With their fluffy, teddy bear-like appearances, and huge, cute round eyes, adorable perfectly describes Exotic Shorthair cats. Here are 10 important facts you need to know about this gentle breed.
10. Exotic Shorthair Cats Are a Relatively New Breed
Exotic Shorthair cats, also called Exotic, are fairly new. In the 1950s, breeders mixed American Shorthair cats with Persians. These were further bred with Russian Blues and Burmese cats to get the gene for short hair. Those offspring were bred back with Persian cats, creating the new breed now called Exotic Shorthairs.
9. Their Coats Feel Like a Teddy Bear
Exotic Shorthair cats have a short, dense coat that has such an incredibly plush feel, that it’s often compared to that of a teddy bear. This is because these cats have a double-layer coat. The thick, downy under-layer lifts the topcoat away from the body. This thickness gives this breed its cuddly appearance.
8. They Come in Various Shades, Patterns, and Eye Colors
Exotic Shorthair cats come in at least 10 colors including cream, black, blue, lilac, silver, brown, tortoiseshell, seal, white, and red. They also come in a variety of patterns, including bicolor, tricolor, tabby, and Himalayan. They also come in at least three eye colors including blue, blue-green, or brilliant copper depending on the cat’s coat.
7. They Are Low-Maintenance
Except for a bit of grooming, Exotic Shorthair cats are pretty low-maintenance. They do need their owners to regularly wipe and clean their eyes, though. During the kitten stage, while playful and energetic, their exercise needs are pretty low. As they mature, this gets even lower, with only a little regular play at home to satisfy their need for exercise.
6. They Have a Gentle Disposition
Exotic Shorthair cats are described by the CFA as “quiet, sweet, peaceful, and loyal companions.” Their traits are nearly identical to Persians. These laid-back cats have an easy-going nature, which makes them a good fit for households with children or other pets. They enjoy curling up in your lap or resting on your shoulder.
5. They’re Big-Boned, Not Fat
Exotic Shorthair cats stand between 10-12 inches tall and weigh between 7 to 12 pounds. They have short, stocky bodies, with thick, well-muscled legs. Exotics have a short tail proportionate to their body length. Because of their large heads, wide necks, and thick fur, they appear pudgy. But it’s not fat, it’s due to their dense bones.
4. They Face a Few Health Issues
Unfortunately, Exotic Shorthairs are prone to genetic problems. The most common are respiratory problems, a variety of eye problems, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In addition, they may suffer from issues with their teeth, and skin, hair loss, and difficult or abnormal labor. Exotic Shorthairs can also be sensitive to heat.
3. They Need Regular Grooming
Because Exotic Shorthairs have shorter and easier-to-care-for coats, they are often called “the lazy man’s Persian.” Nonetheless, because of the density of their coats, they do need to be combed and brushed regularly. About once a week is generally sufficient to remove loose hair and maintain the plush texture of their coat. More frequent brushing is beneficial during shedding season.
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2. They Crave Company
If you’re looking for a companion cat for you and your family, Exotic Shorthair cats are the perfect breed. These people-oriented cats seek out the company of their human companions. They crave attention and may follow their owners from room to room. They love to cuddle. The presence and engagement of their owners are crucial for this breed to thrive.
Read More: What To Do If Your Cat Runs Away
1. Hollywood Loves Exotic Shorthair Cats
With their adorable, teddy bear-like appearances, Hollywood loves Exotic Shorthair cats. You’ll spot them in all kinds of movies and TV shows. To mention just a few movies: Cats & Dogs (2001), Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010), and Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 (2011). On TV, there’s the Fox sitcom New Girl (2011-2018).
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