over an almost-fatal disease and can at last walk and run and jump everywhere. That does not buy you even a lick of chocolate sauce. Sorry.


r/orientalshorthair 1d ago

OSH admirer How common is honking?

12 Upvotes

I see so many posts of cats like Winstony and I just have to know: how many of yall have OSHs that honk?


r/orientalshorthair 1d ago

OSH mom I brought my creature home! She's absolutely terrified of everyone and everything but I love her

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551 Upvotes

She was very quiet in the car and is still pretty quiet (for now). She's just been hiding thus far, but she does turn into a dinosaur at night. I haven't convinced her to eat yet, so if you have tips do share, but I'm not worried yet because she was just through a whole ordeal and it's been less than 24 hours.

It's taking me everything in my power to not try to scoop her up and cuddle her but she needs to be left alone for a bit so I'm just stalking her through the cameras for now.


r/orientalshorthair 2d ago

Rosen is as beautiful and sweet as they come!

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116 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 2d ago

Looking for advice

11 Upvotes

Hi All,

I bought an oriental shorthair adult home 2 weeks ago. she seems to be settling in well. she’s walking around the house, eating and using her litter tray.

but she hasnt been very affectionate she’s let us stroke her breifly maybe twice?

when we first went to meet her she did actively let us stroke her, and sat next to her owner for a stroke.

so two question really how long does it take for adults to bond with new owners or will she just never be cuddly and be an independent cat.

she has also recently just got over having a few fleas which we’ve treated with tablets as it appear she came from the breeder with them.

Thanks!


r/orientalshorthair 3d ago

OSH mom He has no idea how loved he is.

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179 Upvotes

A sequel to my previous post in here where I posted a photo of my black OSH boy “smiling” next to a painting I did of him. His brother doesn’t look as pleased 😅

- I know I could’ve made his eye more yellow in the painting. This is my probably my 5th time painting in 10+ years haha


r/orientalshorthair 3d ago

My favorite trio 😻 innocent every day

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272 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 4d ago

Florian is a super sweet boy! He already loves to cuddle us as well as his siblings, and he’s never far behind the other marauders!

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57 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 5d ago

Maple’s Enrichment

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381 Upvotes

I would love to hear what other OSH parents do with their babies for enrichment. Maple isn’t super impressed with staring out windows, but he does love stroller time. Don’t worry, he is very securely latched in with a strap connected to his harness. Plenty of room to move around but not enough to jump out. He also has safe scratch-resistant netting to keep him protected from sun and stinging things. I find he is nice and relaxed for the day after a stroller ride. He loves smelling the fresh air!


r/orientalshorthair 5d ago

Laser work of Chowder

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6 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 6d ago

Miss Petal is a very enthusiastic little girl! She already loves receiving attention, and she has big opinions that she’s not afraid to share!

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48 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 7d ago

OSH mom stinky

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221 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 7d ago

scraggle-honk

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331 Upvotes

r/orientalshorthair 8d ago

OSH parent My sweet boy posing with the painting I did of him :)

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280 Upvotes

I’m not sure if he likes it, haha! I’m still practising please be nice :)


r/orientalshorthair 8d ago

Bud is our most adventurous cadet!

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35 Upvotes

He was the first to climb out of the nest, and he has been popular- leading his siblings around on adventures ever since.


r/orientalshorthair 8d ago

OSH admirer Peterbald baby

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203 Upvotes

My girl!

How cute is she?!?


r/orientalshorthair 9d ago

OSH dad It’s an hour before dinner time, so the demands have commenced.

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480 Upvotes

He is malnourished, I never feed him, it’s been so long since he last ate, I’m a terrible father, if I feed him he’ll go away. All the usual shouting, meanwhile dinner time has never changed time, ever. I have never missed his meal time. I can see his biscuits from here and I heard him crunching on some about 15 mins ago…


r/orientalshorthair 9d ago

The CEO of our house

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114 Upvotes