Breed Profile
The Oriental Longhair is the epitome of feline elegance. Imagine the svelte, athletic body of a Siamese, but draped in a silky, semi-long coat that flows like a fine garment. Formerly known as the “British Angora,” this breed offers all the personality of the Oriental Shorthair with added softness.
⚡ Quick Look
This is a high-energy, high-maintenance friend. They are intensely social, vocal, and intelligent. If you want a cat that acts like a decorative pillow, this is not the breed for you. They demand interaction.
History: The “Angora” Confusion
The Oriental Longhair shares its roots with the Oriental Shorthair and the Siamese. In the mid-20th century, breeders began experimenting with crossing Siamese cats to other breeds to expand the color palette. Some of these crosses introduced the longhair gene (likely from Abyssinians or other domestic longhairs).
For a long time, these longhaired cats were called “British Angoras” in the UK. However, this caused significant confusion with the ancient Turkish Angora breed. To clarify the lineage, the name was officially changed to Oriental Longhair in 2002. Today, they are recognized as a sister breed to the Oriental Shorthair, Balinese, and Siamese.
Interestingly, because the longhair gene is recessive, two Oriental Longhairs will always produce longhaired kittens. However, breeding a Longhair to a Shorthair often results in shorthaired carriers, which helps keep the genetic diversity high.
Personality: The Elegant Chatterbox
Like all members of the Siamese group, the Oriental Longhair is not a silent observer. They have opinions, and they will share them with you in a variety of chirps, trills, and loud meows.
🧗 The Acrobat
They are athletic jumpers. You will find them on top of your refrigerator, curtain rods, and doors. They love to view the world from above.
❤️ The “Velcro” Cat
They bond deeply with their owners. If you sit down, they are in your lap. If you sleep, they are under the covers. They suffer from loneliness if ignored.
Appearance: Silky & Sleek
Unlike the Persian, whose coat is thick and puffy, the Oriental Longhair has a single coat. This means they lack the woolly undercoat that causes matting. The hair lies flat against the body, emphasizing their long, tubular shape rather than hiding it.
The tail is the showstopper—it forms a beautiful plume. The coat comes in practically every color imaginable: solid, smoke, tabby, tortie, and tipped. Their eyes are typically a vibrant green, though blue is found in the white varieties.
Health & Care
Because they lack a downy undercoat, grooming is surprisingly easy. A weekly combing is usually enough to remove dead hair. They are generally clean cats.
Health-wise, they are robust but can be prone to the same issues as the Siamese:
- Dental Disease: Regular tooth brushing is recommended.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye disorder.
- Pica: Some Orientals have a compulsion to suck or chew on wool or fabric.
Finding an Oriental Longhair
They are rarer than their shorthaired counterparts. Be prepared to join a waiting list from a reputable breeder.
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