Complete Oriental Shorthair Care Guide
Expert Advice from California's Premier Oriental Breeder
Oriental Shorthair kittens are intelligent, active, and social cats that require proper care, nutrition, and attention. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Oriental Shorthair kitten care to ensure your new companion thrives.
Oriental Shorthair Kitten Food & Nutrition
Feeding Guidelines
Age 8-12 weeks: Feed 4 small meals daily
Age 3-6 months: Feed 3 meals daily
Age 6-12 months: Feed 2 meals daily
Adult (12+ months): Feed 2 meals daily
Oriental Shorthair kittens have high energy and fast metabolisms. Always provide fresh water and monitor their weight.
Recommended Foods
Best Oriental Shorthair Kitten Food:
- High-quality kitten formula (wet or dry)
- Protein-rich (minimum 30% protein)
- Grain-free or limited grain options
- Named meat as first ingredient
- No artificial colors or preservatives
We feed Royal Canin Kitten and recommend continuing this food initially.
Health Care for Oriental Shorthair Kittens
Vaccinations
Core Vaccines:
- FVRCP (6, 9, 12 weeks)
- Rabies (12-16 weeks)
- Annual boosters
Your kitten will have age-appropriate vaccines when you receive them. Continue the schedule with your vet.
Veterinary Visits
Schedule:
- First visit within 72 hours
- Follow-up at 16 weeks
- Annual wellness exams
- Dental checkups
Find a vet experienced with Oriental Shorthairs for best care.
Parasite Prevention
Protection Needed:
- Monthly flea prevention
- Heartworm prevention
- Regular deworming
- Tick prevention if outdoors
Your kitten is dewormed before adoption. Continue monthly prevention.
Grooming Your Oriental Shorthair
Coat Care
Oriental Shorthairs have short, fine coats that require minimal grooming:
- Brushing: Once weekly with a soft brush or grooming glove
- Bathing: Rarely needed (2-3 times per year)
- Shedding: Minimal compared to other breeds
Nail Care
- Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
- Use cat-specific nail clippers
- Provide scratching posts
Dental Care
Oriental Shorthairs can be prone to dental issues:
- Brush teeth 2-3 times weekly
- Use cat-safe toothpaste
- Provide dental treats
- Annual dental checkups
Ear & Eye Care
- Check large ears weekly
- Clean with vet-approved solution
- Wipe eyes if discharge appears
- Watch for signs of infection
Oriental Cat Characteristics & Behavior
Vocal & Social
Oriental Shorthairs are known for being very vocal and social. They love to "talk" to their owners and crave attention and interaction.
Highly Active
These energetic cats need daily play sessions, climbing opportunities, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Intelligent
Oriental Shorthairs are extremely smart and can learn tricks, play fetch, and even walk on a leash with proper training.
Training & Enrichment
Litter Box Training
Most Oriental kittens are fully litter trained before leaving our cattery:
- Use the same litter type initially
- Keep box clean (scoop daily)
- Place in quiet, accessible location
- One box per cat, plus one extra
Mental Stimulation
Keep your intelligent Oriental engaged:
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Rotating toy selection
- Cat trees and climbing structures
- Window perches for bird watching
- Daily play sessions (15-20 min)
Questions About Oriental Shorthair Kitten Care?
We provide lifetime support to all our kitten families. Contact us anytime!
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