Comparator
Siamese or Oriental Shorthair: which breed to choose?
Siamese and Oriental Shorthair are two cat breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.
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Key takeaways
- Siamese and Oriental Shorthair are similar in size (2–6 kg).
- Siamese is cheaper to buy: 600–1,200 € vs 600–1,500 € for Oriental Shorthair.
- Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 95 € per month.
- Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (4/5).
- Oriental Shorthair is rated higher for “Family & children”: 5/5 vs 4/5 for Siamese.
- Oriental Shorthair is rated higher for “Apartment living”: 5/5 vs 4/5 for Siamese.
- Oriental Shorthair is rated higher for “First-time owner”: 3/5 vs 2/5 for Siamese.
- Siamese lives longer on average: 15–21 years vs 12–15 years for Oriental Shorthair.
Our verdict
Choose Siamese if you’re looking for…
- Very present households : The Siamese thrives with available people who enjoy interacting often with their cat.
- Fans of expressive cats : It suits those who appreciate a communicative, lively companion close to the family.
- Stimulating apartment living : It can live very well indoors if the environment offers games, height and regular activities.
Choose Oriental Shorthair if you’re looking for…
- Very present households : This breed thrives with available people who enjoy interacting with their cat.
- Enriched apartment living : It can live very well indoors if the space offers games, height and stimulation.
- Fans of expressive cats : Its communicative temperament appeals to those looking for a very interactive companion.
Detailed comparison
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Thailand | United Kingdom |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Height at withers | 20–30 cm | 20–30 cm |
| Weight | 2–6 kg | 2–6 kg |
| Coat | Short, silky | Short, fine and silky |
| Life expectancy | 15–21 ans | 12–15 ans |
| Average price | 600–1,200 € | 600–1,500 € |
| Monthly budget | ≈ 95 € | ≈ 95 € |
| Compatibility | ||
| Family & children | Very good | Excellent |
| Daily activity required | High | High |
| Apartment living | Very good | Excellent |
| First-time owner | Fairly good | Good |
| Other pets | Very good | Excellent |
| Tolerance for being alone | Fairly good | Limited |
| Vocalization | Very talkative | Very talkative |
| Pros & Cons | ||
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