The Exotic Shorthair has the round face and calm nature of a Persian, but with a short, plush coat that’s much easier to care for. Its flat (brachycephalic) face is part of its charm, but it can make eating harder, and Exotics are prone to weight gain. Here’s how to feed an Exotic kitten and adult.
Does an Exotic Shorthair Need Special Food?
No cat breed needs a special food to be healthy. Like any cat, an Exotic Shorthair needs a complete and balanced food (labeled as meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles in the US, or as a “complete” food under FEDIAF guidelines in the UK) that suits its age, weight, activity and health. Some brands make breed-specific foods, and they can be a convenient choice, but a good-quality complete food for the right life stage works just as well. For flat-faced cats, the shape of the kibble and bowl can matter: some foods for flat-faced breeds have kibble shapes that are easier to pick up. Many Exotics also do well on pâté-style wet food.
Feeding an Exotic Shorthair Kitten
Exotic kittens need a complete kitten food. Because of their short noses and jaws, some kittens find small, hard kibble difficult to pick up, so soaked kibble or soft wet food can help at first.
- when you bring your kitten home, keep feeding the food it ate at the breeder or shelter for the first week or two, then switch gradually;
- feed a complete kitten food (or an “all life stages” food) until about 12 months old;
- kittens under 6 months usually need three to four meals a day; from 6 months, two to three meals a day is usually enough;
- always provide fresh water;
- don’t give cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea.
Read more about feeding a kitten.
Feeding an Adult Exotic Shorthair
Adult Exotics are usually calm and not very active, so they’re prone to obesity. Use wide, shallow bowls or flat plates so your cat can reach the food without pressing its face into the bowl, and wipe its face after meals if food collects in the skin folds.
- feed measured portions, using the feeding guide on the pack as a starting point, and adjust to keep your cat at a healthy weight (you should be able to feel the ribs easily);
- include some wet food every day to help with hydration and urinary health;
- keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories;
- weigh your cat regularly and see your vet for an annual checkup;
- if your cat has been spayed or neutered, its calorie needs will be lower. Read more about feeding a spayed cat and a neutered male cat.
Health Issues and Diet
- Breathing and dental problems linked to the flat face. Crowded teeth make dental disease more likely, so regular dental care is important.
- Tear staining and eye discharge, which need regular gentle cleaning. Read more about watery eyes in cats.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which is inherited from Persian lines; reputable breeders DNA-test for it.
- Obesity. Read more about obesity in cats.
If your cat has a health condition, your vet may recommend a specific or prescription diet. Don’t give supplements or change to a prescription diet without your vet’s advice, and see your vet if your cat’s appetite, weight, thirst, stools or coat change.
What About Homemade Food?
Homemade diets are very difficult to balance and are often missing essential nutrients, such as taurine and calcium. If you want to feed homemade food, use a recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Never feed your cat foods that are toxic to cats. Read more: foods cats should never eat.
Read more about the Exotic Shorthair breed and what to feed a cat.
