Oriental Bicolor

Breed Characteristics:

Affectionate with Family

4

Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.See Cats Less Affectionate with Family

Amount of Shedding

1

If you're going to share your home with a cat, you'll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!

• See Cats with Low Amount of Shedding

General Health

3

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn't mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. If you're looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in.See Cats Prone to Health Problems

Potential for Playfulness

4

Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!

• See Cats with Low Potential for Playfulness

Tendency to Vocalize

5

Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant "conversation" drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.See Cats with Lower Tendency to Vocalize

Kid-Friendly

5

Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.See Least Kid Friendly Cats

Friendly Toward Strangers

4

Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.

• See Cats Shy Toward Strangers

Click here for more information on this characteristic

Easy to Groom

4

Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!

• See Cats That Need to Groom

Intelligence

4

Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you're not home!

• See Cats with Less Intelligence

Pet Friendly

3

Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.

• See Least Pet Friendly Cats

More About This Breed

• History

  The history of the Oriental Bicolor mixed cat breed begins back in 1979. The mix was originally developed by Lindajean Grillo, who is credited with cross-breeding American Shorthair and Siamese felines. Later on in the '80s, fellow breeders in Europe also began to develop Oriental Bicolor cats, which helped spread their popularity across the world.

  The Oriental Bicolor was officially acknowledged by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1983.

  These days, you can find Oriental Bicolors in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the mixed breed for you!

• Size

  The Oriental Bicolor is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

  Most Oriental Bicolors weigh in at eight to twelve pounds. However, many can be smaller or larger than average.

• Personality

  The Oriental Bicolor is one of the most social cats out there. This distinctive, sleek breed loves to be around humans and bonds equally strongly with older folks and young kids alike.

  In fact, the cat almost demands to be the center of attention, so be wary of this if you often find yourself away from the home for long periods of time or have to embark on work trips. The Oriental Bicolor craves human attention.

  That being said, these are also intelligent cats who will happily entertain themselves by figuring out smart interactive toys and exploring new nooks and crannies. Providing your feline with a large living space that offers the chance to roam around and check out new areas is essential for this mixed breed.

  Also, be warned that the Oriental Bicolor is often described as a talkative and communicative cat, so be ready for lots of back and forth conversations!

• Health

  Oriental Bicolors are generally considered to be healthy cats; although, they can be predisposed to the same conditions that the American Shorthair and Siamese breeds face. As always, it's important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat's vet.

  Some of the more common health problems Oriental Bicolors suffer from include:

  • Crossed eyes
  • Asthma
  • Heart disease

• Care

  As with all cats, it's important to keep up your Oriental Bicolor's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.

  Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, make sure that you pick up a scratching post for your Oriental Bicolor cat's living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat's nails in good condition. This is especially important for a mixed breed like the Oriental Bicolor who likes to be active and inquisitive.

  The cat's ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. Talk to your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Oriental Bicolor. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques.

  Finally, because the Oriental Bicolor is a cat with lots of energy, it's recommended that you add a cat tree to your home.

• Coat Color And Grooming

  The Oriental Bicolor has a mix of a white base coat with many other colors; cinnamon, blue, and chestnut are all popular combinations.

  When it comes to grooming, the Oriental Bicolor is a low shedder and only really needs brushing once a week. This will help ward off mats and keep the coat in good condition. Just be sure to groom gently as the mixed breed has a thin coat.

  In terms of climate, most Oriental Bicolor cats are adaptable, but they prefer a slightly warmer living environment. You should also always make sure that there's enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.

• Children And Other Pets

  The Oriental Bicolor gets along really well with young kids. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Supervise early interactions between kids and cats.

  When it comes to other household pets, the good-natured Oriental Bicolor usually fares well with many domestic animals. But always remember to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets, as well. Sometimes these relationships are very much dependent on the individual pets' personalities.

  Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Oriental Bicolor for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

• Rescue Groups

  It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Oriental Bicolor cats because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try breed specific rescues that care for American Shorthairs or Siamese cats, as they sometimes care for breed mixes, too. You may also try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Oriental Bicolors, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

  • Kansas City Siamese Rescue
  • Hope For Paws
  • Best Friends Animal Society

  You can also try CatTime's adoption page that lets you search for adoptable cats by breed and zip code!