The Oriental Longhair first appeared in the 1970s when cat breeders crossed the Oriental Shorthair cat with Balinese or Javanese cats. However, the Oriental Longhair was not recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association until 1995. It is now recognized as a breed under the Oriental Shorthair.

The Oriental Longhair cat is a friendly, active cat that is highly intelligent, curious, and loving. A wonderful family cat, the Oriental Longhair is known to get along well with children, so long as the child does not play too roughly with the cat. The Oriental Longhair is known to be quite active and mischievous, known to seek out their toys that are in "hard to reach" places, by climbing furniture, opening drawers, and the sort. Therefore, it is important to "cat-proof" your house, in order to protect any fragile or delicate possessions. However, it should be noted that the Oriental Longhair is quite affectionate and therefore, is a great pet for those with the time and energy to keep the Oriental Longhair's curiosity satisfied.

The appearance of the Oriental Longhair is much like that of the Siamese cat, with the exception being the Oriental Longhair is non-pointed. The Oriental Longhair cat can be found in almost any color. In fact, the Oriental Longhair is known to be found with over 300 colors and color combinations or patterns. The eyes of the cat are almond-shaped and usually green. It should be noted that other eye colors, such as blue, can be found in Orientals that are white in color. As the name suggests, the Oriental Longhair has long hair. The Oriental Longhair's body is lean, sleek, and is quite muscular, in spite of the appearance of a "delicate" build. The head of the Oriental Longhair, like that of the Siamese, is triangular, and the ears are quite large. The Oriental Longhair is quite talkative.

The Oriental Longhair requires minimal grooming, and the fur of the Oriental Longhair does not mat very often. However, fleas are known to be problem, so it is important that the cat receives baths with a good flea shampoo. If the Oriental is given a bath on a fairly regular basis as a kitten, it will often not have a problem with bathing as an adult. Male cats that are not neutered are known to have an excess of oils, often at the base of the tail, and therefore, require frequent baths. The Oriental Longhairs can, at times, have weight problems, so a good diet balanced with exercise is important so that the cat is neither too heavy, nor underweight. Finally, it is important that the Oriental Longhair receive adequate attention and playtime. Activities can include playing fetch. Without adequate play, the Oriental Longhair will find ways to amuse itself that are not necessarily the best for you or the cat.

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