Exotic Shorthair

Coat & Grooming: Exotics don’t require the extensive grooming that Persians do, but their coat does require some care. Although their short coat does not tend to mat or tangle easily, grooming it once or twice a week will keep stray hairs at bay.

Shedding: The Exotic sheds seasonally, with additional grooming and bathing required during seasonal sheds keep stray hairs at bay and to keep the coat healthy.

“Shedding generally occurs with the change of seasons, especially in the summer,” says Cooke. “I would comb and bathe as needed until all the undercoat is done shedding out.” Cooke recommends using a small metal comb and combing backwards to get as much fur as possible when grooming.

Temperament & Behavior: An Exotic makes a perfect family pet because of their sweet, gentle and playful nature. They are livelier than a Persian while remaining affectionate. This is a social breed that loves to be with their people, and they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.

Personality: Sweet and gentle, loving and loyal, the Exotic Shorthair is a great option for families.

Behavior with Kids: This cat loves to cuddle and an Exotic makes a great companion for kids.

Life Span: An Exotic Shorthair can live 15 years or more.

Inherited Health Issues: Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning that they are related to your pet’s breed. The conditions listed here have a significant rate of occurrence or a strong impact upon this particular breed. This does not mean that your cat will have these problems, only that he may be at more of a risk than other cats for developing these conditions: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Urolithiasis, Brachycephalic syndrome, Separation Anxiety, Hip Dysplasia, Portosystemic shunt, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), Cataracts, Eyelid agenesis, Heart Disease and FIP / FeLV Susceptibility.

Preventive Care: Many of this cat breed’s common health problems involve the conformation of the head and nose. Brachycephalic airway syndrome can cause serious potentially life threatening problems such as airway obstruction. It is important to ensure that the environmental temperature does not become too hot so that the cat does not overheat. Ensuring regular annual examinations and annual blood testing to check for any health problems is highly recommended as kidney disease and urinary tract problems can become quite common in this breed. Routine dental cleanings once or twice yearly can help prevent dental disease.

Nutrition: The importance of a proper diet cannot be emphasized enough. Feed a high quality feline diet appropriate for your cat’s age. It is important that your cat drinks adequate amounts of water. If your cat does not drink enough water out of the water bowl, then consider using a recirculating water fountain as some cats enjoy running water rather than standing water.

Daily Consumption: An adult Exotic eats 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry food per day.

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: Traditionally a calm and gentle breed, the Exotic may become vocal when they want attention or are lonely. They have a soft, chirping voice when they speak.

Although they are mostly a calm breed, Exotic Shorthairs are more playful than their Persian counterparts, and they do enjoy a good game of chasing a ball or feather. Like most cats, some daily activities will keep them from gaining too much weight. Also keep in mind, they are apt to jump into anything that’s open.

Climate: The Exotic’s shorter nose and air passages makes them more sensitive to heat and high humidity, so be sure to keep the air on during the summer months.