Exotic Shorthair
Some Advantages
- Gentle and affectionate
- Has an adorable “teddy bear” look
- Adaptable to other pets and gentle kids
- Very quiet meow
- Doesn’t require much exercise – well suited to apartment living
- Needs less grooming than the Persian
Some Challenges
- Does require regular brushing
- Prefers a quiet and harmonious environment
- Prone to congenital health problems
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Exotic Shorthair
Physical Characteristics
Size
Medium/large
Coat
Shorthair
Colors
Wide variety of colors including white, blue, black, red, cream, lilac, chocolate, silver, golden, tortoiseshell, and many others
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Exotic Shorthair
Personality
The Persian is the most popular breed in America, but it’s no secret that the Persian needs intensive daily grooming to maintain that long and lustrous coat. For busy people who like the look of a Persian but don’t have time for the daily maintenance, the Exotic Shorthair is the ideal choice. The Exotic is nearly identical to its Persian forebear in every way with one very special exception: the Exotic’s short coat is thick, dense and plush, tending not to mat or tangle, which means it requires far less grooming than a Persian’s. For this reason, Exotics are affectionately known as the lazy man’s Persian.
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Exotic Shorthair
History and General Information
History and Origin
The Exotic Shorthair is a wonderful shorthaired relative of the Persian, a man-made breed resulting from the cross of the Persian with the American Shorthair and other shorthaired cats. In the early 1960s, American Shorthair breeders originally began using Persians as outcrosses in an attempt to strengthen their type. However, the resulting kittens were unique and looked decidedly different than they had expected.
The Exotic, as it came to be called, has the distinctive flat face, stocky body and tiny little meow of the Persian, but instead of the long luxurious fur, this breed’s coat has an irresistibly dense, plush teddy-bear look. As a result, the breed gained rapidly in popularity and was awarded its own distinct category in the late 1960s. A little livelier and more playful than the Persian, the Exotic shares many of the Persian's gentler personality features.
Grooming requirements
Relatively carefree (at least compared to the Persian), this breed still requires regular grooming to keep dead hair from clogging the coat, and to keep shedding under control.
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Exotic Shorthair
Health
Health Ailments
The Exotic Shorthair is a fairly sturdy breed, but subject to the same medical concerns as the Persian. At the top of the list are problems associated with an asymmetrical jaw, which can affect the cat's ability to bite and eat properly, and can also lead to dental problems. Other potential health issues to watch for are sinus, tear duct and eye problems.
Most other health problems associated with this breed are caused by careless breeding, excessive inbreeding, or overbreeding for the extreme. Selecting a qualified breeder or buying from a reputable pet store can help eliminate many of these health problems. Maintaining your cat’s proper weight and grooming requirements will also help insure its good health, along with regular checkups at the vet.
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Exotic Shorthair
Community
Your Exotic Shorthair
Send us pictures and stories about your Exotic.
Exotic Shorthair Discussion Groups
Get tips from other Exotic Shorthair lovers – and submit a few ideas of your own.
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