Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair History
- A relative newcomer to the world of cat breeds, the Exotic came about by accident when breeders mated American Shorthairs with Persians in the early 1960s.
- The originally proposed name for this new breed was to be Sterling due to their beautiful silver color, but the term, Exotic, was accepted instead.
- In 1967, the Exotic was formally recognized as a breed by the Cat Fanciers Association and is now accepted in every major cat breed registry in the shorthaired variety.
Exotic Shorthair Behavior Concerns
- Mellow and calm temperament, best suited for quiet households and apartment dwellings.
- A perfect breed for active people who like the look of Persians but don't have time to deal with the high grooming needs.
- Politely seeks attention of its favorite people.
- Males tend to be more interactive with people than the more aloof females.
- Very quiet, emitting occasional squeaky meows.
- Enjoys nesting on laps and occasionally, perching on shoulders.
- Moderate in ability to learn basic commands and tricks.
Look of Exotic Shorthairs
- Bred to bring out the best Persian traits.
- Sport teddy-bear looks with huge round eyes, flat noses and tiny ears.
- Body is compact, rounded and sturdy.
- Coat is shorthaired and tends to be mat-free.
- Its original color was silver, but the most popular colors are bi-color, red tabby and brown tabby.
Grooming Exotic Shorthair Cats
- Likes to maintain a coat free of tangles and mats.
- Requires less grooming than Persians - weekly brushing should suffice.
- Due to its flat face, the Exotic is prone to overflowing tears that lead to staining under the eyes.
Suggested Nutritional Needs for Exotic Shorthair
Please consult with your veterinarian about the type of diet and amount to feed your cat during their different life stages. Different breeds may have greater risk of obesity based upon their diet, metabolism and age. Thus, your veterinarian is your best source for information on this topic.
Fun Facts of Exotic Shorthairs
- Also known as the "Lazy Man's Persian" because its shorter coat requires less maintenance than the most popular breed.
- This breed remains playful well into its adult years.
