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Baroque oil portrait of a cream Exotic Shorthair cat in a green velvet coat with gold epaulettes and a white lace cravat. 2 / 25

His Lordship Was Dressed for the Hunt. The Cat Had Better Plans.

AI imageexotic shorthaircat portraithuntsman

Round face, copper eyes, and a perpetually unimpressed frown: this cream Exotic Shorthair makes a surprisingly commanding royal huntsman. His coat is green velvet with gold embroidery curling up the chest, a gold epaulette on one shoulder, and a froth of white lace at the throat. Behind him the background fades into a dark, cracked brown, as if the canvas has been aging in a hunting lodge for generations.

You can almost read his thoughts. He has been asked to pose, he has agreed, and he would like the sitting finished before the afternoon nap. Even the way the gold buttons catch the light seems to say that he has plenty of dignity and no intention of hurrying. The fine cracks running across the paint only add to the feeling that he has been staring down visitors for centuries.

Exotic Shorthairs are often described as the easygoing cousins of Persians. They have the same flat face and plush look, but the short, dense coat needs less grooming, though a weekly brush still keeps it tidy. They are usually calm, affectionate, and happy to be indoor companions. Because of their short noses, some can have tear-stained faces or breathing quirks, so wiping the face gently and keeping up with vet visits is a good habit. Hot rooms are best avoided.

As far as hunting goes, the only thing this gentleman is likely to pursue is a sunbeam on the best sofa cushion.

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