Exotic

Discover the Exotic Shorthair’s Temperament, Care Essentials, and Distinctive Features

Because of their shorter coat and similar facial features to Persian cats, the Exotic Shorthair cat has been dubbed the "lazy" person's Persian. They just need to be brushed once a week to maintain their fur.

Soft, medium-sized, low-maintenance cats with pleasant dispositions, exotic shorthairs often form close relationships with their owners and get along well with children and other pets. Despite their comparatively low energy levels and exercise requirements, exotic shorthairs will happily spend hours playing with toys that resemble fishing pole feather teasers.

Find out more about the temperament, history, and maintenance requirements of exotic shorthairs.

What Makes the Exotic Shorthair Cat Unique

Because they don't need as much active engagement or stimulation as many other cats, exotic shorthairs can live happily in a variety of homes. These cats also have a tendency to be a little distant from new people.

The Exotic Shorthair cat is a cross between American and Persian-like cats, with a gentle, laid-back, and playful demeanor. This is the ideal choice for first-time cat owners and laid-back households when you combine that with their low care requirements for exercise and grooming.

History Insights

Throughout history, Persian cats have been and continue to be among the most sought-after felines. Sometime in the 1950s, American shorthair breeders, encouraged by the breed's popularity, started incorporating Russian, Persian, and Burmese blues into their American shorthair lines. They wanted American shorthairs to mimic the Persians' stunning appearance.

Some of the essential traits of Persians, like round faces, short noses, and large, round eyes, were retained in the first litters of Persian-like cats, despite their lack of Persian-like features. However, their coats were softer and shorter. In order to further these calm cat breeds, numerous breeders subsequently crossed these kittens with Persians.

Essential Care Tips for Exotic Cat Owners

Exotic shorthairs are quite easy to maintain, in contrast to Persians. You should use a steel comb once or twice a week to comb the coat of an exotic shorthair, while Persians need to be brushed every day. Due to their seasonal shedding, exotic shorthairs require extra combing and bathing to get rid of dead skin cells and hair.

Persian-like cats' eyes have a tendency to rip and discolor the surrounding fur because of their flat features. Washing your exotic's face every day with a gentle, dry cloth can help keep it from being stained. 

You should check your cat's ears once a week, just like you would with any other calm cat breeds. A soft cotton towel can be used to remove trash and waxy buildup. Cotton swabs can harm the sensitive inner ear structures, therefore avoid using them. 

The exotic shorthair doesn't need a lot of activity and has a relatively low energy level. This cat is happy to occasionally engage in a quiet toy game. A cat tree is another excellent approach to keep their minds active, and they might play with a ball, for instance. Being gregarious cats, they dislike being left alone for extended periods of time.

Diet and Nutrition

Your cat's age, sex, size, and level of activity will all have a significant impact on their food and nutritional requirements. Your veterinarian can assist you in creating a nutritious, well-balanced diet for your exotic shorthair if you're not sure how much or how frequently to feed them. The feeding guidelines created by the brand of cat food you choose can also be consulted.

Giving a cat the right quantity of food at set times throughout the day can help control their weight because leaving food out all the time might lead to excessive eating.

Final Thoughts on the Exotic Shorthair Cat

The Exotic Shorthair cat is still one of the most popular cat breeds in the US, according to statistics. It has continuously ranked first or second in breed registrations over the last ten years, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), indicating broad appeal because of its low-maintenance cats coat and friendly disposition.

Proper care can extend the lifespan of exotic shorthairs, which typically range from 12 to 15 years. More than 60% of them may be somewhat sensitive to heat or humidity because of their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy. Despite these factors, they are more easier to handle than long-haired calm cat breeds like Persians due to their modest maintenance requirements, which call for brushing only once or twice a week.

Happy Paws is the place to locate a healthy, vaccinated, and well-socialized kitten reared with love if you're drawn to the charming and laid-back Exotic Shorthair. Get in touch with us right now to bring home a loving, affectionate, low-maintenance friend!