Exotic shorthaired cat

The Exotic Shorthair cat is sometimes referred to as the "lazy man’s Persian" due to its less groomed appearance and endearing disposition, which are traits shared by the Persian. It is a favorite among cat owners who want a low-maintenance companion with an opulent appearance because of its thick, plush coat, which is short and easy to care for.

These cute cats have a round face, big expressive eyes, and a flat nose, which gives them an innocent, cute look. They are well-known for being kind and gentle, making them the ideal companions for anyone who appreciates peaceful, devoted animals.

The exotic shorthair has the best of both worlds—it can be a calm lap cat or a playful, inquisitive kitten. They are an excellent option for seniors, singles, and families due to their laid-back nature.

Characteristic	Description
Breed Name	Exotic Shorthair
Origin	United States
Coat Type	Short and dense
Personality	Affectionate and playful
Activity Level	Moderate
Grooming Needs	Low maintenance
Lifespan	12-15 years
Common Health Issues	Breathing problems due to flat face
Good with Kids	Yes, very friendly

History of the origin of the breed exotic shorthaired cat

Breeders cultivate the exotic shorthaired cat breed. In the USA in the 1950s of the 20th century, experimental selection led to the appearance of the first kittens. The history of the exotic’s genesis started right here. The breed is regarded as being quite young. It is currently the fourth most popular in America.

The American and Persian shorthaired cats are the ancestors of this breed. Breeders intended to give the American breed non-traditional colors and a more stocky build. But this experiment produced entirely new people for the world.

Fascinating! Exotics are more suited to apartment living than other breeds because of artificial breeding. They are extremely tidy; they don’t damage wallpaper, furniture, or curtains.

Initially, the breed was called shorthaired silver Persian, or simply sterling, which means "silver." Nonetheless, the decision was made to rename the breed as exotic shorthair as early as 1967.

They received plush wool from the American shorthaired and an amazing expression on their face with a snub nose from the Persians.

Advocates of purebred crossbreeding perceived a threat to Persians in the emerging breed. They were thought to have the potential to damage Persians’ impeccable reputation. Exotics have always aspired to be noticed. Fans of the exotic breed, however, started actively breeding pets with unique muzzles.

Russian Blue and Burmese were also involved in breeding. A shorthair gene was discovered and fixed in the blood of exotics following the introduction of new breeds. Interbreeding therefore came to an end with the adoption of the breed standard. Currently, exotics are only knitted with Persians or other exotics.

Fascinating! Only in the latter half of the 20th century did the exotic shorthair cat breed make its way to Russia.

It was determined in 1990 that the Persian standard of appearance would be entirely emulated by Exotics, with the exception of the coat’s length. As a result, Exotics inherits all innovations made in the Persian cat.

Pros and cons of the breed

Considerations of the breed’s benefits and drawbacks will enable the owner to decide if he is prepared to care for the pet.

Every person, in spite of all the advantages and disadvantages, is unique, and this is evident from birth. It is crucial to play with and observe the parents of the kitten before making a purchase.

List of breed advantages

• cats are calm, well-mannered, they have a quiet voice;
• they are easy to train and educate;
• reviews confirm that the animals are neat, they will not scratch furniture, wallpaper, jump on curtains;
• affordable cost of a pet-class kitten;
• animals are affectionate, love the attention of people, children, other animals;
• they are unpretentious.

List of breed disadvantages

• sometimes there are health problems transmitted from the Persians;
• a shortened tear duct implies regular lacrimation;
• problems with the nose, breathing are possible.

Breed standard

It is impossible to mix an exotic cat with another breed. They are well known for having a distinctive appearance; even in this picture, the muzzle is clearly visible. This breed is commonly referred to as "Persians for the lazy" because it shares many traits with the Persian breed, the exception being short hair.

Height and weight

The breed’s representatives range in size from medium to large. Males can weigh between 5 and 6.5 kg. Females range in weight from 3-4.5 kg. Males are slightly larger than females in height, withers measuring 25–30 cm.

