Siamese vs Oriental Shorthair: What’s the Difference?

I’ve been breeding both Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs for years, and I can tell you — the question I hear most often is: “What’s the actual difference between Siamese and Oriental cats?” People expect some big, deep behavioural divide between the two. But here’s the truth…

Siamese and Oriental cats are, in every meaningful way, the same breed of cat.

They have the same body shape, the same voice, the same high intelligence, the same need to be involved in your life, and often the same parents. Yes, really — Siamese and Orientals can be born in the same litter. I’ve had seal point Siamese kittens snuggled up next to their solid black Oriental siblings, all raised by the same mum, with equally loud opinions and an obsession with climbing into my jumper.

So, what’s the difference? Just the coat colour and eye colour. That’s it.

Let’s dig into it properly — because if you’re choosing between the two, you’re really choosing a style, not a personality.

The Shared Breed Foundation

Both Siamese and Oriental Shorthairs come from the same genetic base. The Oriental was developed by breeding Siamese cats to other shorthaired breeds — mostly to expand the range of colours and patterns, while preserving the Siamese body and temperament.

In the UK, under GCCF rules, they are classified as separate breeds for show purposes, but when you breed them… it’s very much one gene pool. You can mate a Siamese to an Oriental, and the kittens will be registered accordingly depending on which colours they inherit. It’s standard practice in most lines.

I’ve had queens produce Siamese, Orientals, and even Foreign Whites in the same litter. The personalities? Identical. The noise levels? Equally dramatic. The difference? One has blue eyes and points, the other has green eyes and a solid or patterned coat.

So, What’s the Actual Difference Between Siamese and Oriental?

Let’s break it down simply:

Siamese:

• Pointed coat pattern: darker colour on face, ears, legs, and tail

• Always have blue eyes

• Come in colours like seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, tortie and tabby point

• Recognised by their dramatic colour contrast

Oriental Shorthair:

• No points — the colour is the same across the entire body

• Usually have green eyes

• Come in over 300 colour and pattern combinations — from black to lavender silver tabby to tortie smoke

• Can also be bi-colour, shaded, or ticked

And that’s it. That’s the entire difference. Everything else — the elegant body, wedge-shaped head, bat ears, long tail, and huge personality — is the same.

Siamese vs Oriental Shorthair: Do They Have the Same Temperament?

Yes. 100%.

If you’ve lived with either, you’ll know what I mean. These cats are confident, curious, nosy, clever, vocal, and absolutely devoted to their people. They’re not lap cats in the passive sense — they’re interactive. They don’t sit on you. They arrange you, like furniture.

Whether your cat is a seal point Siamese or a cinnamon Oriental, the personality is pure elegance-meets-chaos. They climb your shelves, open drawers, yell when you’re in the bath, and demand to be part of every conversation.

People often ask me, “Aren’t Orientals more laid-back?” or “Aren’t Siamese a bit sharper in personality?” And I honestly don’t see it. I’ve had full brothers where one was a Siamese and the other an Oriental. Both were climbing the curtains by 10 weeks and trying to reprogramme my microwave by 12.

Voice and Energy Levels

Both breeds are known for being vocal — and yes, they’re loud. Proper loud. You don’t get a soft purr and a polite mew. You get commentary. Loud, demanding, and non-stop commentary.

Some people say the Siamese voice is harsher and the Oriental is chirpier. In my experience, that’s more down to the individual cat than the label. I’ve had Siamese girls who chirped like birds and Oriental boys who sounded like a rusty accordion.

In terms of energy, they’re both high-drive breeds. They need stimulation, company, and play. They’re not the sort of cats who’ll be content snoozing in a corner all day. Give them puzzle toys, climbing shelves, wand toys — or better yet, a playmate — and they’ll reward you with hours of entertainment.

Living with Siamese and Orientals

Whether you choose a Siamese or an Oriental, be ready to have your home taken over. These cats are smart, fast, athletic, and fearless. They’ll open doors, steal food, climb curtains, and try to ride the hoover.

They’re not background pets. They’re main characters.

But they’re also incredibly loving. They bond deeply with their humans, follow you from room to room, sleep under the duvet, and even try to help you work. (One of my Orientals once managed to send a blank email to a GCCF contact by walking across my laptop.)

Should I Get a Siamese or an Oriental?

This really comes down to appearance.

• If you love the traditional pointed look and those intense blue eyes, go Siamese.
• If you want a stunning solid black cat with green eyes and all the same personality, go Oriental.
• If you can’t decide — consider one of each. They get on brilliantly.

A lot of people fall in love with the Siamese for their beauty, and then discover the joy of Orientals when they realise how many coat colours and patterns there are. I’ve had families start with one Siamese and come back for a Havana Oriental or a tabby Oriental as a second cat. They love having the visual contrast with the same familiar temperament.

Final Thoughts: Siamese vs Oriental Shorthair

There’s no great mystery here. Siamese and Oriental cats are the same cat in different coats. As a breeder and owner of both, I see no personality difference — just variety in appearance.

If you love chatty, clever, people-focused cats who get into everything and want to be in your life 24/7, either breed will suit you perfectly. You’re not choosing between two types of cat. You’re choosing the colour of chaos you’d prefer.

And believe me — once you’ve lived with one, you’ll never want a quiet cat again.