Exotic Shorthair Cat

These breeds are just as lovable and warm as Persians, with short, thick coats that are easy to look after. Weekly brushing is all they need to keep their fur in great shape. 

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Exotic Shorthair Appearance

These medium-sized breeds weigh 10 to 12 lbs. and have gorgeous round heads, eyes, and bodies. They have flat faces with classy, thick coats. They come in several colors and patterns, such as red, blue, lilac, black, and white, while the color of their eyes depends on the color of their coat. Like Persians, these breeds have a compact, muscular build with big paws and short, dense tails.

Exotic Shorthair Personality

These breeds are charming, lovable, and playful. They can amuse themselves with simple things like crumpled paper. Still, they enjoy playing with their human family, primarily if they can chase something.

Their lineage of American Shorthair gives them active and outgoing personalities. At the same time, the Persian makes them contented from snuggling all day on the couch. However, when introduced to new people, they might be kept back or hide when their surroundings have many activities. But they will loosen up if given ample space and time to go through everything.

Their calmness and peaceful traits make them perfect for owners looking for lovable cats to spend time with. They also love lots of cuddles and lap time. The Exotic Shorthairs' thick coat keeps them warm, and they enjoy cool places such as brick floors and tiles to relax.

If you also need more time to provide your cat grooming and training, these breeds will suit you since they are less active than other active breeds. But they will grow well in an environment where their owners are not frequently away for extended periods.

Exotic Shorthair Living Needs

These breeds are happiest when it's close to their owners, whether in a small apartment or a big house. They are comfortable, provided their owners and the human family are nearby. They are low-maintenance breeds but do not like to be left alone for too long. And if you need to be away for too long, provide them interactive toys or another cat to be their companion.

Providing them with a cat tree and toys can redirect their energy. They also enjoy various toys, so switching them out every few weeks is a good idea to prevent boredom. Like most cats, they love having a cozy window seat to watch the world outside and chat with birds. Though they usually choose to sleep beside their owners, they can be given a cat bed for restful sleep.

Exotic Shorthair Care

The Exotic cat breed has a coat shorter than its Persian cousin but still quite dense.

To keep their fur and skin healthy and prevent matting and furballs, brushing them at least once a week is a good idea. They tend to shed more during certain seasons, so more frequent brushing can be helpful.

Like all cats, Exotics requires nail trimming every two weeks and regular teeth brushing for their overall well-being. It's a good practice to introduce kittens to these grooming routines when young, ensuring the experience is calm and positive.

Exotic Shorthair Health

Exotic Shorthair cats are generally healthy, with a lifespan of 15 years. However, they share genetic traits with Persian cats, which can lead to similar medical issues such as heart and kidney problems. Exotic Shorthairs, like Persians, can also experience breathing difficulties due to their flat noses, primarily if they've been bred to have highly flat faces. Discussing this with the breeder to ensure your new kitten can breathe comfortably throughout their life is crucial. Obesity can worsen these respiratory issues, so managing your cat's diet and consulting your vet for feeding recommendations is essential.

Because of their flat faces and thick coats, Exotic Shorthairs must be better suited during hot weather. They might struggle to cool down because of their inability to pant effectively. So, ensure they have an excellent place to retreat during warm weather. It will be best to keep them indoors all the time. 

Exotic Shorthair Exercise Requirements

Exotic Shorthair cats need exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight, given their sturdy build. Luckily, they enjoy playing, especially chasing toys. Using a fishing pole toy to engage them in running and pouncing games can be a great way to help them stay fit and healthy.

Exotic Shorthair Training

Exotic Shorthair cats certainly enjoy lounging on laps and taking naps, but that doesn't mean they don't need some mental stimulation. It only takes a little to entertain them, as simple things like catnip mice and small toys can pique their interest. Thanks to their American Shorthair heritage, they still have a strong hunting instinct, so play sessions with a wand toy and prey-like lures are a hit.

These cats like to be around their human companions and observe what's happening, so make sure to provide them with spots like stools or shelves to keep an eye on you.

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Exotic Shorthair History 

The Exotic Shorthair is a relatively modern breed, originating in the 1950s through a mix of Persian cats, American Shorthairs, and a bit of Russian Blue and Burmese heritage. The aim was to create a silver-coated American Shorthair with a Persian-like appearance, as recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association.

Around the mid-60s, a breeder named Jane Martinke recognized the breed's potential and sought recognition from the American Cat Fanciers' Association, which was granted in 1967. The International Cat Association followed suit in 1979. Over time, as more Persian cats were involved in the breeding, the Exotic Shorthair developed additional coat colors like tabby and orange. This breed has become one of the most popular among short-haired cats worldwide.

Exotic Shorthair Fun Facts

One of the most well-known Exotic Shorthair cats is Garfield, the lasagna-loving, sarcastic cartoon feline. However, it's important to note that Garfield's humor and laziness were unique to his character and not typical traits of real Exotic Shorthairs.

But Garfield isn't the only famous Exotic Shorthair in popular culture. Ferguson, Winston's beloved cat in the TV show "New Girl," was portrayed by an Exotic Shorthair tabby.