Length and shape of the limbs

The hind legs are marginally longer than the front ones, and the front legs are straight. The thick, stocky paws are quite powerful. The paws have rounded ends. Between the toes, there are hair tufts. The toes fit tightly together. low-key configuration.

Compared to other breeds, this one has a thicker and shorter tail that is proportionate to the body length. It’s completely covered in hair. The tail has a pronouncedly rounded tip.

Head shape

Exotic animals have large, round heads and short necks. The forehead is broad, and the skull is rounded. The teddy bear-like muzzle is adorable. She has large eyes, is short, and is flattened. My cheeks are full. The jaws are well-developed and broad. The muzzle looks angry, but not in a cute way. Owing to this deformity, the animals’ tear ducts are curved. That explains why they frequently cry.

The exotic cat breed has two varieties of muzzles: traditional and extreme. Extreme people can be identified by their more rounded noses. Above the nose, there is always a slight dip that is visible.

The tips of the small, rounded ears are visible. Place them far apart and tilt them slightly forward. Long, stiff hairs cover the inner surface of the auricle.

Eyes

The cat appears shocked and dejected due to its large, open, round eyes that are widely separated. The eyes project forward and have a slight convexity. Iris color always corresponds to surrounding color. The most common eye colors are blue, green, and golden.

Wool

Unlike other cats’ fur, this one feels soft to the touch. Despite being thick, the fur does not hug the body tightly. hair that is medium length. The animal’s rounded head and body contours are accentuated by the fur.

Cats often lick their thick fur. To prevent hair from accumulating in the stomach, they need to be given a paste to remove hair.

Fascinating! Due to their thick fur, many exotic pets dislike sharing a bed with their owners. The animals are compelled to move to the floor as their body temperature rises quickly due to the density.

Constitution

Squatness, heavy bone, and developed muscles are characteristics of exotics. Animals’ heads and necks are so big that they are even compared to midfielders and other athletes because of how short and thick their necks are.

The short, plush fur highlights the body’s rounded shape. The shoulders and chest are broad. The bones are robust. Cats are incredibly compact despite their enormous weight and fluff. The animal has a balanced appearance.

Voice

Cats don’t say much. They hardly ever make noise, at least not as frequently as other breeds, even when they are playing actively. In the event that the pet chooses to communicate, the owner will respect his voice and persistence. Exotes are highly intelligent and sensitive animals. He inherited these attributes from the Persians.

Possible vices

The exotic breed is distinguished by the following vices:

• the shape of the head that does not comply with the standard is too wide, narrow, elongated;
• long nose;
• small eyes;
• deafness;
• nodes on the tail;
• disproportionately large ears, or on the contrary, very small ear shells;
• thin limbs;
• spots, medallions on plain colors;
• elongated body;
• Long tail.

When knitting or participating in exhibitions, the description of feline defects is taken into consideration.

The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is endearing, distinguished by its thick, plush coat and serene, gentle disposition. Often called the "lazy man’s Persian," it resembles the Persian breed in many ways but needs less maintenance because of its shorter fur. Because of their love, energy, and laid-back nature, exotic shorthairs are an excellent option for both individuals and families. These cats are the epitome of companionship and beauty, with their big eyes, round faces, and gentle disposition.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy is 10 to 15 years on average. Certain cats can live up to 20 years; a lot relies on genetics. The length and quality of a pet’s life are also influenced by nutrition, care, and lack of stress.

Colors

The color spectrum of the breed is very diverse, and it all matches the color spectrum of Persian cats. There are presently more than 200 different color options.

Solid single-color

The colors black, white, blue, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac are all acceptable. The picture, for instance, features a black exotic. One-color pure hues are uncommon. These kittens frequently cost extra. It is unacceptable to have different-colored stripes and spots.

The eyes of single-color exotics are typically copper in color. White cats frequently have heterochromia, or different-colored eyes.

