Exotic Shorthair Cat

  Animals

Exotic Shorthair cat can be described as a breed of cat that was developed to be a short-haired version of the Persian. Curious and playful, they are friendly to other cats and dogs, but they don’t like being left alone and need the presence of their owner.

They tend to show more affection and loyalty than most breeds and make excellent lap cats. Their calm, steady nature makes them ideal apartment cats for city dwellers.

The cross, which had originally been intended to bring the Persian’s striking silver color and green eyes to the American Shorthair, was controversial at first, but Persian breeders became intrigued by the new look and began to cooperate in the development of what became known as the Exotic.

exotic shorthair KittenThe Cat Fanciers Association recognized the breed in 1967 and called it the Exotic.

shorthair-cat

In some other associations, it’s known as the Exotic Shorthair to differentiate it from the Exotic Longhairs that sometimes appear in Exotic litters and are considered by some associations as a breed unto themselves.

The International Cat Association recognized the breed as the Exotic Shorthair in 1979.

The Exotic is often nicknamed “the lazy man’s Persian.” Comb the Exotic twice a week to remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny and healthy. A monthly bath is a good idea. Be sure to blow-dry the cat thoroughly.

Excessive tearing can be a problem in this breed, so wipe the corners of the eyes clean daily to prevent under-eye stains from forming. Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing.

For pet owners expecting the behavior of domesticated dogs and cats, exotic cats might seem like ‘challenging’ animals. The differences between owning exotic cats and the typical domesticated cat is much like comparing a sky diver to a golf player.

However, for more adventurous pet owners, with the right income, living situation, and permits (or laws not regulating the ownership of the animal), they can be exceptionally rewarding.

LEAVE A COMMENT

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.