Cymric vs Oriental Short Hair

Which cat breed is right for you?

Cymric

Size
8–12 lbs
Lifespan
8–14 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Playful Loyal Intelligent

Oriental Short Hair

Size
5–10 lbs
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Vocal Social Playful Intelligent

About the Cymric

The Cymric (pronounced "kim-rick") is the longhaired variety of the Manx, originating from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea where tailless cats have existed for centuries. This medium-to-large, solidly built breed weighs 8–13 pounds and is notable for its complete lack of tail — or, in some cases, a short stub — caused by a natural spinal mutation. Their semi-long, double coat is dense and plush, coming in virtually every color and pattern except pointed.

Temperament & Personality

Cymrics are gentle, playful cats with a devoted, dog-like loyalty to their families — they are known to follow their owners from room to room and even come when called. They are excellent with children and other pets, and their calm yet playful nature makes them well-suited to family life. Many Cymrics are fascinated by water and enjoy watching or playing with running faucets.

Pros

  • Loyal, dog-like personality — comes when called and follows family members
  • Powerful hind legs make them exceptional jumpers and playful athletes
  • Gentle and patient — excellent with children of all ages
  • Beautiful, plush coat adds elegance to their unique tailless silhouette

Cons

  • Manx syndrome — a serious spinal defect that can cause incontinence, paralysis, or death in affected kittens
  • Dense double coat requires frequent brushing to prevent matting
  • Prone to arthritis and spinal issues related to the tailless gene
  • Relatively rare — the longhair gene adds another layer of scarcity to an uncommon breed

Interested in the unique Cymric? Find tailless beauties and other adoptable cats on Puplister.

About the Oriental Short Hair

The Oriental Shorthair emerged in the 1950s and 1960s when British breeders crossed Siamese cats with Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Abyssinians to create a Siamese-type cat in a rainbow of non-pointed colors. Sleek and angular at 6–12 pounds, this breed has a wedge-shaped head, strikingly large ears, vivid green eyes (or blue in white coats), and a short, fine, glossy coat in over 300 color-and-pattern combinations — more than any other cat breed.

Temperament & Personality

Oriental Shorthairs are among the most extroverted and opinionated cats in existence — they will tell you exactly what they think in a loud, distinctive voice. Fiercely loyal, they bond tightly to their humans and follow them everywhere, including into the shower. They are athletic, curious, and endlessly entertaining, making them ideal for active households with children and other social pets.

Pros

  • Incredible coat variety — virtually every color and pattern available
  • Minimal grooming needs thanks to the short, close-lying coat
  • Highly intelligent and trainable — enjoys puzzle feeders and learning tricks
  • Deeply loyal and affectionate with family members

Cons

  • One of the most vocal cat breeds — constant meowing can be overwhelming
  • Severe separation anxiety when left alone — does best with a companion cat
  • Prone to dental issues, heart disease, and amyloidosis
  • Demands constant attention and can become destructive if under-stimulated

Think you can keep up with this talkative, spirited feline? Search for Oriental Shorthair cats on Puplister and meet your new best friend.

Available for Adoption

0

Cymrics

1

Oriental Short Hairs

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Cymric and a Oriental Short Hair?
The Cymric is 8–12 lbs sized while the Oriental Short Hair is 5–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (8–12 lbs vs 5–10 lbs), lifespan (8–14 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Cymric or Oriental Short Hair?
Cymric is generally good with kids. Oriental Short Hair is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Cymric or Oriental Short Hair?
The Cymric has a lifespan of 8–14 years while the Oriental Short Hair has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Cats