The exotic shorthair cat breed is a mixture of two cats.It has many of the looks of a Persian, but a short coat that is easier to care for.Exotic shorthair requires specialized grooming even though it is relatively easy to care for.In order to take proper care of an exotic shorthair, you need to focus on keeping it healthy and happy.
Step 1: Your cat's eye area needs to be cleaned.
The flat face of an exotic's eye area makes it hard to get good drainage.You can wet a paper towel with warm water.Put your hands around the cat's eyes.After wiping, be sure to dry the area.If you don't do this, the discharge can stain your cat's coat and cause infections if the eye ducts become blocked.These cats are prone to developing infections due to the moist skin on their face, so you may want to ask your vet to prescribe wipes.A wipe will help prevent this.It is a good time to inspect your cat's eyeballs.If you want to make sure your eyes are free of redness, cloudiness, or abnormal discharge, it's a good idea to look at them frequently.
Step 2: It's a good idea to comb your cat.
Exotic shorthairs need occasional combing to keep their coats in good shape, even though they have shorter fur than Persians.While your cat is in a shed cycle, it is a good idea to comb it to get rid of excess hair before it gets all over your house and can lead to hairballs.To comb your cat, use a metal long-toothed comb.Most pet supply stores sell these combs.If your cat likes to be brushed, you should do it regularly.It's not a bad idea to decrease the amount of fur that is left around your house if the coat doesn't require it.
Step 3: Your cat's nails should be trimmed.
Your cat's nails need to be trimmed regularly so that they don't get too long.It can be difficult to walk on nails that are too long and can cause furniture to be damaged.Hold the cat's paw in one hand and the nail trimmer in the other.The tip of the nail needs to be trimmed.You don't want to cut into the vein in the nail.The pink, triangular area in the center of the nail is the vein.If you notice where it is before trimming your cat's nails, you can avoid cutting them too short.A professional can trim your cat's nails if you are nervous.When you take your cat to the vet for an appointment, be sure to ask someone at the office if they are experienced at working with cats.
Step 4: Give your cat food that is high quality.
Giving your exotic shorthair quality cat food will make it healthier and could help it live a long life.The majority of a quality cat food is animal tissue.Look at the ingredient list and make sure the food you choose has animal tissues as the first couple of ingredients.This will let you know that your cat is getting mostly animal tissue.Make sure that the food you choose is made for your cat's age.The food that is made for kittens, adults, and senior cats is formulated for their specific needs.Commercial foods may have added vitamins and minerals to give the cat proper nutrition.Depending on what your cat likes, you can choose between dry, semi-moist, and wet cat food.A cat that does not drink a lot of water can benefit from wet cat food.
Step 5: The cat needs access to water.
Cats should have access to water.They should have access to it if they need it.Many cats drink water.Specialty cat products that recycle a stream of water constantly may help your cat stay hydrated.Feed wet food to your dehydrated cat if it doesn't want to drink water.It can get some water from this.
Step 6: The cat needs annual veterinary care.
If you bring home an exotic shorthair cat, you should get it checked out by a vet right away.Take your cat for an exam after that.If it seems unwell or has a medical emergency, take it to the vet immediately.Your doctor will be able to spot any health problems that may be occurring with an annual exam.It will assure you that you are up to date on preventative veterinary care, such as vaccinations, that need to be given on a regular basis.
Step 7: Your cat should be assessed for health problems.
Exotics often have health problems.They have problems with their eyes, respiratory system, kidneys, and the heart.If you have a cat, you should have it screened for these problems.
Step 8: Spay or neuter your cat.
It is important to have your cat neutered in order to keep it healthy.A lot of unwanted behavior can be stopped with the desexing of your cat.Female cats have a reduced chance of developing mammary cancer later in life.Discuss when your cat should be neutered with your doctor.It should be done between three months and six months of age.
Step 9: Don't let your cat outside.
There are many dangers outside that can be dangerous to your cat's health.Cars, diseases, parasites, toxins, and other animals are included.It's best to keep your cat inside.Cats are good to be kept inside to protect native birds.Most exotics don't mind staying inside.You will need to give them toys and viewing platforms to keep them stimulated.
Step 10: The cat has a litter box.
If you want your cat to be happy and healthy, you need to give it a clean and tidy place to go to the bathroom.You should clean the cat's litterbox daily and use a type of litter box that it likes.If you don't have a litter box, your cat may go to the bathroom in other places in your home.
Step 11: It's a good idea to spend time with your cat.
Proper care of your cat requires you to give it love and attention.When it comes to you, spend time with it.You will know they want attention when they walk up to you with an exotic shorthair.You can spend time with them playing games or petting them.Exotic shorthair cats can be playful at times, but they are not always active.Most exotic shorthairs don't shadow you like some other breeds and much of their time is spent on their own.
Step 12: The cat should be given a scratching surface.
Cats want to scratch.They need proper surfaces to do it on.Having a scratching post or scratching pad in each room that the cat spends time in will help to keep it from scratching inappropriate surfaces.If your cat doesn't want to use the scratching post, you may need to protect your furniture.There are a variety of products that you can use to repel cats, such as sprays that can be applied to furniture.Your cat's nails should be trimmed to prevent damage from scratching.
Step 13: Give the cat toys and equipment.
Exotic shorthair cats don't usually need constant entertainment, but it is important to provide them with mental stimulation.Give your cat a lot of toys to play with.Bell balls, fabric mice, laser toys, or strings could be included.It's important that it has access to a window where it can look outside.The cat will be stimulated by looking at everything outside.If your cat is bored with its toys, move them around.Put a few away for a while and then get rid of the toys.