Oriental Bicolor
Also called Oriental Bicolour, Oriental Bi-Colour
From Developed from the Oriental breeding programmes in the United Kingdom and United States (Oriental work began in the UK in the 1950s), later also in continental Europe; foundation stock from the Siamese, originally from Thailand.123
At a glance the quick version
GCCF gives 8-14 lb (about 3.6-6.4 kg) for shorthaired Orientals in general, not split by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, fine, glossy coat (longhaired bicolours also exist within the Oriental Longhair)
An Oriental in every respect, long, slim, firm and muscular with a wedge-shaped head, big ears and almond eyes, but with white patches added by the white spotting gene. A classic bicolour shows white on the belly, legs and paws and an upside-down V on the face.132
Personality what they are like
Like all Orientals, the bicolour is bright, chatty and full of energy, keeping a kitten-like love of play into adulthood. It wants to be involved in everything its family does and seeks plenty of attention.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal for the short coat: a weekly groom is plenty, and most Orientals enjoy the attention.21
Home where they are happiest
Thrives in an engaging home with interaction and things to do.1
Company who they like around
Usually not suited to living as a lone cat; does best with company, human or feline.1
The story where it all began
Oriental breeding began in Britain in the 1950s, when Siamese were crossed with other cats to produce Siamese-type cats in solid colours, and American breeders greatly widened the palette in the 1960s and 70s. Adding the white spotting gene created the bicolour Orientals, which the CFA recognised in 1985.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The GCCF divides Oriental bicolours into three levels of white: van, harlequin and bicolour.1
- 2
Odd-eyed cats, with one blue and one green eye, are allowed in Oriental bicolours.1
- 3
A true bicolour Oriental shows an inverted V of white on its face.3
- 4
The wider Oriental breed has more than 600 possible combinations of colour, pattern and coat.2
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- Bicolour Orientals recognised 1985 (shown within the Oriental breed)3
- GCCF
- Recognised as the Oriental Bicolour pattern group (van, harlequin and bicolour)1
- FIFe, TICA, WCF, ACF, ACFA/CAA, CCA-AFC
- Bicolour Orientals accepted in the standard3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Oriental Bicolor. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Oriental Bicolor, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by age, activity, and food type. For specific amounts and timing, please ask your vet or a good breeder for a plan tailored to your cat.
What should an Oriental Bicolor eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality cat food that meets nutritional standards. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol; always avoid these. Check with your vet for the best diet for your cat.4
Does an Oriental Bicolor need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for this short-coated cat. Only bathe if your cat gets very dirty or sticky, as frequent bathing can dry the skin.5
How often does an Oriental Bicolor need brushing?
A weekly brushing is plenty for the short, fine coat, and most Orientals enjoy the attention. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days to keep the coat healthy and reduce shedding.215 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Oriental Bicolor's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every 2 to 3 weeks, using cat nail clippers and cutting only the tip. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days; go slowly and reward your cat. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Furry Diary plan
How much play does an Oriental Bicolor need?
This bright, energetic cat needs daily interactive play to stay happy and healthy. Furry Diary recommends at least one play session each day, and they love puzzle toys and games that involve you.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Oriental Bicolor's teeth and ears?
Daily tooth brushing is ideal to prevent dental issues; Furry Diary suggests brushing every 2 days as a good start. For ears, check weekly for dirt or redness and ask your vet for a safe cleaning routine. Furry Diary plan
How long does an Oriental Bicolor live?
Oriental Bicolors typically live between 12 and 15 years, often staying playful well into their senior years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.1
Is an Oriental Bicolor good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are generally very social and enjoy being part of a busy household. They do best with company, whether human or feline, and are usually gentle with children if raised together.12
Can an Oriental Bicolor be left alone?
This cat is not suited to being left alone for long periods; they thrive on interaction and company. If you are away often, consider a second cat or a pet sitter to keep them happy.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Oriental - GCCF gccfcats.orgused for origin, bicolour patterns, eye colours, body, temperament, weight, lifespan
- Oriental - CFA cfa.orgused for history, body, grooming, colour combinations
- Oriental Shorthair - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for CFA 1985 bicolour recognition, other registries, face marking
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.