Himalayan vs Oriental Short Hair

Which cat breed is right for you?

Himalayan

Size
7–12 lbs
Lifespan
9–15 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Very High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Calm Gentle Affectionate Quiet

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 Himalayan

The Himalayan — known as the Colourpoint Persian in Europe — was developed in the 1930s–1950s by crossing Siamese with Persians to combine the Persian's luxurious coat with Siamese point coloring. This medium-to-large breed weighs 7–14 pounds and has the Persian's flat face, round body, and short legs. Their long, thick, flowing coat comes in all point colors — seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and tortoiseshell — contrasted against a pale cream or white body.

Temperament & Personality

Himalayans are calm, sweet, and devoted cats that enjoy a serene environment and gentle handling. They are more playful than Persians — thanks to their Siamese heritage — and may enjoy short bursts of activity with a favorite toy. They are patient with well-behaved children and prefer a quiet household, bonding closely with their family while remaining friendly with gentle visitors.

Pros

  • Stunningly beautiful — combines Persian elegance with Siamese coloring
  • Calm, gentle personality — ideal for quiet, relaxed households
  • Deeply affectionate and loyal to their family
  • Vivid blue eyes inherited from Siamese lineage add to their beauty

Cons

  • Coat requires daily grooming — prone to severe matting without consistent care
  • Brachycephalic — prone to breathing difficulties, eye discharge, and dental issues
  • High risk for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and progressive retinal atrophy
  • Heat-sensitive — must be kept in air-conditioned environments during warm months

Ready to pamper a gorgeous Himalayan? Discover cats available for adoption on Puplister today.

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

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Himalayans

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Himalayan and a Oriental Short Hair?
The Himalayan is 7–12 lbs sized while the Oriental Short Hair is 5–10 lbs sized. They differ in size (7–12 lbs vs 5–10 lbs), lifespan (9–15 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Himalayan or Oriental Short Hair?
Himalayan is generally good with kids. Oriental Short Hair is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Himalayan or Oriental Short Hair?
The Himalayan has a lifespan of 9–15 years while the Oriental Short Hair has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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