Crucial! Colors fawn and cinnamon are regarded as aesthetic flaws.

Tabby

The body of a tabby always has contrasting stripes, lines, and patterns. The colors of tabby can vary, including classic stripes and marble patterns. The color is marble in the picture. A distinct pattern on the muzzle is a required feature.

Tortoiseshell

This fur is coal-black with red specks. The hue appears quite erratic and disorganized. Only females of exotic breeds exhibit it.

Bicolor

All of these colors are two-toned, with white serving as the base hue as seen in the image. eyes the color of copper. Anywhere on the body, including the head, paws, and back, are spots.

Colorpoint

The majority of the fur is light in color, with a concentration of dark color near the muzzle, paws, and tail. Blue is the color of the eyes.

Silver and golden chinchilla

Among the most exquisite hues. Green or blue eyes are used. The hair tips of silver chinchilla have a gray-blue coating, while the body is white. A darker silver stripe is displayed on the reverse. It has a light undercoat. This produces the illusion of iridescent colors. The color scheme of golden coloring is the same, but the fur has a deep peach tone.

Smoky

The color is described as having a white guard hair and undercoat that darkens at the tips. Because the white undercoat shows through the colored hairs during movement, this coloring gives the appearance of haziness.

Character traits and habits

The exotic shorthair cat has an unpretentious character. They sit quietly on hands, do not break away, show affection, interest. Kittens have good manners and are well-groomed from birth.

Sociability

Cats typically have a single person that they are especially devoted to. They are amiable enough, though, to establish communication with every member of the family. After a while, they welcome new individuals and pets. They are amiable to everyone because of their humble nature.

For a cat to treat a person well, it is enough for him to regularly contact her. Then the behavior of the pet will be more sociable.

Fascinating! Cats and dogs can become friends with ease. They enjoy playing together and get along well with kids. A cat should not be left alone for an extended period of time.

A kitten that has recently joined a family observes its new parents for some time before selecting a close relative. Cats of exotic breeds, however, cannot stand being alone. They require companionship. It is therefore preferable to adopt two kittens at once if you are frequently away from home.

Animals are inconspicuous by nature. They won’t make obnoxious demands for food or attention. Sitting next to you, exotics are more likely to observe someone.

Playfulness and curiosity

Cats are naturally curious creatures that will stop at nothing to get into a closet, under a couch, or on a windowsill. They essentially never climb on closets because they are too heavy and have strong bones to make large jumps.

Though they aren’t exactly excessively active, cats enjoy playing games. They only need to play for 20 minutes a day to be in good health. Animals stand out for having high levels of intelligence. They are also very easy to train to respond to names, and they have no trouble getting used to the litter box and scratching post. They are incapable of displaying hostility.

Fascinating! A cat’s destiny as a skillful hunter is not predetermined because the breed was created through artificial breeding. Her passion for tagging and chasing balls is unabated, though.

Care and maintenance

The structure of their muzzles and tear ducts necessitate regular care, so exotic shorthaired cats demand a lot of responsibility from their owners.

Settling into a new home

A cat living in a house will need several things to ensure her comfortable stay:

1. Litter box. It should be stable, made of heavy plastic. The size and height of the sides should correspond to the age of the pet. For kittens, choose compact models with low sides.
2. Bowls. It is advisable to choose wide bowls made of ceramics, metal. The sides do not touch sensitive whiskers, and the material does not absorb odors.
3. Bed. It should stand in a warm, secluded place.
4. Scratching post. It is recommended to choose vertical scratching posts, cats prefer to stretch out when sharpening their claws. You can simply turn the flat scratching post into a vertical position.
5. Carrying case. Necessary for visiting a veterinarian, moving.
6. Harness. Pets should not be allowed to walk on their own, all walks should be done on a harness.
7. Toys. Each pet needs to expend the energy that has accumulated during the day. Toys will speed up this process.

