vs

Click on the breeds above to change the breed you want to compare.

Compare Oriental Shorthair and Siamese side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level
Playfulness
Intelligence
Trainability
Protectiveness
Sociability
Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly
Yes
Yes
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
Yes
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span
12–15 years
12–20 years
Weight
3.5–5.5 kg
3.5–5.5 kg
Height
25–30 cm
20–25 cm
Origin
Thailand
Thailand
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Siamese and Oriental Shorthair are both captivating breeds originating from Thailand, known for their sociable and intelligent natures. While they share several similarities, such as their energy levels and suitability for apartment living, they also exhibit distinct differences. The Siamese typically has a longer lifespan and a slightly lower playfulness score compared to the Oriental Shorthair, which is known for its higher playfulness and exercise needs. Additionally, the Siamese has a higher noise level, making it more vocal than the Oriental Shorthair. Understanding these traits can help potential owners make an informed decision based on their lifestyle and preferences.

Oriental Shorthair — Advantages

Higher playfulness (5)
Lower noise level
More independent (can stay alone for 3 hours)
Lower shedding level
Lower health risk (2)

Disadvantages

Shorter lifespan (12-15 years)
Higher exercise needs
Slightly taller height (25-30 cm)
Similar grooming difficulty but requires more playtime

Siamese — Advantages

Longer lifespan (12-20 years)
Good with kids
Apartment-friendly
Moderate grooming difficulty
Intelligent and trainable

Disadvantages

Higher noise level
Lower playfulness compared to Oriental Shorthair
Can be less independent (can stay alone for 2 hours)
Moderate shedding level
Higher health risk compared to Oriental Shorthair

Frequently Asked Questions

Which breed is more vocal?

The Siamese is known for its higher noise level and is generally more vocal than the Oriental Shorthair.

Are both breeds good for families?

Yes, both breeds are good with kids and are suitable for families.

How much exercise do they need?

The Siamese has moderate exercise needs, while the Oriental Shorthair has higher exercise needs.

Which breed has a longer lifespan?

The Siamese typically has a longer lifespan, ranging from 12 to 20 years.

Is one breed easier to train than the other?

Both breeds are intelligent and have similar trainability scores, making them relatively easy to train.

free Oriental Shorthair adoption listings

all listings in this category

free Siamese adoption listings

all listings in this category