Breed History
Exotic Shorthairs were originally developed in the 1950s. The breed came from a cross of American Shorthairs, Persians, Burmese, and Russian Blues. The goal was to retain the Persian’s beloved look but with a short, plush coat that required less grooming.
The result was a cat that continued to retain the key characteristics of Persians. Over time, more and more breeders developed the breed to refine its traits. As the popularity of Exotics grew, so did the involvement of certain organizations such as CFA.
Today, these cats are prized for being beautiful and low maintenance. They are perfect companions for people who want to spend all their time with their cats.
Health and Medical Concerns
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Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Diet and Nutrition
Exotic Shorthair Grooming Guide
Coat Maintenance
Exotic Shorthairs have a short and dense coat that needs brushing 2 to 3 times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. A slicker brush should easily get the job done.
Skin Health
They generally have healthy skin, but the dense coat can accumulate dust, oil, and loose hair. Regular brushing should benefit their coat and skin.
Bathing
Exotic Shorthairs don’t need regular baths. They only need one when completely necessary. Use a gentle cat shampoo, and make sure to dry them thoroughly.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming should be done every 2 to 3 weeks or when the nails get too long. Use sharp nail clippers meant for cats.
Ear Care
Exotic Shorthairs are prone to ear wax buildup due to their head shape and shorter ear canals. Make sure to check their ears weekly and use a safe ear-cleaning solution.
Eye Care
Exotics require regular cleaning of their eyes and the area around them because of their flat faces. Use a soft, damp cloth and be sure to wipe outward gently.
Teeth Care
These cats require dental checkups and regular teeth brushing at home. Brushing once or twice a week should be good enough.
Physical Characteristics
Head
The head of an Exotic Shorthair is round and large. Its muzzle is short.
Eyes
Their eyes are large, prominent, and round. These come in gold, copper, blue, and blue-green.
Ears
They have relatively small ears that are rounded at the tips. These are set far apart.
Body
Their bodies are medium-sized, heavily-boned, and muscular, with broad chests.
Limbs
Their legs are short, thick, and sturdy. The paws are round and firm.
Tail
The tail is short and thick with a rounded tip, proportionate to body size.
Coat
The Exotic Shorthair’s coat is dense and plus, with colors of white, black, cream, red, lilac, and chocolate. Patterns include tabby, calico, and pointed.
Size
Male and Female: 25.4-30.5 cm (10-12 inches).
Weight
Male: 5.4-6.4 kg (12-14 lbs); Female: 2.7-5.4 kg (6-12 lbs).
Other Cat Breeds
Abyssinian Cat
The Abyssinian Cat is known for being a playful cat who loves to jump around and have fun.
Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat is a breed known to be highly intelligent and endlessly curious.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a popular cat breed known for its smooth coat and affectionate nature.