Crucial! The cat will become even more tearful if it is not shielded from the cold and drafts. Good living conditions include warmth, cleanliness, and a peaceful atmosphere in the home. Yelling at exotics is the last thing you should do with them. They struggle to handle stress.

Hygiene procedures

Mistakenly, a lot of people think that cats clean themselves. Domestic breeds require more time and care from their owners.

A list of good practices for hygiene

1. Combing. Despite the short hair, cats will have to be combed often, because.. their thick fur sheds profusely. The procedure is carried out once a week, and daily during the molting period.
2. Claw trimming. Claws are trimmed with a claw clipper every 4 weeks.
3. Nose. Due to problems with the nose, exotics need to have their nostrils wiped daily. For colds, this is done twice a day.
4. Eyes. Exotics have a curved tear duct, which means frequent lacrimation. Therefore, the pet needs to have its eyes wiped daily with a cotton pad soaked in a special eye lotion, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy.
5. Bathing. It is enough to wash the cat once every 3-4 months.

Diet

A super-premium class or holistic dry or wet food is required for an exotic shorthair cat. Exotics are particularly susceptible to poor quality food, which can cause allergies, excessive lacrimation, and lethargic behavior. It’s crucial to consider every component of the food’s composition and description when selecting it.

Crucial! Certain pets are intolerant to chicken on their own. Foods containing chicken meat or internal organs may cause allergies in some people.

It is your responsibility to independently prepare a balanced menu if the pet’s owner wishes to feed it natural food:

1. Meat. This is the main source of protein, which should make up 80%, or even 90% of the total diet. Felines should not be given pork, because.. it is poorly digested. Beef, chicken, veal, rabbit, turkey are suitable for them.
2. Offal. They should be in the diet, because.. they contain substances that are not found in meat, vegetables, fermented milk products.
3. Fermented milk products. Adult cats should not be given milk,.. because the body stops absorbing it. However, kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt without additives, cottage cheese and sour cream are a wonderful treat.
4. Vegetables and greens. They help digestion, remove hair, prevent the development of some diseases. You can give cucumber, carrot, zucchini, beetroot.
5. Vitamin supplements. They will help to replenish the deficiencies that still form on natural nutrition. It is advisable to regularly add salmon oil to the bowl.
6. Clean drinking water. It should be available 24/7.

Inadequate feeding can cause the pet to become lethargic, experience allergic reactions, and experience bowel issues. Additionally, natural food and commercial feed cannot be combined. Digestion of raw natural food and feed requires varying degrees of acidity. Gastrointestinal distress results from frequent level readingjustment.

Fascinating! Beef, rice, and cottage cheese are loved by exotics.

Common diseases

There shouldn’t be any problems with exotics if they receive the right care. Health is a defining characteristic of animals. On the other hand, the Persian cat breed has a propensity for certain diseases.

Nose and eyes

Cats struggle greatly with breathing. Animals grunt and snore nonstop. They require a cotton pad wipe every day to clean their nose.

Cats’ tear production is noticeably higher due to the lacrimal canal’s deformation. The animal is in good health if the tear is clean. But it’s crucial to wipe the eyes frequently with a specific solution called lotion, which you can get at a veterinary pharmacy.

Polycystic kidney disease

These are fluid-filled kidney cysts that develop. Cysts impair organ function and cause the body to become poisoned with toxins. The illness first appears in animals older than seven or eight years.

• constant thirst;
• lethargy and apathy;
• lack of appetite.

Although a full recovery from the illness is unattainable, you can improve your pet’s quality of life. Surgery is necessary in certain situations.

Periodontosis

An exotic breed’s oral cavity is one of its weak points. Tartar is a common problem for cats. Gum inflammation, or periodontosis, is the first sign of tooth decay. Tartar, bad oral hygiene, etc., are the causes.

• unpleasant odor from the mouth;
• poor appetite;
• drooling;
• gum inflammation.

Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent this illness. Teeth cleaning is required on a regular basis. People older than eight years old are especially vulnerable.

