Common Questions, Honest Answers

We believe a great match starts with great information. Below are the questions we hear most often about our Oriental Shorthairs, our breeding practices, and our future Serengeti program. Still have a question? Reach out anytime — Deanna personally answers every inquiry.

Adoption & Pricing

How much do Oriental Shorthair kittens cost?

Oriental Shorthair kittens start at $1,800 for pet quality. A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your kitten and is applied toward the total fee. Breeding rights are reserved for selected candidates and priced separately.

When can kittens go home?

Kittens go home between 14 and 16 weeks of age, after completing their vaccination series and a full veterinary check. This longer stay produces more confident, healthier, better-socialized kittens than early rehoming.

What does my kitten come with?

Kittens go home fully socialized and litter-trained, having completed their age-appropriate vaccination series and a full veterinary health check, and they come with a health guarantee. Specific details are covered in our adoption contract.

Do you ship kittens? Is delivery available?

We prefer local pickup or meeting within a reasonable driving distance of Foley, Missouri. Delivery for approved families can be arranged case-by-case. We do not ship kittens unaccompanied as cargo.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, Venmo (@blueskycattery), and Cash App. A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your kitten and is applied toward the total, with the balance due before or at pickup.

Do kittens come already spayed or neutered?

Occasionally, spay or neuter surgery is performed before a kitten goes home. When it is, an additional fee of $75 will be charged. Otherwise, per our adoption contract, the buyer agrees to spay or neuter by six months of age (unless breeding rights have been granted).

Our Cattery

Where is Blue Sky Cattery located?

We're located in Foley, Missouri, in Lincoln County within the Northeast Missouri / greater St. Louis area. We're a small, home-based cattery and welcome approved families for in-person pickup by appointment.

Why is this a closed cattery? Why can't I visit first?

We operate a closed cattery to protect our kittens. Feline panleukopenia has up to a 90% mortality rate in unvaccinated kittens and can be carried in on shoes and clothing. We offer live video calls so you can meet your kitten and our home, and you're always welcome to visit in person on pickup day.

Are your cats CFA registered and health tested?

Yes. Blue Sky Cattery is a CFA-registered cattery. Our kittens are raised underfoot in our home, complete their vaccination series, receive a full vet check before going home, and come with a health guarantee.

About the Oriental Shorthair Breed

Are Oriental Shorthairs hypoallergenic?

No cat is truly hypoallergenic. However, their fine, short, single coat sheds less than many breeds. Allergies come from the Fel d 1 protein in saliva and skin — not fur — so we always recommend spending time around the breed before adopting.

How big do Oriental Shorthairs get?

They're a slender, medium-sized breed: males typically 8–12 lbs, females under 8 lbs. Long, elegant body, large ears, and an athletic build rather than a heavy one.

How long do Oriental Shorthairs live?

Typically 12–15 years, with many reaching their late teens and some living to 20+ with quality nutrition, regular vet care, and daily interaction. They're a long-term commitment.

What is their personality like?

Genetically identical to the Siamese, they're extremely social, affectionate, intelligent, and vocal. Often called velcro cats, they bond deeply, greet you at the door, follow you room to room, and hold full conversations. They thrive on attention.

Do Oriental Shorthairs need a companion cat?

Yes. The CFA states flatly that "an Oriental Shorthair does not do well as an only cat." They need a companion at their activity level — ideally another Oriental or Siamese. We take this seriously in our application review.

The Serengeti Program

What is a Serengeti cat, and how is it different from a Bengal or Savannah?

The Serengeti is a fully domestic breed developed to resemble the wild African serval — spotted coat, long legs, large ears — but with no recent wild ancestry. Unlike the Savannah (bred from servals and restricted in some areas), the Serengeti is legal everywhere. They're confident, social, vocal, and affectionate.

When will Serengeti kittens be available?

Our Serengeti program is in early development, with the goal of becoming one of the only Serengeti breeders in the United States. Kittens aren't available yet — join our waitlist to be among the first to know.

Have a question we didn't cover?

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