Why You Must Have an Exotic Shorthair Cat
The Exotic shorthair cat is a shorthair version of the Persian cat. The unmistakable face with big round eyes that look into your soul and their stocky build make them easy to recognize.
Traits of the Exotic Shorthair
Size | weight | coat | color |
---|---|---|---|
med/LG | male: 7 to 14 pounds female: 6 tp 10 pounds | short, dense, plush | White, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, plus various patterns and shadings |
Craves attention, a real lap cat |
Health of the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is one of the brachycephalous breeds, (aka the push-in face breeds). The nose and eyes are in close proximity to each other, giving the appearance of a pushed-in face. This makes the cat prone to a variety of health issues. (source Wikipedia)
- Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. This condition is sometimes called brachycephalic respiratory syndrome and congenital obstructive upper airway disease. This causes upper airway abnormalities ranging in severity. The syndrome can cause increased airway resistance, inflammation of structures in the airways, and increased strain on the heart. Treatment includes weight loss, surgery, and avoiding humid or hot conditions.
- Calcium oxalate urolithiasis. A stone that crystallizes in the bladder and kidney.
- Dystocia. Large-domed skulls that cause abnormal labor
- Feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Exotic Shorthairs and other Persian-derived cats, have a high chance of inheriting PKD. This is a disease that can lead to kidney failure. Several studies using ultrasound scan screening have shown that the prevalence of PKD in Exotics is between 40–50% in developed nations. DNA screening for PKD is recommended for all Exotic cats used in breeding programs.