|
|
THE ORIENTAL LONG HAIRS
The Oriental Longhair (OLH) was the next step in a natural progression of breeding skills. Breeders of Balinese and Javanese cats (the longhair versions of the Siamese, see above), who liked the assortment of colors offered by the Oriental Shorthair breed decided to create a longhair version, actually quite by accident!. The first documented litter born in 1983 was bred/owned by Billie and Terrie Cobden (Sholine Cattery, Houston, Texas). Two ebony males named: Sholine's Dark Elf ofRainRiver and Sholine's Dark Vader of TomyTycoon, were born June 9, 1983 to Harr's Solar Spirit of Sholine and Ciara Jambalaya of Sholine.
|
|
Still a relatively new breed, the OLH was accepted for registration in 1988 and advanced to Championship status in 1995, as a division of the Oriental breed in CFA (Cat Fanciers of America). They are known as Angoras in UK and Mandarins in Europe, Javanese in New Zealand. These fabulous ermine-coated felines carry the same graceful bodies and silky long coat with plumed tail as their Bali/Javi counterparts (above). They are elegant, svelte cats that are playful, spirited and loyal well beyond their youth. They eagerly greet you at the door and tell you all about their day. If you're late, they will scold you and tell you how worried they were that you didn't call. Hide on top of the refrigerator? Wrong! Curiosity and intelligence combine to give them a means of finding everything and anything. They have been known to open and empty your purse only to discover their favorite toy-a pen, a crumpled piece of paper they can chase around the floor. Anything to attract the attention and affection they desperately need. Ignore them and they will droop with despair.
Longhair or Shorthair, Orientals are never aloof. They are close to the people they claim as their own and desperately want to live with YOU. They find their way into every one of your activities: a little nudge while you eat, a close examination of your toothbrush just before you use it, helpful hints on which foods to select from the refrigerator. If you're a couch potato, they'll share the warmth of your lap and provide a comforting purr, or nuzzle your chin when you need it most.
They are true Siamese that came back from living abroad in a coat of many colors, patterns, and lengths. Oriental Shorthairs are still abundant, but Oriental Longhairs are now so rare they are practically an endangered species! Relatively few breeders around the world now work diligently to keep this breed alive and viable. Prospective owners are placed on waiting lists for as long as it takes. These are the breeds that defy what we normally think of as CAT: independant, aloof, solitary. No way! They couldn't live without you!
|
Pictures of Oriental Shorthairs | Pictures of Oriental Longhairs
|
|
|
