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Oil-style portrait of a cream Exotic Shorthair in a navy velvet coat with a gold sash, holding a scroll with a red wax seal. 21 / 25

The Royal Ambassador Brought a Sealed Scroll and Maximum Skepticism

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Diplomacy is serious business, and nobody takes it more seriously than this cream Exotic Shorthair. With a flat, round face, tiny ears and amber eyes narrowed in an expression of supreme skepticism, the royal ambassador clasps a rolled parchment scroll sealed with a bright red wax stamp. His navy velvet coat is richly embroidered with golden laurel leaves along the collar and cuffs, and a wide gold sash crosses his chest. A cream ruffled cravat sits at the throat, matching his plush fur. Behind him, a stone column fades into the dim, stately background.

Exotic Shorthairs are sometimes described as Persians in pajamas, because they share the Persian's flat face and gentle temperament but have a short, dense coat that is much easier to groom. They tend to be calm, affectionate and fond of quiet routines. Their flat faces do come with considerations. Some Exotics can have breathing difficulties, eye discharge or dental crowding, so wiping around the eyes gently and keeping up with vet visits helps keep them comfortable. A cool environment matters, too, since short-faced cats may not handle heat well.

Wax seals were essential in the early nineteenth century for securing official letters and treaties, and an unbroken seal proved a message had not been tampered with on its journey.

Whatever message this ambassador carries, one thing is clear from that stare: the terms are not up for negotiation.

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