Cardiomyopathy

This is an enlargement of the heart’s ventricle walls. Poor blood circulation brought on by the pathology can be fatal. Older cats are more likely to contract the illness. Only supportive therapy is possible for cardiomyopathy; there is no cure.

• heavy breathing, wheezing;
• shortness of breath;
• lethargy;
• adopting a strange, unnatural position during rest;
• edema;
• sudden weight loss without cause;
• fainting;
• cyanosis of the mucous membranes;
• heart murmurs, blood pressure problems.

The best ways to ensure an animal’s health are through balanced diet, good pet hygiene, and frequent veterinary checkups.

Choosing a kitten, cost

A kitten’s cost is determined by its color, pedigree, conformance to breed standards, and document availability. In professional nurseries, exotic breed kittens are more expensive. The cost ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 rubles.

Every owner wants to select a healthy kitten; here are some things to consider:

1. You need to determine the purpose of purchasing the animal. Show class participates in exhibitions, breed class in breeding, and pet class are pets for the soul. Most often, owners are looking for pet class kittens, they are inexpensive, have minor breeding defects (for example, a white spot on the coat or an insufficiently long tail), but in general they look like purebred individuals.
2. A pet class kitten may not have documents. However, the buyer should at least look at the parents. Some sellers offer to issue documents for an additional fee.
3. You need to look for the best kitten in official nurseries. For example, in Moscow there are nurseries Oresans, Irlins, LumiCat, etc.. It is better to look at kittens on the official website. Good nurseries will always provide a package of documents, vaccinate, etc.d. When buying from a private seller, you can rely only on the appearance of the baby and your own intuition.
4. The eyes, nose, anus, fur should be checked for cleanliness. The belly is not swollen, soft. Kittens are curious, playful. The baby should not hiss, rush at people.
5. Sale of kittens begins at the age of 3-3.5 months. This is the age at which the baby switches to solid food, gets used to the litter box, gets vaccinated. You should not buy younger kittens.

Breeding the breed

It is possible to cross exotic cats with one another without introducing outside breeds. Exotics and Persians could previously mate with each other.

However, out-of-breed matings were discontinued after the standard was set. The desired offspring is the basis for selecting a mating partner. They also consider the quantity of medals, titles, and occasionally reviews.

A veterinarian performs a pre-check and vaccinations on animals a few weeks prior. The female is taken to the male’s domain and left there for a few days.

Even though estrus can start as early as six to seven months of age, animals are not permitted to mate until they are a year old because none of their internal organs have fully developed at this time. 8 to 10 months is when a male can mate. A cat should not give birth more frequently than once a year because the body is greatly depleted during pregnancy and childbirth.

Crucial! In order to engage in the breeding of exotic breeds, you need to obtain the necessary documentation. The club that the pet owner belongs to makes the decision about partner selection. The club creates a breeding program that serves as the basis for carrying out additional breed breeding.

Photos and videos

Several photos of the exotic breed:

Exotic Shorthair: A Video Exotic Shorthair

Video: A cat with exotic short hair. Everything regarding the breed

Video: The complete guide to exotic cats

Video: Five aspects of taking care of a short-haired exotic cat

A delightful and loving breed, the exotic shorthair is ideal for both individuals and families. They swiftly establish themselves as a valued member of any household due to their laid-back demeanor and serene temperament.

Their adorable, round face and fluffy coat give them a unique appearance that is difficult to ignore. In addition, compared to their Persian cousins with long hair, they are simpler to maintain due to their shorter fur.

All things considered, the Exotic Shorthair is a wonderful option for anyone searching for a devoted, low-maintenance friend. Their carefree yet playful demeanor brightens any house.

Video on the topic

Cat breed. Exotic shorthaired cat.Gorgeous cats

EXOTIC SHORTHAIR. PRESENTATION OF THE BREED.

Exotic shorthaired cat

Kaya – exotic shorthaired cat (exotic)