Where to Get an Exotic Short Hair Cat
Looking for an Exotic Shorthair? Your safest source is a breeder who can prove PKD and HCM clearance on both parents, or a breed-specific rescue. Pet stores and online classifieds are high-risk and should be skipped entirely. Here is exactly where to look, what each path costs, and how to verify a responsible source before you commit.
Option 1: Reputable Breeders – Most Reliable Source
A good breeder gives you the best chance at a healthy kitten with known lineage and early socialization. Exotic Shorthairs have flat faces (brachycephalic) and high risks of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Health testing is non-negotiable. Expect to pay $1,200–$2,500 depending on bloodline, location, and pet versus show quality.
What to Verify Before Buying
Health clearances. The breeder must show negative PKD (ultrasound or DNA) and HCM (echocardiogram) results for both parents. Ask to see the actual lab report. If they say “we don’t have health issues,” walk away immediately.
Home-raised environment. Kittens need daily handling inside a house, not a detached cattery barn. Exotic Shorthairs raised in isolation often become shy or skittish. Ask for a video tour or in-person visit.
Two-way screening. A responsible breeder will ask about your home, lifestyle, and experience with flat-faced breeds. If they say yes to everyone without questions, consider it a red flag.
Written contract and health guarantee. Expect a two-year genetic health guarantee, a spay/neuter clause for pet kittens, and a lifetime return policy. Read every line.
Common mistake: Buying from a breeder who refuses an in-person visit or only offers parking-lot handoffs. That is a hard pass.
When the Breeder Path Doesn’t Fit
Reputable breeders almost never have kittens available immediately. Expect a 6–12 month waitlist, sometimes longer for rare colors. If you need a cat this week, you either adopt an adult or risk an unscrupulous seller who claims to have kittens right now. That urgency is exactly what scammers exploit.
Option 2: Rescue and Adoption – Slower but Rewarding
Exotic Shorthairs do appear in rescues, though less often than Persians. Adoption fees range $75–$250, and you usually get an adult cat with known personality and grooming needs. Many come from homes that underestimated the daily eye care, so they are often healthy and ready to bond.
Where to Search
Breed-specific rescues. Start with Exotic Shorthair Rescue (national network) or Exotic Cat Rescue. These groups use foster homes, so you get honest temperament assessments.
Petfinder. Filter by breed and zip code. If no purebreds show up, look for mixed-breed cats with round faces and plush coats – they can be equally wonderful.
Local shelters. Exotic Shorthairs are rare in general shelters, but they appear. Call ahead and ask for brachycephalic or Persian-type cats. Inspect the physical traits yourself because breed labels are often inaccurate.
Networking with breeders. Ask reputable breeders if they have retired breeding cats, returned kittens, or adults needing rehoming. Many place these cats privately before they ever reach a rescue.
Common mistake: Assuming an adult Exotic Shorthair won’t bond. These cats are known for their quiet, affectionate, lap-cat temperament. Adults typically adjust within two weeks and bond deeply.
What the Rescue Path Means for Your Next Decision
If you adopt, you pay less upfront but take on an unknown medical history. Most rescues cover basic vetting (shots, spay/neuter, microchip) but rarely include genetic testing. You can still request a veterinary check for PKD and HCM before finalizing. If the rescue cannot provide any health records and the cat shows signs of chronic eye discharge or breathing issues, consider whether you can handle those ongoing costs. A rescued Exotic Shorthair that needs daily medication can still be a wonderful companion, but be realistic about the time and money involved.
Option 3: Pet Stores and Online Marketplaces – Avoid Every Time
Pet stores selling Exotic Shorthair kittens almost always source from commercial breeders (kitten mills). Parents are bred repeatedly without health screening or socialization. You pay the same $1,200+ price but get a kitten with higher risk of PKD, HCM, chronic respiratory infections, and behavioral issues.
The same applies to Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and similar classifieds. Even well-intentioned sellers rarely health-test or provide a contract. If the seller cannot show written proof of PKD and HCM clearance on the parents, do not proceed.
Bottom line: If you see an Exotic Shorthair in a pet store window or on a classified ad, walk away. Drive to a breeder who will show you the parents and the facility.
How to Verify a Seller’s Claim on a Classified Ad
Sometimes a seller posts an adult Exotic Shorthair on Craigslist claiming it’s from a responsible hobby breeder. Ask for the name of the original breeder. Then call that breeder to confirm. If the seller doesn’t know the breeder’s name, or the breeder doesn’t recall selling them a cat, you have your red flag. This single verification step can save you from buying a stolen, unvaccinated, or untested cat.
5-Point Decision Check: Is This Source Right for You?
Run through these five pass/fail checks before committing to any source.
1. Health testing proof. Does the breeder or rescue show negative PKD and HCM test results for the parents or the individual cat?
2. Living conditions. Can you see where the kitten was raised? Is it a clean home environment, not a cage-filled cattery or barn?
3. Contract and return policy. Is there a written contract with a health guarantee and a clear return-to-breeder clause?
4. Early socialization. Was the kitten handled regularly from birth? Does it approach you without fear or aggression?
5. Breed-specific knowledge. Can the breeder or rescue staff explain Exotic Shorthair care – daily eye cleaning, breathing risk awareness, diet needs – without guessing?
If you can check all five, you found a responsible source. If you cannot check at least four, walk away and keep searching.
3 Expert Tips for Bringing Home a Healthy Exotic Shorthair
Tip 1: Confirm post-homing support before you pay
Actionable step: Ask the breeder directly: “Will you be available for questions about grooming, diet, and health for the life of this cat?” Get the answer in writing.
Common mistake: Assuming all breeders offer lifetime support. Some disappear after the transaction. A breeder who goes silent is a sign you chose poorly.
Tip 2: Start eye cleaning on day one, not day thirty
Actionable step: Buy soft, unscented baby wipes or a dedicated cat eye wipe (such as Burt’s Bees Natural Eye Wipes for Cats) and gently wipe the inner corner of each eye every morning. Exotic Shorthairs have shallow eye sockets and flat faces that trap tears, leading to staining and infections.
Common mistake: Waiting until you see crust or redness. Daily prevention is far more effective than treating a full eye infection later.
Tip 3: Feed wet food as the primary diet, not kibble
Actionable step: Choose a canned food with real meat as the first ingredient (Wellness CORE, Royal Canin Exotic Shorthair formula, or similar). Flat-faced breeds struggle to stay hydrated because they cannot drink efficiently from bowls.
Common mistake: Relying on dry kibble as the main food. Exotic Shorthairs have higher risk of urinary crystals and dehydration when moisture intake is low.
Quick-Reference Product Kit for Your New Cat
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- Brush: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush ($12) – use 2–3 times per week to manage their plush double coat.
- Eye wipes: Burt’s Bees Natural Eye Wipes for Cats ($8) – gentle and pre-moistened for daily use.
- Nail clipper: Millers Forge Nail Clipper ($10) – guillotine style works well for small cat claws.
- Litter box: Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box ($40) – high sides reduce scatter from their vigorous digging.
- Food bowl: Shallow ceramic or stainless steel bowl (avoid plastic) – prevents whisker fatigue and stays clean.
Save This Guide
Finding an Exotic Shorthair comes down to one rule: verify health testing and living conditions before you pay. Start with a breeder who screens for PKD and HCM, or adopt from a breed-specific rescue. Pet stores and online classifieds carry too much risk for this breed. A well-sourced kitten – with clear eyes, confident behavior, and written guarantees – sets the foundation for years of quiet, affectionate companionship.
