No, Exotic Shorthairs are not hypoallergenic. Their low-maintenance coat, while short, can create a lot of dander. They can trigger allergic reactions just as much as any other non-hypoallergenic cat breed. They are not recommended for people with severe cat allergies but they are a potential option for people with mild cat allergies.
If you are thinking about adding an Exotic Shorthair cat to your household, keep reading.
What is an Exotic Shorthair cat?
The Exotic Shorthair has the looks and personality of a Persian, but has an undemanding, short, dense coat that is much easier to maintain.
They can grow 10 to 12 inches tall, weigh between 10 to 12 pounds, and live eight to 15 years.
They are a medium-sized breed and are a quiet and curious breed, whilst more active than Persians, with flat faces and round heads. They are available in a wide-range of colors and patterns. Their eyes can be blue, blue-green, or copper, depending on the color of their coat.
They have a short, solid appearance with large paws and short, thick tails.
Exotic Shorthair Personality
The Exotic Shorthair personality can simply be described as calm and friendly. Due in part to their easy-going nature, these cats acclimate well to apartment or household environments, and they enjoy being in families with children.
They enjoy company, so if your job requires you to be out of the house for long periods of time, they will appreciate having another animal as a companion.
They enjoy playing simple games, but at the end of the day they want nothing more than to curl up in your lap. Do not be offended if they do not want to cuddle up next to you in bed at night, they just want to sleep in a cool place.
They are not overly vocal but they may purr or chirp on occasion. Even though they are friendly cats, they may be hesitant to approach strangers at first. After getting to know them for even a short amount of time, most Exotics will warm up to their new friend and even want to play and cuddle up on their lap.
Are Exotic Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
No, Exotic Shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. Their short, dense coats produce a lot of dander which harbor the protein allergen Fel d 1, which causes cat allergies. They are not recommended for people who have severe cat allergies, but may be a good option for people with mild allergies.
How much do Exotic Shorthair cats shed?
Exotic Shorthair cats do not shed as much as long-haired breeds, but they do shed more than their fellow shorthair breeds. They are seasonal shedders, which means that they shed during the summer to keep cool, and shed in the fall to grow in their new winter coat. Their coat is fairly low-maintenance so a weekly brushing is usually enough to keep loose fur and dander under control.
What do I do if I want an Exotic Shorthair cat but have allergies?
Before getting an Exotic Shorthair cat of your own, do extensive research regarding the breed. If you can contact a breeder near you, ask them if you can spend time with their cats, adults and kittens, to see how your body reacts to being around them. This is a vital step because if you get a cat without doing research or knowing how it will affect your health, you may risk having to rehome the poor cat.
Tips on managing your allergies
Grooming
The Exotic Shorthair has a low-maintenance coat that only needs a once a week brushing. Brushing your cat’s fur can help remove loose hairs and fur which will help lessen the presence of dander in your home. You can bathe your cat but it is not necessary unless they roll on something smelly or dirty. If your cat does not like baths, you can wipe their bodies down with a damp towel or cat wipes to remove dirt and dander.
Diet
Ask your veterinarian about giving your cat breed-appropriate food. Some cat breeds need specific nutrients to remain healthy, so it is good to know that you are giving your cat only the best of the best. Give your cat food rich in Omega 3 once in a while, as it will help keep their skin and coat healthy. Make sure they have access to fresh, clean water all day to keep well-hydrated. Unhealthy and dry skin may cause flaking, resulting in more dander released into the environment.
Keep your cat out of your bedroom
Keep your bedroom allergen-free by keeping the door closed so your cat does not wander in to spread their fur and dander. Your body will thank you for giving it a space where it can rest without having to worry about your allergies getting triggered.
Cleaning is key
Regularly vacuuming your carpets and fabric furniture as well as wiping down smooth surfaces will greatly reduce the presence of dander in your home. Use a microfiber cloth to pick up dirt and dander easily. If your budget allows it, invest in an air purifier to help filter out unwanted allergens in the air circulating around your house.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after every physical interaction with your cat. This will keep you from transferring any allergens on your hands if you accidentally touch your face.
Medications
If none of the above tips work, you can always consult with your physician about what type of anti-allergy medication is best-suited for you.
Conclusion
Exotic shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. Even if they are a low-maintenance breed, they still produce a lot of dander compared to most shorthair cat breeds. They are not a good choice for people with severe cat allergies but they may be a good option for those with mild allergies. In order to manage allergies, you should groom your cat properly, give them a breed appropriate-diet, clean your home regularly, keep your cat out of the bedroom, wash your hands after touching your cat, and take antihistamine medication when necessary.
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