Oriental Longhair is a domestic long haired cat. It resembles the Siamese cat in appearance.
Oriental Longhair is a long and slender cat quite similar to the
Siamese in its body structure. It is also known as British Angora.
First recognition of this feline was in the late nineteenth century
when it was found to be distinct from the Persian in its coat and
physique. This recognition did not last long and it was only in the
nineteen sixties that breeders in United Kingdom started developing
this cat in earnest. It was named British Angora to distinguish it from
Turkish Angora, a separate breed, and it was only recently, in 2002,
that British cat fancies named it as the Oriental Longhair.
A
lithe and tubular body is the hallmark of this svelte but muscular cat.
Coat is silky and long though single layered. It occurs in a variety of
colors and patterns including apricot, blue, black, chocolate,
cinnamon, fawn, lilac, red, tipped and tabby. Head is wedge shaped and
the almond shaped eyes are usually green to blue in coloration.
Odd-eyed cats are often seen as well. Ears are large and pointed. Legs
are long and so is the bushy tail.
Though Oriental Longhairs are
generally quite healthy there have been cases of liver and heart
disorders in them. These include hepatic amyloidosis and dilated
cardiomyopathy in some lines. There is also a somewhat increased
incidence of dental disorders including plaque buildup and gum
inflammation. On the whole though these elegant cats are healthy and
live for over fifteen years in an indoor environment.
Intelligent
and playful by nature, Oriental Longhairs are very active cats. They
can be mischievous and demanding at times and are quite inquisitive.
Like their relative Siamese cats , the British Angoras are very vocal
and expressive. Their fondness for high places is also famous. Even
with their active lifestyles these felines take time to develop close
attachments to their humans whom they will follow around everywhere.
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Tags: active lifestyles, amyloidosis, angoras, black chocolate, bushy tail, dental disorders, first recognition, gum inflammation, heart disorders, long haired cat, muscular cat, nineteen sixties, oriental longhair, oriental longhairs, plaque buildup, siamese cat, siamese cats, slender cat, tubular body, turkish angora
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