Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Guide: Personality, Diet, and Care

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Cat Breeds

Exotic Shorthair

Origin

🇺🇸

United States

Size

Medium Breed

Cost of buying

₹ 20,000 - ₹ 50,000

Life Expectancy

10-15 years

Ideal Space

Apartment

Ideal Weather

15º-30ºC

Life Expectancy

10-15 years

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹3,200

Basic Lifestyle

₹4,200

Premium Lifestyle

₹ 3,200 - ₹ 4,200

Cost of buying

₹ 20,000 - ₹ 50,000

Top 5 Traits

Playful

Laid-back

Affectionate

Friendly

Curious

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹3,200

₹4,200

₹ 3,200 - ₹ 4,200

Close up of a calico Exotic Shorthair cat with a flat face and round amber eyes

Cream and orange tabby Exotic Shorthair cat with a flat face and copper eyes

Orange Exotic Shorthair cat with a flat face and golden eyes sits on brown paper

by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 10 Jun 2025

Introduction to the Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is commonly called the “lazy man’s Persian” because it lives up to that name. They have the sweet teddy bear look of Persians, but their short, plush coat is much simpler to take care of.

Characteristics

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Shedding amount

Negligible

Frequent

Compatibility with other cats

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Prey Drive

Low

High

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

Exotic Shorthair Cat Price

Cost of buying

₹ 20,000 - ₹ 50,000

Depending on the breeder, colour, and show quality, expect the price to be anywhere around ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 in India.

Shop or Adopt an Exotic Shorthair: Make the Right Choice!

Responsible shopping will make sure that ethical breeding is taking place, while adopting an Exotic Shorthair will give a loving home to a cat that needs it. Pick based on your ability to keep up with their gentle temperament, grooming needs, and lifespan.

Nutrition Care for the Exotic Shorthair

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000

Calories per day

Kittens: 250 kcal

Adults: 200 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Fats

Carbohydrates

Vitamins

Minerals

Fiber

List of foods

Dry kibble

Wet canned food

Chicken (cooked or raw)

Salmon

Tuna

Carrots (cooked)

Pumpkin

Cottage cheese

They require high quality protein for the maintenance of muscle.
Healthy fats support energy levels and a shiny coat.
Immunity and joint health are strengthened with the help of essential nutrients.
Taurine is important for heart and vision health.
Wet food helps in hydration and urinary tract health.
It is best to avoid low quality foods to prevent obesity and digestion problems.
A balanced diet of wet food, lean meats and supplements is vital for overall well being.

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Best Foods for Exotic Shorthairs

Royal Canin Persian/Exotic Shorthair formulas. They are created to meet the needs of flat-faced pets, providing the right shape and coat care.
Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control. Helps cats avoid urinary problems and reduces the number of hairballs they have.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Wet Food. Protein and moisture are high in this food to help hydrate and build muscle.
Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health. Made to keep the urine at a healthy pH and stop crystals from forming.
Ensure real animal protein is the first ingredient. This helps the body get the necessary amino acids for growth and energy.

Foods to Avoid for Exotic Shorthairs

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Onions and Garlic

Caffeine

Chocolate

Alcohol

Raw Eggs

Dairy (in some cases)

Grapes and Raisins

High-mineral diets – May cause the development of kidney stones. Pick foods that have controlled amounts of phosphorus and magnesium.
Low-quality dry kibble – May cause weight gain. Make sure to pick brands that are recommended by vets and have real meat as their main ingredient.
Artificial additives – May cause an allergic reaction or stomach problems. Foods that are natural and free from preservatives are better for their health.
Dairy products – They frequently result in stomach trouble. Milk and cheese are not suitable for most cats because they are lactose intolerant.
Table scraps or human snacks – Contains a lot of fat and salt. They can upset your cat’s normal diet and can cause health problems.
Choose cat food that has been made for flat-faced breeds. Diets designed for brachycephalic cats help their digestion and dental health.

Healthcare for Exotic Shorthairs

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 500 - ₹ 700

Common Health Issues

Dental Problems

Obesity

Kidney Disease

Hyperthyroidism

Fleas and Ticks

Gastrointestinal Issues

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Skin & coat disorders

Activities

Play with Toys

Exploring

Climbing

Grooming

Napping

Energy Level

Medium

Exercise routine

30 - 60 minutes

Recognising Stress

Hiding

Changes in litter box behavior

Increased vocalization

Aggression

Overgrooming

Compulsive behaviors (e.g., excessive grooming, licking, or chewing)

Common Health Problems of Exotic Shorthair

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Genetic, use a DNA test for screening. Spotting kidney problems early allows for better management using diet and routine visits.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Leads to noisy breathing and makes the animal intolerant to heat. Let them rest and keep them cool when the weather is hot.
Eye issues: Easily suffer from tearing and infections. Regularly cleaning the area around the eyes helps avoid staining and irritation.
Calcium Oxalate Stones: Watch for any discomfort in the urinary system. A diet that is easy on the urinary tract and drinking plenty of water can stop stones from forming.
Obesity: Because they do not move around much. Eating the right amounts and playing regularly help keep your pet healthy.

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

8 Weeks

Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper), Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus-1 (Rhinotracheitis)

12 Weeks

Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper), Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus-1 (Rhinotracheitis)

16 Weeks

Rabies

Anually

Rabies

Disclaimer : The list of vaccines shown above are meant to be used for reference only. We recommend that you consult a qualified veterinarian for proper knowledge and guidance on the subject of cat vaccines for your cat or kitten.