Do you want to know what the best indoor cat is? Then you’ll end up with the Exotic Shorthair. This breed can entertain itself very well at home, is independent, and loves to relax. Discover much more about these fun cats here.
In this blog:
- What is the personality of an Exotic Shorthair cat?
- What does an Exotic Shorthair look like?
- How to care for an Exotic Shorthair?
- How long does an Exotic Shorthair live?
- The health of Exotic Shorthair cats
- The origin of the Exotic Shorthair
- How much does an Exotic Shorthair cost?
And we also tell you:
- What’s the difference between a Persian and an Exotic Shorthair?
- Which cartoon character resembles an Exotic Shorthair?
- Is an Exotic Shorthair a healthy cat breed?
1. What is the personality of an Exotic Shorthair?
An Exotic Shorthair is a cross between a Persian cat and an American Shorthair. Therefore, its personality is a true mix of the other two breeds. Exotic Shorthair cats are, like Persians, calm, independent, and friendly. But they can also be very curious, playful, and active. The last three traits are inherited from the American Shorthair.
Furthermore, this breed is very attached to its owners. They remain loyal to them throughout their life and prefer to follow them around the house all day. They love being around their owners. Exotic Shorthair cats are also independent. If their owner is out for the day, they amuse themselves just fine—sleeping, playing, or contentedly watching what’s happening outside. They also love cuddles, even from children, though they must be gentle.
An Exotic Shorthair can live well as an indoor cat, but you need to provide a scratching post for indoor cats. They love scratching, climbing, and napping on it.
2. What does an Exotic Shorthair look like?
The Exotic Shorthair looks exactly like a Persian, but with short fur. The coat is dense and feels very soft. The fur on the short tail is extra thick and sticks out a bit, resembling a feather duster. In terms of coat color, this breed comes in a variety of colors: black, white, red, brown, blue, and silver. The Exotic Shorthair comes in many colors.
The head of the Exotic Shorthair cat is round with a broad and flat skull. The eyes are green, blue, or brown. They are large and positioned slightly to the sides of the head, just like the Persian. The ears are small, round, and spaced far apart. The nose of this breed is short, which makes it a “flat-faced breed.” Unfortunately, this short nose can lead to health problems, which you can read more about later in this blog.
This breed is well-built and compact. The cats are muscular and stand low on their short legs. They have broad shoulders and a wide chest. The Exotic Shorthair is not a large cat, but certainly not small either—male cats can weigh up to 6 kg, and females up to 5 kg.
3. Everything about caring for an Exotic Shorthair
The coat of an Exotic Shorthair is short, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t require care. On the contrary, the undercoat is thick and should be brushed once or twice a week to prevent matting and tangling. The eyes of this breed often “weep” due to its flat face, so they need to be cleaned regularly. Additionally, an Exotic Shorthair naturally needs a lot of love and attention, and the same good care as any other cat:
- A safe home with cozy cat beds
- An appropriate cat tree
- Care when ill
- A sitter when you go on vacation
- Healthy food and fresh water daily
- Clean litter boxes with good litter
- Cat toys
- Treatments for fleas and other parasites
- Regular vet check-ups
4. How long does an Exotic Shorthair live?
The life expectancy of an Exotic Shorthair is the same as many other cat breeds. This cat can live between 12 and 15 years if well cared for and not affected by serious conditions or illnesses.
5. Conditions and diseases in Exotic Shorthair cats
Pedigree cats are bred for unique characteristics. The Exotic Shorthair also has traits that make it special, such as:
- A short-haired version of the Persian Longhair
- Flat and short snout
- Broad head with a flat skull
Do you think an Exotic Shorthair might be a good fit for you? Then make sure to thoroughly research the health of this breed. Many pedigree cats are prone to hereditary conditions. Exotic Shorthair cats, for example, have a very high risk of developing conditions such as BOS (brachycephalic obstructive syndrome) and PKD (polycystic kidney disease). It’s important to be aware of this.
If you want to bring a healthy cat into your home, ask for advice from a veterinarian. You can also consult the websites of Dier & Recht and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, as they provide information on the health of the breed, whether it is allowed, and what rules apply to breeders.
Always buy an Exotic Shorthair from a reputable breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This ensures that the cat is healthy and well-cared for. Also, ask the breeder for a health certificate or guarantee for extra assurance.
Now, you already know a lot about the Exotic Shorthair. But you still don’t know about the origin of the breed. Curious about where the Exotic Shorthair comes from? Read on below!
6. The origin of the Exotic Shorthair cat
In the 1950s, breeders of American Shorthairs noticed that the Persian Longhair was becoming increasingly popular. As a result, several breeders secretly crossed Persians with American Shorthairs – with the goal of creating a breed that would be rounder and more muscular. And they succeeded, as kittens were born with rounder heads and a more compact body.
Other breeders of the American Shorthair were not pleased with this. They didn’t want to see the crossbreeds at competitions and did everything they could to ensure the breed standards were set in such a way that the new crossbreeds wouldn’t be allowed at shows. And they succeeded. But something else happened too. The CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) recognized the Exotic Shorthair as a new breed and classified it with champion status. And that’s the Exotic Shorthair as we know it today: a sweet and fun breed. But unfortunately, it is a “torture breed” with many health problems.
7. Buying an Exotic Shorthair
Do you want to buy an Exotic Shorthair kitten? Then go to a certified breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This way, you can be sure that you are buying a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in a humane manner. Always ask for the papers, a health certificate, and check the kitten’s parents. Also, take a look at their living conditions: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? That is a good sign. Do not buy cats through platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from puppy mills.
An Exotic Shorthair from a good breeder costs about 1200 euros. If you’re looking for a cat but it doesn’t need to be a pedigree, consider checking shelters or adoption agencies. Many loving cats are waiting for a nice home there.
And remember: you’re not getting a cat for a short time, but for its entire life. Are you willing to take good care of the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? If so, a cat could become your new best friend!
Discover here what the approximate cost of caring for a cat entails
The Exotic Shorthair in a nutshell:
- Exotic Shorthair cats are affectionate, calm, and independent.
- The coat of an Exotic Shorthair is soft and short.
- Exotic Shorthair cats shed, just like all other cats.
- An Exotic Shorthair is prone to hereditary diseases.
- A healthy Exotic Shorthair lives between 12 to 15 years.
- Exotic Shorthair cats originally come from America.
- An Exotic Shorthair kitten can be purchased from a good breeder starting at 850 euros.
Read here everything about the incredibly fun Balinese cat
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior specialist. All content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and have an informative nature. If your cat has problems or health issues, and you have doubts about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior specialist.
