Exotic Shorthairs, known affectionately as the teddy bears of the cat world, are a breed full of surprises. They master the art of stealth and chirp happily before an ambush, making them a joyful presence in any home.
Breed Overview
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Exotic Shorthair |
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Characteristic | Playful, Loving, Calmly Energetic |
| Life Span | 12-15 years |
| Build | Medium, Compact |
| Average Weight | 7-14 pounds |
| Average Height | 10-12 inches at the shoulder |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Coat Colors | White, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Cream, Red, Silver, Golden, etc. |
| Coat Pattern | Solid, Colourpoint, Tabby, Bicolor, Tricolour, etc. |
| Eye Colors | Blue, Copper, Odd-eyed |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Physical Description
Exotic Shorthairs showcase a medium-sized physique with a compact build giving it the nickname “the lazy man’s Persian.” Generally weighing between 7 and 14 pounds, they stand around 10-12 inches high. Males tend to be larger and have more substantial muscle mass compared to females.
These cats brandish a short, plush, easy-to-care-for coat available in a plethora of colors, including white, black, blue, chocolate, cream, red, silver, and golden, among others. As for patterns, the Exotic is a style icon accommodating solid, colorpoint, tabby, bicolor, tricolor, and more, making them a mishmash of colors and patterns.
The round, full-cheeked face of the Exotic Shorthair is a defining feature, topped off with a snub nose, a strong chin, and full whisker pads. Their medium-sized ears are rounded at the tips and tilt forward. Large, round, and widely set eyes come in hues of blue, copper, or they could be odd-eyed.
Behavior and Temperament of the Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs are arguably one of the most playful breeds of cats, relishing toys and games. They can go from a leisurely nap to a frenzy of activity in a heartbeat, keeping their owners entertained with their swift, cougar-like moves. This flurry of energy comes in bursts, as Exotics are certainly lovers of comfort breaks.
Despite this love for playtime, Exotics are calmly energetic and adore gaining your undivided attention. They communicate their affection through soft cooing and chirping noises instead of the typical meow, cementing their status as quirky companions.
Known for their endearing gentleness, Exotics are simple cats—content with less attention and less fuss. They aren’t one for constant cuddles or being carried around but enjoy the company of their humans. Their cool, calm demeanor is at the heart of their charm, making them a suitable companion for quieter households.
History and Origin
Exotic Shorthair cats, born out of a happy accident, have an intriguing origin story. Their tale begins in the 1950s in the United States, where American Shorthair breeders decided to infuse their line with a bit of a Persian flair.
The idea was to produce American Shorthairs with the silvery coat of the Persian, but the result brought about a slightly different breed—the Exotic Shorthair—with a rounder body and a plush, short coat, resembling a teddy bear. This accident proved quite shapely as the adorable result breed quickly achieved popularity and was formally recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1967.
Exotic Shorthair Cat Care
Exotic Shorthairs are a dream to care for. Their short, plush coat requires minimal grooming—once a week combing should be enough to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Despite their bursts of energy, they aren’t notoriously active. A small living space will do fine for an Exotic, provided they have toys to play with, scratching posts to claw, and comfortable lounging spots to indulge their love for afternoon naps.
Exotics adapt well to indoor living and should ideally be house cats, as they tend to overheat due to their flat faces and become susceptible to infectious diseases when outdoors.
Common Health Problems
While Exotic Shorthairs are generally healthy, breed-specific issues include:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: consequences of the flat-face, leading to respiratory problems.
- Dental Malocclusions: irregular alignment of teeth.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: inherited kidney disorder.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: heart muscle disease, linked to taurine deficiency.
Where to Adopt or Buy Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs can be found in most established cat breeder directories, rescue organizations, and shelters. However, to ensure you’re getting a healthy cat, only buy from reputable breeders that provide health guarantees and practice early socialization. The average cost for an Exotic Shorthair kitten can range from $600 to $1200.
Diet and Nutrition
Exotic Shorthairs do well on a diet of high-quality, commercially produced cat food. It should contain a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Fresh water should always be available to them. Ideally, treats should be healthy and given sparingly. Consult with a vet before adding any supplements or making radical changes to their diet.
Comparable Breeds
If you find the Exotic Shorthair intriguing, similar breeds worth exploring include:
- Persian: shares similar physical characteristics, but with a long, gorgeous coat.
- British Shorthair: similar in structure and disposition, with an easy-care coat.
- Scottish Fold: known for their unique ear shape and lovely character.
- American Shorthair: amiable and easy-going, with a strong build.
For more cat breed profiles, feel free to explore our extensive collection.
FAQs about Exotic Shorthair
Are Exotic Shorthair cats good pets?
Exotic Shorthairs make excellent pets. They are playful, affectionate, and low-maintenance, making them a good choice for both busy and laid-back households.
Are Exotic Shorthair cats cuddly?
While Exotic Shorthairs love attention and can be affectionate, they are not generally overly cuddly. They appreciate their independence and are content to just be in the same room as their owners.
Do Exotic Shorthair cats like to be held?
Each cat varies in its preferences, but generally, Exotic Shorthairs are not widely known for their love of being held. They prefer having their paws on the ground, but they do appreciate petting and soft stroking.
Are Exotic Shorthairs high maintenance?
Despite their luxurious appearance, Exotic Shorthairs are considered relatively low-maintenance, particularly in comparison to their long-coated relatives, the Persians. Their short coat requires less grooming, although regular brushing is still necessary.
Can Exotic Shorthairs be left alone?
While Exotic Shorthairs are generally fine with spending time alone, they are also social creatures who enjoy the company of their human family members. They are content with less attention but shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods regularly.
Are Exotic Shorthairs loud?
No, Exotic Shorthairs are known for being relatively quiet. They communicate in soft cooing and chirping noises, which is significantly quieter than the typical feline meow.