Introducing the Exotic Shorthair
Find out everything you need to know about the Exotic Shorthair: its characteristics, its behaviour, its training and how much one costs.
THE EXOTIC SHORTHAIR
The Exotic Shorthair, a plush teddy bear of the cat world
The Exotic Shorthair is a distinctive and charming breed. Originating from the United States, this breed was developed through the crossbreeding of the American Shorthair with the Persian cat. This blend has resulted in a cat with the luxurious coat and laid-back personality of the Persian. The Exotic Shorthair is known for its round face, large eyes, and short, plush coat, giving it a teddy bear-like appearance.
Despite its somewhat aristocratic origins, the Exotic Shorthair is playful and affectionate, thriving on human companionship. They are less active compared to other breeds, preferring cozy snuggles to high-energy games. Yet, they possess a gentle, friendly nature, making them excellent companions. Owning an Exotic Shorthair can fill your home with warmth and joy, offering a unique blend of elegance and playful charm.
EXOTIC SHORTHAIR FACT FILE
This selection outlines the unique features of the Exotic Shorthair breed of cat.
Size
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium-sized cat, typically standing about 10-12 inches tall and weighing between 7-14 pounds.
Coat Length
The Exotic Shorthair boasts a short, plush coat that feels soft to the touch, akin to a teddy bear's fur.
Allergies
Although not hypoallergenic, the Exotic Shorthair's short coat requires less grooming, which may reduce allergen levels.
Coat color
The Exotic Shorthair's coat comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, from solid to shaded, bi-color, and tabby.
Living environment
This breed thrives in indoor environments, appreciating the comfort of home while enjoying the occasional playful engagement.
Sociability
Exotic Shorthairs are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for children and harmonious with other pets.
Health
Generally, Exotic Shorthairs are healthy, but they can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions, such as those affecting their respiratory system due to their flat faces.
Training
Exotic Shorthairs, with their easygoing and affectionate temperament, respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy interactive play as part of their training regimen.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Exotic Shorthair, a plush comforter
The Exotic Shorthair is renowned for its soft, plush coat that makes it resemble a living, breathing teddy bear.
Size and weight of the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium-sized breed, typically standing about 10-12 inches in height, with a physique that's compact yet muscular. Males generally weigh between 12-14 pounds, slightly heavier than females, who typically range from 8-12 pounds.
This breed matures slowly, reaching its full physical maturity and robustness at around 3-4 years of age. Beyond their adorable plush coats, Exotic Shorthairs feature a broad frame, a sturdy build, and a round face with large, expressive eyes, all contributing to their distinctive, cuddly appearance.
The Exotic Shorthair coat
Coat length
The Exotic Shorthair is celebrated for its short, dense coat that offers an incredibly plush feel, akin to that of a teddy bear. This coat is characterized by its fine texture, which provides a luxurious softness. The thickness of the fur contributes to the breed's cuddly appearance, making it irresistible to pet.
Coat colour
The Exotic Shorthair's coat comes in a vast spectrum of colors, embodying a rich palette that caters to a wide range of preferences. This includes all variations such as solid colors like white, black, blue, and red; bi-colors; and unique patterns such as tabby, calico, and pointed.
Other characteristics of the Exotic Shorthair
Other physical characteristics
The Exotic Shorthair captivates not only with its plush coat but also with its distinctive physical profile. This breed boasts a compact, medium-sized body underscored by a broad chest and strong, muscular build, providing a sturdy and robust appearance. The ears are small, set far apart, and rounded at the tips, enhancing their teddy bear-like allure.
With a short, broad muzzle reminiscent of the Persian heritage, the Exotic Shorthair has a distinctly sweet expression. The eyes are large, round, and can come in a mesmerizing array of colors including deep copper, blue, and green, depending on the coat color. These combined features, from the round face and short muzzle to the expressive eyes, give the Exotic Shorthair its unique and endearing appearance, setting it apart as a breed.
Grooming
Despite its dense coat, the Exotic Shorthair is relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming. A weekly brushing is generally sufficient to remove loose hair and maintain the coat's plush texture, though during shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be beneficial to manage the increased hair loss.
Bathing should be infrequent, reserved for when the cat's coat becomes noticeably dirty or oily. Using a cat-specific shampoo is recommended to protect their skin and coat. While Exotic Shorthairs do a good job of keeping themselves clean through regular self-grooming, the occasional bath can help to keep their coat in optimal condition and reduce allergens.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
What is the temperament of the Exotic Shorthair?
The Exotic Shorthair is known for its calm, affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion for families and individuals alike.
Exotic Shorthair sociability
A loving lap cat
The Exotic Shorthair exudes a gentle, sociable demeanor, making it a cherished member of any household. This breed is notably people-oriented, often seeking out the company of its human companions and demonstrating a strong bond with its owner. Known for their need for attention, Exotic Shorthairs may follow their owners from room to room, showing their affectionate side and desire for interaction.
Despite their playful streak, they particularly enjoy long cuddle sessions, providing a soothing presence. They communicate their needs and moods through a variety of vocalizations, from soft purrs to more expressive meows, indicating their comfort with vocal communication. The presence and engagement of their owners are crucial for this breed, as they thrive on attention and companionship.
