Oriental Shorthair in Australia — the honest 2026 guide
Also known as: OSH
By Catstuff Editorial · Updated 2026-04-24
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A Siamese in every colour but the Siamese colourpoint. Same loud, demanding, loyal temperament — just in solid, tabby, tortie, smoke, or bicolour. Australia's best-kept secret among pedigree cats.
Oriental Shorthair temperament
Same as Siamese — loud, intelligent, insistent on attention. One-person bonded typically.
History in Australia
Developed in the UK in the 1950s–60s by crossing Siamese with other shorthairs. Outcrossing to Russian Blue, British Shorthair, and Abyssinian in the early generations gave the colour range. Registered in Australia since the 1980s.
Who the Oriental Shorthair suits
Good for:
- Owners who want a Siamese temperament in 300+ colours
- Active households
- Small apartments (they're vertical)
Watch out for:
- Extremely vocal (louder than Siamese in some opinions)
- Demands attention
- Fine bones — careful handling
Caring for a Oriental Shorthair
Daily active play. Two cats is better than one if you're out all day. Rubber-mitt brush weekly. Dental home-care from kittenhood.
Common Oriental Shorthair health issues
- Dental disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy (DNA test)
- Amyloidosis
- Asthma
Insurance note: Low-claim breed overall. Dental disease and progressive retinal atrophy (DNA test) are the top two claims.
Best food for a Oriental Shorthair in Australia
Our top picks based on coat quality, digestion, and AU availability:
- Hill's Science Diet Adult
- Royal Canin Indoor Adult
- Black Hawk Original Feline
Frequently asked questions
Oriental vs Siamese — what's the actual difference?
Only colour. Same body, same head, same temperament, same breeding pool. Orientals come in 300+ accepted colours and patterns; Siamese are only the pointed colours (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac point, etc).
Still deciding on a Oriental Shorthair?
Run the numbers with our food cost calculator, or compare pet insurance for Oriental Shorthairs before you commit.
Updated 2026-04-24 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.