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:

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS)
• Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)