Amiable and adaptable
The Exotic Shorthair is characterized by its easy-going and tranquil temperament, showcasing patience and a relaxed attitude in daily life. This breed's sociable nature extends to getting along well with children, other cats, and even dogs, proving its adaptability and friendly disposition.
When feeling overwhelmed or in need of solitude, the Exotic Shorthair prefers to find a quiet spot to unwind rather than displaying aggression, highlighting its gentle nature. Such traits underscore the Exotic Shorthair's suitability as a harmonious addition to diverse households, where its loving character and ability to coexist peacefully with others make it a universally beloved pet.
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Living environment of the Exotic Shorthair
An adaptable companion
The Exotic Shorthair showcases remarkable adaptability to various living situations, thriving equally well in spacious homes as in cozy apartments. The presence of the owner plays a significant role in this breed's life, as Exotic Shorthairs form strong bonds with their humans and often seek their company.
Ideally, they should reside in environments where interaction and affection are readily available. While not as active as some other breeds, they still appreciate having space for occasional bursts of play and exploration.
Balance of activity and tranquility
Known for their laid-back nature, Exotic Shorthairs nonetheless enjoy engaging in play that stimulates their intellect and satisfies their moderate energy levels. Interaction with their owners through play can significantly enhance their well-being, helping to prevent boredom and potential mischief.
However, it's crucial to balance their playtime with opportunities for rest in calm, comfortable spaces where they can recharge, ensuring a happy and well-adjusted pet.
Training the Exotic Shorthair
Training an Exotic Shorthair should commence at a young age to instill good manners and habits early on, preventing the development of unwanted behaviors later. Education for this breed should be grounded in patience, kindness, and consistency, using rewards to reinforce desired behaviors.
Exotic Shorthairs are responsive to their owners and can learn a variety of commands and tricks through play, which also serves as mental stimulation. Consistency is key in their training, as establishing and maintaining clear boundaries and expectations helps them understand and adhere to household rules, making them delightful companions.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to take care of the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair, with its affable and easy-going character, is generally known for its robust health and resilience. This breed does not typically present with breed-specific health problems, making it a relatively low-maintenance cat in terms of health care.
Health of the Exotic Shorthair
Potential health issues
The Exotic Shorthair is generally robust and enjoys good health, but, like many breeds, it may be predisposed to certain hereditary conditions. These can include feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which are seen in their Persian ancestors. The availability of DNA testing for these diseases allows breeders to identify affected individuals, reducing the likelihood of passing these conditions on to offspring.
Regular veterinary visits for vaccinations against common feline diseases such as feline calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies are essential to maintain the health of an Exotic Shorthair. Preventative care, including routine check-ups, can help catch any potential health issues early, ensuring a long and healthy life for these beloved cats.
Feeding the Exotic Shorthair
Tailored nutrition
The Exotic Shorthair, with its compact and muscular body, benefits greatly from a diet that supports its physique and overall health. A high-quality kibble should form the cornerstone of their diet, providing balanced nutrition tailored to their specific needs. To complement their kibble and promote hydration and kidney health, incorporating green vegetables with high water content can be beneficial, enhancing their dietary regimen.
Growth and diet adaptation
Exotic Shorthairs mature at a moderate pace, reaching full size around 2-3 years of age. Given their specific growth rate, it's important to adjust their diet accordingly to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding. Consistency in their kibble brand helps maintain dietary stability, while scheduled feeding times support a healthy digestive system. Monitoring their growth and adjusting portions as needed ensures they receive the right amount of nutrients during their development stages.
Activity and weight management
Despite their playful nature, Exotic Shorthairs tend to enjoy indoor comforts and may lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle. This predisposition requires careful attention to their diet to avoid weight gain, which can lead to health issues.
Encouraging regular playtime and exercise is essential for maintaining their weight and overall health. Interactive toys and activities can stimulate their natural curiosity and provide valuable physical activity, helping to keep them fit and engaged.
BREEDING OR ADOPTION & COST
How much does an Exotic Shorthair cost?
The Exotic Shorthair, with its adorable appearance and affectionate nature, is a sought-after breed. There are several reputable breeders specializing in this breed, ensuring healthy and well-socialized kittens. It is important to consider a few factors before adoption.
Choosing the right Exotic Shorthair
How to choose your Exotic Shorthair
Purebred Exotic Shorthairs are often bred by professional breeders or within specialized catteries. It's crucial to visit these places in person to assess the conditions in which the cats are raised and to ensure the quality of care.
From June 10, 2024 you must have your cat microchipped by the age of 20 weeks old and register its details in a relevant database such as Petlog or The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of
.
Additionally, it's important to verify that comprehensive health checks and DNA tests have been conducted on both the kittens and their parents to screen for common hereditary health issues.
The price of an Exotic Shorthair
The cost of acquiring an Exotic Shorthair kitten can vary significantly based on factors such as pedigree, lineage, the breeder's reputation, and the age of the cat. Generally, prices for Exotic Shorthair kittens range from
to
. Opting for an adult Exotic Shorthair through adoption might present a more cost-effective option, with prices potentially lower.
Beyond the initial purchase, owning an Exotic Shorthair involves ongoing costs for health care, nutrition, and general upkeep, estimated to be approximately
to
annually. Adopting an Exotic Shorthair is a long-term commitment, with the breed known for its longevity and companionship, making it essential to consider all aspects of care and cost before bringing one into your home.
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