New here, question Orientals

Hello, we are new here and need lots of info. Have recently been given a purebred Lilac Oriental. He is a beautiful affectionate cat, neutered 4 year old male. Have experience with Siamese but not this type. We are keeping him indoors and both my daughter and I work so am hoping he will be okay home alone. My big concern right now is he sounds snuffly and is coughing a bit. He seems very healthy otherwise. Am wondering if this may be common for the breed who have an extreme wedge head. We've agreed to keep him for a week or so to see if he settles in, would not want to keep him if he does not seem happy with us. Anyone with info about Orientals please help. Thanks

I am putting this into the Health forum where many knowledgeable people go. I will also alert the Breeders forum to come and check out your post.

Congrats on being owned by an OSH. My mom and I are breeders of them. We are also judges in an association. Mom has been breeding them and Siamese for over 35 years. First of all, when you brought him home, you don't realize it but you have what we call "well viruses" in your home. This only means that he needs to get use to your environment. I do suggest that you take him to a vet for a complete checkup so you feel more comfortable. These cats don't have breathing problems because of their wedges. That is the standard for showing one. I am curious what state you got him from. My mom knows lots of breeders and most of them are very reputable. If I can be of any help, please ask.

Frannie

We live in British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Yarrow was given to us as the breeder did not want to breed with him anymore. He is triple registered (whatever that means) but we are not given papers for him. Thats okay with us as we just want him for a pet. He has been shown and is a beautiful cat. Having only had Siamese in the past I am used to cats who will give you their attention when they want to but we are amazed at the attention this cat wants. He has to be touched or petted all the time. If you are reading he has to be right up by your face. I am hoping this is just while he adjusts as both of us work and he will have to learn to amuse himself. I would love to share some photos with you when I get some. Again thanks for the info, he seems better with the snuffles today already.