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
Craves attention, a real lap cat
Mellow personality, but more active and playful than their Persian cousin.
Size
Medium to Large
Weight
Male: 7 to 14 pounds, Female: 6 to 10 pounds
Coat
Short and dense, soft to the touch
Color
White, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, plus various patterns and shadings
Persians have a very thick long coat that needs daily brushing and grooming to prevent matting, while the Exotic has a dense and soft coat, it does not require much brushing or grooming.
Male Exotics are, in general, more affectionate than females. Females can be somewhat more aloof.
The Exotic Shorthair is one of the brachycephalous breeds, also known as 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. Also referred to as brachycephalic respiratory syndrome or 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.[5] Treatment includes weight loss, surgery, and avoiding humid or hot conditions.
- Calcium oxalate urolithiasis. A stone that crystallizes in the bladder and kidney.
- Dystocia. An abnormal labor due to large-domed skulls.[6]
- Feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Exotic Shorthairs, as well as Persians and other Persian-derived cats, have a high chance of inheriting PKD, 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.[7][8][9] DNA screening for PKD is recommended for all Exotic cats used in breeding programs to reduce the incidence of kidney disease by spaying and neutering PKD positive cats.
Famous Exotic Shorthair Cats
