The Exotic cat breed is result of a cross between the American Shorthair and the Persian done in the United States around 1960. The Exotic Shorthair was recognized by CFA in 1966. Crosses were also made with the Russian Blue and the Burmese during the breeding program, however, since 1987; the only allowable outcross breed is the Persian. They have almost the same body as the Persian, but a thick, dense short coat. These cats appeal to people who like the personality of the Persian, but do not want the chores of grooming a long-haired cat. They have become known as “The Lazy Man’s Persian.”
The following appearance description is offered to help you decide if the Exotic cat breed is for you, your family and lifestyle.
Appearance Description
• Identical to the Persian in every way, except for coat length
• Luxurious coat shorter than Persians
• The coat is medium in length and does not resemble coats of any other short-haired cat
• There is no ruff around the neck and no feathery hair on the tail
• The fur is a little shorter on the face and on the legs, but otherwise even all over
• Its texture should not be silky or wiry, but should be medium soft
• The coat has to be dense, like the winter coat of a bear or a mountain goat
• The Exotic’s type of coat does not exist in any other cat breed, it is strictly the result of combining Persians and Shorthairs
• Just about any coat color that occurs naturally in the cat can also be found in the Exotic and almost all of them can be registered and shown
• Exotics tend to follow the popularity trend of the Persians
• Since 1990s, bicolor and calico Persians have become quite popular and numerous
• White combined with black and red, or brown tabby, or blue makes for a very stunning cat
• Colors range from solid black to lynx point, from copper-eyed white to spotted chocolate tabby, from brown classic tabby to lilac smoke
• Most common colors seen are blue, black, cream or red, tortoiseshell and tabby
• A few Exotics are shown with the Himalayan color pattern
• There are rarely ever smokes
• The first Exotic to become a Grand Champion was shaded silver. Silvers are extremely rare.
The following personality description is offered to help you decide if the Exotic cat breed is for you, your family and lifestyle.
Personality Description
• Quiet nature as the Persian
• Not much of their personality is the Shorthair
• Docile and affectionate
• If introduced to a home with dogs and children, they adjust easily and quickly and become loving playmates
• They are not destructive
• They do not climb curtains or chew blankets and they rarely use their claws
• Can be easily trained NOT to jump on the kitchen counter or dining-room table
• They are not over demanding for your attention
• They are content to sit in a window and watch the world go by and just meditate or doze all day while you are away
• They are outgoing and friendly, however, may approach strangers with caution
• Nocturnal animals by nature, most active in the evening and in the early morning in which they are playful and extremely busy
• They have the ability to entertain themselves for hours with simple toys such as a piece of paper or a ball
• Enjoy their food tremendously
Grooming Tips
• A quality steel comb is about all that is needed
• Coat generally does not mat or tangle, however, a brief but thorough combing once or twice a week is recommended
• During shedding time, daily combing may be necessary
• A good, cat-safe, tearless pet shampoo works well
Follow the link in the resource box of this article to find pictures and more information about many different breeds of cats.
Written by: Connie Limon. Visit “Adopting Kittens” at http://smalldogs2.com/AdoptingKittens to find a complete online reference for choosing and caring for the perfect kitten, which matches you and your lifestyle. Learn about litter box training at http://smalldogs2.com/LitterBoxTraining
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved Connie Limon