Feeding an Exotic Shorthair requires careful attention to portion control and quality nutrition, as these cats are notorious for weight gain. Their calm temperament and reduced activity levels, combined with their love of food, can quickly lead to obesity – which is particularly dangerous for a breed already struggling with breathing issues.

Choose high-quality commercial cat foods that meet nutritional standards, focusing on high protein content since cats are obligate carnivores. The specific amount depends on your cat's age, weight, and activity level, but most adult Exotic Shorthairs do well with two measured meals daily rather than free-feeding. This controlled approach helps prevent the weight gain that's common in Perth's sedentary indoor cats or during those long Canberra winters when everyone's less active.

Kittens need three to four meals daily to support their rapid growth, but as they mature into adults, transitioning to scheduled feeding becomes crucial for weight management. Work with your local Australian veterinarian to determine the ideal daily calorie intake for your specific cat.

Fresh water access is absolutely essential, particularly during Australia's hot summers. Change water twice daily, or more frequently during those sweltering Gold Coast days. Clean the water bowl regularly to prevent bacterial growth – something that's especially important in our humid coastal regions.

Special Considerations: Due to their flat faces, some Exotic Shorthairs may have difficulty eating from deep bowls. Shallow, wide dishes often work better and reduce the stress on their already compromised breathing. If feeding wet food during summer, don't leave it out too long in the heat – it spoils quickly in our climate.

Despite being the "lazy person's Persian," Exotic Shorthairs still require regular grooming to keep their dense, plush coats healthy and beautiful. Their double coat – with both guard hairs and soft undercoat – needs weekly brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding around your Brisbane apartment or Sydney terrace.

Use a metal comb and slicker brush, working systematically through their coat. During spring shedding season (September-November in Australia), you might need to brush every few days. A rubber grooming glove can help remove loose fur and is often more comfortable for cats who are sensitive about grooming.

Their flat faces require daily attention – gently clean around the eyes with a damp cotton pad to prevent tear staining, which is common in this breed. Check and clean their small, fluffy ears weekly, as they're prone to infections. The facial folds also need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial buildup, especially important in humid coastal areas like the Sunshine Coast.

Baths aren't frequently necessary unless your cat gets into something messy, but when needed, use cat-specific shampoos and ensure thorough drying – their dense coat takes time to dry completely, which is particularly important during Melbourne's damp winters.

Coat Specifications:

- Coat Length: Short but dense and plush, standing away from the body

- Coat Colours: All colours and patterns accepted, including silver, black, white, cream, blue, brown, and red

- Coat Patterns: Tabby (most common), solid, bicolour, calico, tortoiseshell, and pointed varieties

- Hypoallergenic: No – they shed moderately year-round with seasonal increases

Australian Climate Considerations: The dense coat that makes them so cuddly can be challenging during our hot summers. Regular brushing helps remove excess fur and improves air circulation to their skin, essential for cats living in Darwin's tropical heat or Perth's dry summer conditions.

Exotic Shorthairs are surprisingly intelligent and trainable, though they prefer gentle, positive reinforcement methods over high-energy training sessions. These cats respond beautifully to praise, treats, and patient guidance – perfect for families in Geelong or Newcastle who want a well-behaved companion without the drama.

Mental stimulation is crucial for preventing boredom, even though they're generally calm cats. Puzzle feeders work wonderfully for slowing down their eating (helping with weight control) while engaging their minds. Interactive toys like feather wands or laser pointers provide exercise without overexertion – important for a breed that can struggle with breathing during intense activity.

Simple training works well with Exotic Shorthairs. They can learn to come when called, sit on command, and even perform basic tricks. Use their favourite treats as motivation and keep sessions short – about 5-10 minutes is perfect for their attention span. Many owners in Adelaide or Hobart successfully teach their Exotic Shorthairs to stay off counters or use scratching posts instead of furniture.

Socialisation: Early socialisation is important, especially since these cats can be initially shy with strangers. Gradually introduce them to different people, sounds, and experiences. They generally adapt well to household changes, making them suitable for families with teenagers heading off to university or empty nesters considering downsizing.

Exercise Needs: While not athletic climbers like some breeds, Exotic Shorthairs enjoy gentle play sessions. Cat trees with platforms rather than high perches suit them well, and they appreciate sunny windowsills for bird-watching – just ensure adequate ventilation during those scorching Australian summer afternoons. Indoor enrichment is particularly important since most Australian Exotic Shorthairs live indoors for safety and health reasons.