Breed of the Month: Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair was created in the 1950’s by crossbreeding Persians, American Shorthairs, Burmese and Russian Blues. Exotics have been nicknamed “The lazy man’s Persian” because they resemble a Persian, but their coat is shorter and easier to care for. The Exotic Shorthair is a sweet, quiet and docile breed. They love to spend quality time snuggling with their owners or sitting on a lap while being petted. Even though this breed can be pretty laid back, they are not a lazy cat – they are quite active. Exotics enjoy playing time. Having cat toys like laser pointers, feather chasers and crinkle balls are a must. If you are looking for a delightful, fun-loving cat who is extremely loyal, then the Exotic Shorthair may be the right breed for you!

Weight:

  • Male: 12+ lbs
  • Female: 8-12 lbs

Features:

  • Medium sized cat
  • Large, oval head
  • Full, round cheeks
  • Large round eyes
  • Shortnose
  • Small rounded ears
  • Short round tail
  • Short to medium length coat
  • Dense and fluffy coat
  • Coat colours and patterns include any colour and in any coat pattern, including colour point, white, striped, and calico.

Expectations:

  • The tendency to vocalize: Moderate
  • Affection level: High
  • Child-friendly: Moderate
  • Dog-friendly: Moderate
  • Energy level: Moderate/High
  • Grooming: Low
  • Shedding: Low
  • Health issues: Moderate
  • Intelligence: Moderate
  • Average Lifespan: 8-15 years

Common Health Problems: