Russian Blue vs Exotic Shorthair - Breed Comparison

Russian Blue vs Exotic Shorthair - Breed ComparisonExotic Shorthair is originated from United States but Russian Blue is originated from Russia. Both Exotic Shorthair and Russian Blue are of same weight. Exotic Shorthair may live 3 years less than Russian Blue. Both Exotic Shorthair and Russian Blue has same litter size. Both Exotic Shorthair and Russian Blue requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

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United States
Russia
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 17 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Lazy Man's Persian
Archangel Blues
Colors Available:
Lots of colors and patterns - chinchilla silver, bicolor, tabby, tortoiseshell
Blue with silver
Coat:
Shortish and plush
Short, thick double coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

exotic shorthairThe Exotic Shorthair cat is such a sweet-faced cat that it is often referred to as the ‘lazy man’s Persian. This is because the face is also flat and pushed in like the Persian cat.

The Exotic Shorthair was in fact developed as a short-haired version of the Persian. It was in the 1950s that the Persian was used to mate with other breeds such as the Burmese.

The crossbreed gained recognition but some American Shorthair breeders produced a new breed standard that would disqualify American Shorthairs that showed any signs of crossbreeding.

It was in 1966 that the Cat Fanciers Association recognized the cat as a new breed and under the name Exotic Shorthair.

russian blueIt is believed that this beautiful cat originates from Russia, and more specifically the Archangel Isles.

It is also thought that these cats descended from cats that were kept by the Russian Czars and that they arrived in England and Northern Europe during the 1860s. It appeared in cat shows and by 1912 it was given its own classification.

The cat was also introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and today it is a popular domesticated pet.

Description

exotic shorthair kitten - descriptionDeveloped through crosses between Persians and American Shorthairs as well as other cat breeds, the Exotic Shorthair looks like the Persian but he has a short coat.

The coat is found in the same colors as the Persian cat – patterns and solid colors, ranging from chinchilla silver to tabby, tortoiseshell, black and white and bicolor. The eyes are large and round, the ears small and round and the tail fairly short and thick.

Temperament:

The Exotic Shorthair is a sweet, gentle, calm cat but a bit livelier than the Persian. They’re lively, friendly, and playful, but are also cats that like to sit in your lap and be stroked.

They get on well with children and other pets, being a loyal friend to the entire family. He quietly communicates with his human family with a soft voice. He is also quite adaptable to living conditions so long as his human family provides him with lots of attention.

He won’t want to be left for long periods of time on his own so he won’t suit living in a home where he is left alone all day.

russian blue kitten - descriptionThe medium-sized Russian blue cat is slender, strong, and muscular with long legs. He can weigh between 3 and 6kg.

He has a beautiful blue, soft double coat that is short and thick. The coat is an even color with silver tips. What is an attractive feature of this cat too is that his double coat doesn’t shed much. The cat has a triangular-shaped head with yellow to green eyes.

Temperament:

The Russian Blue is such an amicable, sweet-tempered cat that likes nothing more than to be in the company of his human owners, He is calm and independent. They do well living with their human families but they do tend to form a deep bond with that one special person.

He will even follow his owner everywhere and is a loving, loyal companion. The Russian Blue is a social cat but also enjoys some quiet time out just to chill. He also isn’t too fond of visitors and may run away and hide if the occasion becomes too large and noisy.

This is a cat that will miss you when you’re at work all day but he is able to quietly wait for your arrival back home. Then he will appreciate some playtime.

Characteristics

exotic shorthair cat - characteristicsYour Exotic Shorthair is a loving cat and for those who prefer, it is a cat that is livelier than the Persian. While the Exotic Shorthair also has a mellow personality, because of its shorthair ancestors, it's more active.

This Exotic cat can live to be 15, 16, or 17 if you care for him well and that means you have 15 years to share with a most wonderful feline companion.

russian blue cat - characteristicsYour Russian Blue is such an intelligent cat and for this reason, when you bring one into your home, you’ll need to provide him with lots of stimulating toys and fun play times.

This is also a low maintenance cat and a brush once a week will be all that is required.

These are cats that love their mealtimes and you’ll want to work out a special eating program to ensure he gets all the nutrition he needs without over-eating.

Respond with lots of love and attention to your vocal Russian Blue, and you’ll soon see what a precious jewel this cat is as a companion and friend.

Health Problems

exotic shorthair kittens - health problemsWith the Exotic Shorthair, some of the diseases are genetic while others can be encouraged by poor diet and lifestyle.

Obesity for instance is a major disease of cats and it contributes to many serious illnesses in cats. Excess weight shortens your cat’s life and contributes to arthritis and diabetes. The extra weight puts a strain on the cat's joints. Shedding just a little bit of weight can result in improved mobility.

Dental disease is a common chronic problem in pets. Make sure to check inside your cat’s mouth from time to time as serious dental problems can cause pain and interfere with the health of your cat’s important organs such as heart and kidneys.

All kinds of parasites can invade your Exotic Shorthair's body, internally and externally – worms, fleas, and ticks - and cause your pet a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort.

Brachycephalic Syndrome is a respiratory distress syndrome and it mostly affects what is known as brachycephalic cats – those cat with snub faces like the Exotic Shorthair.

The flattened features of the face make it that there is less space for the tissue to grow. The soft area at the back of the roof of the mouth hangs into the airway, obstructing it, and they can’t breathe normally. Sometimes the cats will require surgery to allow for more regular breathing.

russian blue kittens - health problemsBecause the Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed, they are fairly healthy cats. Watch out for obesity and urinary tract infections with your cat.

Obesity:

Obesity shortens a cat’s life. It puts extra pressure on the cat’s joints and it makes them more likely to develop disease. Then again, it is dangerous to suddenly put your obese cat on a strict diet so that he loses weight too quickly.

Your cat requires a gradual decrease in body weight. If you’re worried about your cat’s weight, rather speak to a veterinary surgeon who can explain to you and also draw up a weight loss program for your cat.

Remember too, that cats are carnivores and they simply have to have meat in their diet. Commercially manufactured cat foods of the highest quality are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:

Feline lower urinary tract disease is no joke for a cat. This disease affects your pet’s lower urinary tract – the bladder. Causes include bladder stones or bladder infections and inflammation in the urinary bladder.

You may notice your cat battling to urinate. Your cat will also no doubt cry out while trying to urinate and this is because the process is so painful. There may also be blood in the urine.

You may notice that your cat isn’t using his litter box but urinating elsewhere. Your cat will need to get to the vet as soon as possible. It may not be a life-threatening disease but it can be highly uncomfortable for your cat.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

exotic shorthair cats - caringIt is important to understand the type of foods available to your pet and how often and how much to feed him.

Most cats prefer to eat several small meals a day as opposed to a couple of large ones. Make feed times interesting and provide food puzzles to have your cat ‘prey’ for food.

Always read and understand the labels on the cat food packaging and be sure to always feed your Exotic Shorthair with the very best food there is and to follow the portion guides.

If you’re in any doubt or your cat doesn’t want to eat his food, try something else or speak to your vet about how to be sure your cat is getting fed the best food there is.

Make sure to have your kitten vaccinated as required. Also, when you take your kitten in to be vaccinated, the vet will also perform a check-up to make sure your kitten is healthy as these cats are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.

Your cat has a short, low maintenance coat. A brush once a week can get rid of loose hairs and you and your cat will both enjoy the therapeutic bonding between the two of you.

Check your cat’s inner ears for wax and debris as well as for signs of any infection, and if you don’t want to do that, professional cat groomers can do it for you.

russian blue cats - caringThe Russian Blue’s beautiful blue coat is short and thick and will do well with a brush once a week. The cat just thrives on the attention during brush time too.

Trim your Russian blue’s nails regularly.

Provide your cat with everything he needs to make his life pleasant. Food and water bowls, a litter box, a collar and tag, a nice soft bed, grooming accessories, climbing tree, and a scratching post.

Make sure he has his cat vaccines and is treated for parasites.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Exotic Shorthair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Exotic Shorthair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Exotic Shorthair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Exotic Shorthair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Exotic Shorthair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Exotic Shorthair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Exotic Shorthair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Exotic Shorthair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Exotic Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Exotic Shorthair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Exotic Shorthair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Exotic Shorthair vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Exotic Shorthair vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Exotic Shorthair vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Exotic Shorthair vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Exotic Shorthair vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Exotic Shorthair vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Exotic Shorthair vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Exotic Shorthair vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Exotic Shorthair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Exotic Shorthair vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Exotic Shorthair vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Exotic Shorthair vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Exotic Shorthair vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Exotic Shorthair vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Russian Blue vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Russian Blue vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Russian Blue vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Blue vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Blue vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Blue vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Blue vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Blue vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Blue vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Blue vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Blue vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Blue vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Blue vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Blue vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Blue vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Blue vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Blue vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Blue vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Blue vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Blue vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Blue vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Blue vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Blue vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Blue vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Blue vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison