How to Adopt an Exotic Shorthair Cat
The exotic shorthair cat was first identified in the United States around the mid-century. The breed is actually a cross between a Persian cat, with its very long hair and a short-haired Russian Blue, American shorthairs, and Burmese. This gave the cat an exotic look without the excessive long hair. If you wish to adopt one, there are several factors to consider before proceeding.
- Stay clear of pet stores that sell exotic shorthair cats or kittens. These can come from mills, which basically
means the animals live in horrid conditions solely for the purpose
of breeding and selling to pet stores. They are often over bred and can come with a
host of problems. Moreover, by not purchasing your cat or kitten
from a pet store you can help to shut down more puppy and kitten
mills. - Check to see if there are
exotic shorthair cat rescues in your area. This is often a good
place to start because the price of adoption is less than adopting from a breeder. Moreover, you will help give a
good home to a cat or kitten that was not wanted by another family. - Find a reputable breeder. This can
be tricky because you need to make sure the breeder is looking to further the breed and
not breeding to make profits. It can be difficult to distinguish
a backyard breeder from a reputable one, but not impossible. Visit the breeder unannounced after your initial contact by phone. If they are reputable, they will be happy to show
you around, but resistant if they are over-breeding. Of course, make
sure you choose a time to visit that is a respectable.