Tabby vs Oriental Longhair - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

The Tabby isn’t a cat breed but rather a certain cat pattern. So the Tabby has lots of different coat colors and patterns and the cat comes in different sizes.

You get the mackerel Tabby, the classic Tabby, the spotty Tabby and the ticked Tabby. The Tabby is a domestic cat. It is thought that today’s Tabby’s originated from the African wild cat because the markings are so similar.

Your Oriental Longhair cat has his foundations in the Siamese breed. The Siamese came from Thailand to the UK in the 1800s.

Sometimes a litter of Siamese kittens produced a long-haired variety but in the 1950s breeders started honing in on these longer haired Siamese cats.

Various crossings took place and Oriental Shorthairs came about. By breeding these Shorthairs with Balinese cats, the Oriental Longhair came about in the 1970s.

The Tabby is any domestic cat. They’ve got a distinctive 'M' shaped marking on their forehead.

The Tabby cat isn’t a breed of cat but actually a coat type and in fact, there are quite a few cat breeds with the Tabby pattern.

Tabby is a color pattern in other words and it means you will find stripes, spots, and whorls of color. Tabby cats can range in size because of the different breeds. They can be medium to large and weight between 3 and 7kg.

The eye and ear shape will also vary according to the different breeds as well as the thickness of the tail.

Temperament:

Your Tabby is a friendly, social cat. He makes an excellent pet and companion. The orange and ginger tabbies are more feisty and strong-willed. These cats cat can be any personality really and you might have an aloof cat but you could also have a highly social, vocal Tabby.

Most times you will get an active, playful, friendly cat that will love the company of his human family.

The Oriental Longhair is a medium-sized cat with a fairly long, muscular, lean body. The Oriental Longhair actually resembles the Siamese cat.

They also come in an outstanding array of colors and patterns with the coat being long and silky. The coat can be a solid color but you can also find tabby-type coats as well as tipped coats. The cat doesn’t have an undercoat and coat lies fairly flat against the body. You will also hear it being referred to as a semi-longhair.

The tail is attractive and forms quite a bushy plume.

The Oriental Longhair cat has almond-shaped green eyes. If you see the white Orientals, they can have green or blue eyes. They can also be odd-eyed.

Temperament:

These cats are intelligent, curious, and good-natured and they love to talk. Therefore it is important that such a cat breed have a home where there is plenty of company.

They’re active cats too, loving to play and bound and leap. He'll want to willingly join in with some of your games. The cat will certainly need some exciting toys to keep him occupied.

They are loyal cats and become loving and devoted to their human family, getting on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

They don’t like being left alone at all and will prefer to have company, even if it is from another pet.

When you bring a Tabby cat into your home, you can't tell what personality he will have. A lot depends on the lifestyle you provide him with.

Some Tabby cats are social and friendly while others are more shy. One thing is sure, they all thrive on the love and attention of their human families. This popular cat is guaranteed to make you a most wonderful pet and companion.

Your Oriental Longhair is such a friendly, lively cat and he makes a splendid companion. It is an inquisitive cat and likes to be part of the activity in the household.

He is a social, talkative cat and has always got a lot to say/ They love the attention of their human family and don’t like being separated too long from them.

When you get one of these cats, you get both an entertainer and a friend.

Many cats can develop liver and kidney troubles as they get older so it’s important to visit a vet regularly in order to make sure they are in good health.

Most domesticated tabby cats live for 12 to 15 years and this means you can enjoy many years of good friendship from your Tabby.

Liver Disease in cats:

The liver is an important organ with a host of functions. We know it plays an important role in removing toxic substances from the blood. Because this organ works to rid the body of so many different substances, it can become damaged.

Liver disease results in inflammation, which is known as hepatitis. If left, it can lead to loss of function because of scar tissue. Luckily, liver disease in cats can be treated and managed,

Proper nutrition is most important for managing your cat’s liver disorder.

Age, certain diseases and certain breeds of cats are more susceptible to liver disease. Obesity too, can contribute to liver disease. The signs of liver disease are weight loss, increased thirst, vomiting, drooling, jaundice and loss of appetite.

The urine of your cat may also be particularly dark-colored.

If your cat is diagnosed with liver disease, speak to your vet about a special diet for your cat.

Remember to keep your cat's vaccines up to date.

The Oriental Longhair is generally considered a healthy breed. Because the cat can be prone to some inherited conditions, it is always a wise move to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder.

A couple of these diseases to look out for include Progressive Retinol Atrophy which is a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness.

Also, look out for periodontal disease which is common in many cat breeds.

When your cat is a Tabby, he could have short or long fur, and a weekly brushing will be necessary to remove dead hairs and dust from the coat.

While you brush your cat, feel for any irregularities such as lumps or cuts. A lump should be examined by the vet.

Ensure your cat has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

As already mentioned, good food is key to good health, and as your cat is a carnivore, he will require meat. There are many excellent cat food manufacturers who produce cat food with all the nutrients your feline friend requires.

Supply your cat with a litter box and remove the feces every single day.

If your pet needs to be transported anywhere, such as to the vet, make sure he can be carried safely by putting him in a cat carrier box.

Provide your pet with a warm, soft bed.

This is a slim cat and you can easily tell when he has put on weight. Be very careful with how much you feed your cat and what you feed him.

Cats are carnivores and you need to ensure that his diet is rich in meaty ingredients. These cats have long slim legs and extra weight can put pressure on the cat’s joints. Keep your cat lean and healthy. If in any doubt about diet for your cat, speak to your vet, Always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Prepare to have a cat included in your family. Invest in food and water bowls, a cat bed, grooming brushes, toys, climbing tree, scratching post and litter box. A cat box for transporting your pet to the vet is also a good idea.

The Oriental Longhair loves to leap up into high areas so he will need a climbing tree. Try to get your cat out into the sunshine where possible and allow him to climb into a tree.

They’re playful cats and will require some stimulating toys.

The cat’s medium- to long hair will require brushing once or twice a week. When you brush your pet gently but purposefully, he loves it and it becomes a bonding session.

Provide your cat with a litterbox and make sure to clean out the box every day. You can do that by buying a small plastic rake at the pet shop and it keeps the litter nice and even for your pet.

Have your cat neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.