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Oriental Shorthair
A Siamese in every colour but the points — sleek, fine-boned, talkative and intensely attached to its people.
How to spot it
A slender, elegant cat 4–6.5 kg built exactly like a Siamese — long fine body, wedge head, huge ears and almond eyes — but in a vast range of solid colours and patterns rather than colour-points. The short coat lies close and glossy.
Personality
Extremely social, intelligent and vocal — like the Siamese it "talks" a great deal, craves attention and bonds hard with its family, hating to be left alone. Playful and athletic throughout life.
Grooming & coat care
The fine short coat is minimal work: a weekly brush or a wipe with a damp cloth keeps it sleek.
Health & lifespan
Often 12–15 years or more. It shares Siamese risks — dental disease, some eye and heart conditions and anaesthetic sensitivity; generally hardy and long-lived.
Living with one in India
The short coat copes well with warmth, so the real requirement is company and stimulation — this is one of the most attention-dependent breeds and should not be left alone all day. It can also feel cold in strong air-conditioning.
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