Common Reasons for Surrender
Life changes often result in Oriental cats going to rescue or shelters. Sometimes a family loses their home. Other times a couple divorces, a baby is born, or someone in the home develops allergies to the cat. Owners sometimes become incapacitated from illness and can no longer care for their cat, or they die without leaving stipulations for who should care for their cat.
Pros
Oriental cats love their humans and develop extremely close bonds with them. While many consider cats aloof, the Oriental cat is the exact opposite. He wants to be with his family all of the time and to be a part of family activities. If you’re sitting down and reading or watching television, your Oriental cat will likely be curled up on your lap. Many also enjoy riding on their human’s shoulders and playing fetch. They are typically attuned to their human’s feelings and will snuggle next to you or somehow acknowledge when you have had a rough day.
Cons
Your Oriental cat is going to demand attention from you because he wants to be with you. The neediness that Oriental cats display could prove disconcerting for some people. An extremely active breed, Oriental cats typically do not do well as the only cat in the family unless you spend a lot of time at home. Most enjoy playing with other cats and dogs. If you leave your cat alone for long periods at a time on a regular basis, be prepared for the results. He will find something to entertain himself with at home, and it might result in a broken lamp or something else you love.
Diet
A high quality, high protein diet will keep your Oriental cat healthy and lean. Make sure the dry or the wet food you choose is high in protein as Oriental cats are an athletic, energetic breed, which means they burn calories very quickly. Avoid foods with grains.
Oriental cats love to share everything with their humans, including food. Your cat might sit vigil, waiting for a bit of fish, chicken, or steak while you are at the dinner table. Some also enjoy melon and scrambled eggs. Most treats, provided they are grain-free, are acceptable. Remember, however, treats should always be given sparingly.
Exercise
An active breed even into adulthood, an Oriental cat needs between 10 and 20 minutes of play time with their humans every day. Chasing after a feather or fur on a stick and fetching a toy are two popular games with cats. Most Oriental cats will also get plenty of exercise on their own, but playtime with their humans allows for both exercise and bonding.
Possible Health Issues
Overall a healthy breed, Oriental cats are prone to dental issues, which often results in the problem teeth being extracted, and hepatic amyloidosis.
Housing
Keep your Oriental cat housed indoors to ensure longevity and to protect her from disease and illness.
Litter
Unlike some breeds, Oriental cats typically aren’t finicky with litter, so choosing a litter will depend on your preferences. If your cat will not relieve himself in his litter box, try using Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract, cleaning the box more often, moving it to another location, or adding more litter boxes in your home. Keep a good eye on your Oriental cat’s litter habits. If he still doesn’t use his litter box after making those changes, he should be seen by a vet.
Grooming
Oriental cats require minimal grooming. Their coats are naturally short and glossy. However, you may still want to brush your Oriental cat regularly as she will enjoy the attention, and it provides a good bonding opportunity.
Training
Oriental cats just want to make their humans happy, making training easy. Most can learn to do simple tricks such as rolling over, retrieving a ball or a toy, and shaking hands.
Entertainment
Many Oriental cats love the thrill of a good wrestling match with another cat. They also enjoy chasing lasers and balls and swiping at toys alone and with their human. A good game of fetch is also a popular option for keeping your Oriental cat entertained. All your Oriental cat really wants is to spend time with you.
We want to thank Kattalyst Orientals & Siamese for help with this profile.