Known for their playful personality and loving nature, Exotic Shorthair cats, despite their playful nature, are less active and prefer to rest comfortably. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them an excellent companion for families looking for a loving companion with minimal grooming needs. The Exotic Shorthair is an ideal choice for those who love the look of the Persian cat, but don’t have the time to care for its characteristic long fur.

Despite the measured behavior characteristic of the Persian cat, the Exotic Shorthair is a more lively and curious breed. Despite their quiet demeanor, these important family members often express a desire to engage in activities that stimulate their minds and bodies.

Brachycephaly

Exotic Shorthair brachycephaly. This means that he is characterized by a short nose and narrowed nostrils. That is why these important members of the family become prone to breathing problems as the temperature rises. This problem worsens with weight gain. That is why eating healthy food and monitoring weight is of particular importance to prevent the problem.

Due to the brachycephalic structure of the skull, it is especially dangerous to leave the Exotic Shorthair indoors for a long time. In a closed environment, these important members of the family find it difficult to breathe and develop seizures. Also, avoid walking on boxer shorts. High air temperature and direct sunlight cause a large amount of mucus to accumulate in the nasal cavity of our companion animals and cause breathing difficulties.

Skin Infections

The main cause of skin infections typical for Exotic Shorthairs is an allergic background. Your four-legged friend may be sensitive to food or environmental allergens (dust and mold), but in any case, the symptoms caused by allergies will be easily noticed. Symptoms include itching of the skin and excessive shedding of fur.

To avoid complications related to skin diseases, we recommend using hygiene products specially designed for cats. Also, it is recommended that important members of your family avoid wheat, corn and soy as much as possible. Be sure to visit a nutritionist to identify other specific allergens.

Parasites living on the skin of the companion animal may also be the cause of the disease, therefore, use hygiene products recommended by a veterinarian to prevent fleas, ticks and other pests.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disease that causes fluid-filled cysts to form and disrupt kidney function. To prevent the spread of the disease, it is necessary to identify companion animals carrying the polycystic gene and declare them unfit for the breeding process.

A specialized diet may be necessary to support kidney function. It is recommended to conduct this process only in collaboration with an experienced nutritionist. Blood tests, regular veterinary check-ups and competent companion animal care practices can help manage the disease and adjust the treatment strategy.

When it comes to feeding an Exotic Shorthair cat, there are several factors to consider to ensure their health and well-being. First, we need to understand their nutritional needs and realize that just like other cats, the Exotic Shorthair belongs to the ranks of carnivores, which means that it needs meat in its diet. Choose high-quality commercial foods that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats and their age, size, and activity level.

Even if your important member of the family doesn’t refuse food, remember that portion control is your responsibility. Due to a less active lifestyle, the tendency to gain weight is particularly characteristic of this breed. You can safely follow the directions on the pet food package, but we recommend consulting a nutritionist to adjust the routine based on individual metabolism and activity levels.

Due to the brachycephalic facial structure, the Exotic Shorthair may have difficulty chewing large food pellets. Choosing smaller, easier-to-eat pieces or wet food can aid digestion and prevent discomfort for your companion animal.

The history of the Exotic Shorthair began in the middle of the 20th century, when the idea of ​​creating a shorthair version of the Persian cat appeared in society. To get the desired look, the breeders mated the Persian cat with the American Shorthair. A certain part of the breeders chose to use the Burmese instead of the American shorthair to mate with the Persian cat, and some gave preference to the Russian blue cat.

Thanks to its charming appearance and personality, the breed gained public recognition in the 1960s. In 1966, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) officially recognized the Exotic Shorthair.