Description: Exotics
Exotic Shorthairs, often referred to simply as 'Exotics,' are a breed recognized for their teddy bear looks and sweet, gentle personalities. Developed as a short-haired version of the Persian, the breed features a similar brachycephalic head and plush body but has a short, easy-to-care-for coat. Their demeanor is calm and affectionate, and they are known for their loyalty to their families. Exotics are often described as having a more active and curious disposition than their Persian counterparts, which makes them moderately playful. They thrive in quiet environments and are excellent companions for those who spend a lot of time at home. Due to their loving nature, Exotics are particularly well-suited for families with children and other pets.
Properties
Exotic cats, commonly referred to as Exotic Shorthairs or simply 'Exotics', are a breed created by crossing the Persian cat with American Shorthairs and other shorthaired breeds. This breeding amalgam produced a cat that features the lovable, laid-back nature of the Persian but with a shorter, easier-to-maintain coat.
The Exotic cat possesses a gentle and calm personality, often displaying characteristics similar to their Persian ancestors. They are known for being affectionate, loyal, and highly sociable, making them excellent companions. Their calm demeanor suits less active households but they equally enjoy playing. They bond well with children and other pets, showing patience and mild temperament. Typically, they are not very vocal, and when they do vocalize, their voices are soft and pleasant.
Physically, Exotics have a robust and sturdy build, with a round head and large, expressive eyes that give them a perpetual look of alertness and curiosity. Their short, dense coat, which comes in various colors and patterns, is plush and soft to the touch. This breed does not require the extensive grooming that Persians do, but regular grooming is advised to keep their coat in good condition.
In terms of health, Exotics share some common genetic conditions with the Persian breed, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome due to their flat faces. Responsible breeding practices are important to minimize these health issues. Generally, with proper care, diet, and regular veterinary checks, Exotic cats can enjoy a lifespan of around 12-15 years, sometimes longer.
Overall, the Exotic cat breed's charm lies in its agreeable combination of appearance, temperament, and care requirements. Their personality makes them ideal for those who desire the majestic aura of a Persian but prefer a cat with fewer grooming demands. This makes them particularly appealing to a wide range of cat enthusiasts, from families with children to older individuals looking for a calm and loving pet companion.
Appearance
Exotic cats, also known as Exotic Shorthairs, are a fascinating breed that combines the luxuriousness of the Persian with the sleek, easy-care coat of the American Shorthair. Recognized for their sweet, round faces and short, plush coats, Exotics are often referred to as the 'lazy man's Persian' because they exhibit a similar temperament and physical appeal with a coat that is easier to maintain.
The most distinctive feature of the Exotic cat is its face; it has a large, round head with full cheeks and a short, broad nose. The nose's break is aligned between the eyes, contributing to their 'pushed in' facial appearance, which is similar to the Persian breed. They possess large, round, and expressive eyes that tend to convey a friendly and open demeanor. Their eyes can come in a variety of colors depending on the coloring of their coat.
Speaking of their coat, Exotic cats boast a thick, plush short hair that has a rich and luxurious feel. It stands out from the body, giving them a much fuller appearance. The variety of coat colors and patterns is vast, ranging from solid colors like white, black, and blue to silver and gold, and also includes tabby, calico, and particolor patterns.
The body of an Exotic is just as robust and well-rounded as their face. They tend to be medium to large in size, with a well-built, muscular physique that supports their active nature. Despite their sturdy build, they are known for their gentle and calm demeanor. Their paws are large, round, and firm, echoing their overall robust structure. The tail of an Exotic is short but proportionate to the body, thick at the base and rounded at the tip.
Overall, the appearance of an Exotic cat tends to evoke a sense of solidity and roundness, with their plush coat and compact body adding to their charm. This breed is well-suited for those who adore the Persian's traits but desire a companion with a lower maintenance coat. Their calm and companionable nature makes them perfect as indoor pets, fitting well into various household environments.
History
The Exotic Shorthair, or simply the 'Exotic,' is a breed of cat that first came into being in the 1950s. It is often considered to be a version of the Persian cat, but with a shorter, more manageable coat. The inception of this breed stemmed from the desire among cat enthusiasts and breeders to have a cat with the temperament and physical appearance of the Persian but with lesser grooming needs.
The history of the development of the Exotic is predominantly centered around the work of American breeders. In the late 1950s and 1960s, these breeders began experimenting by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and, occasionally, other shorthaired breeds such as the Russian Blue and the Burmese, aiming to strengthen the body type and enhance the coat. The initial objective was not to create a new breed but to improve the coat quality of the American Shorthair.
However, by the mid-1960s, the unique qualities of the crossbred animals became appreciated in their own right. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognized them as a new breed, then calling them 'Sterling' due to the silver color many of the cats exhibited. The name was later changed to 'Exotic Shorthair' to better reflect their Persian-like facial features and body type but with a short coat. In 1967, the CFA accepted the Exotic Shorthair as a breed for show competition.
Over the years, selective breeding has emphasized features that are quintessentially Persian – a round head, short face, snub nose, chubby cheeks, small ears, big round eyes, stout body, and a dense, plush coat – but without the long hair that necessitates frequent grooming. The Exotic Shorthair has grown significantly in popularity since its conception, appealing to prospective cat owners who admire the Persian's characteristics but are deterred by its high-maintenance fur.
Today, Exotics retain their reputation as affectionate, calm, and playful companions well-suited to indoor living and often described as having a more active and curious temperament than the Persian. They continue to charm people with their adorable features and comparatively low-maintenance status. Their popularity in recent years is a testament to their appeal to a wide range of cat lovers worldwide, making them a cherished breed in numerous households.