What is the Exotic cat breed?
According to the Cat Fanciers Association...
If you love the look of a Persian, but don’t have time for extensive grooming, there’s a breed designed just for you! The Exotic possesses every characteristic that makes a Persian so appealing—minus the longer-coat challenge! Instead, these adorable cats have luxuriously dense coats that are medium in length and stand off from their bodies, giving them the appearance of a fluffy feline teddy bear. In CFA, they are considered longhair cats because they are structurally identical to a Persian, but they are a bit easier to care for.
History of the breed
Back in the 1950s, several West Coast Persian breeders crossed their cats with American Shorthairs. Since short hair is dominant over long hair, the result was a number of unusually charming shorthaired kittens with the rounded heads, expressive round eyes, and short, cobby bodies associated with Persians. Back then, these hybrids were considered extremely controversial. However, they proved so popular that in 1966, CFA decided to establish them as a breed. Because so many of these new shorthairs were shaded silver or chinchilla—colors which did not, at the time, exist in any shorthair breeds—the name chosen for the new breed was the Exotic Shorthair. The word “Shorthair” caused confusion and was eventually dropped; today the breed is simply known as the Exotic.
Traits of the breed
Once the original cross was made, Exotics were consistently bred back to Persians rather than to their shorthaired ancestors. This explains why there is now practically no difference between the two breeds when it comes to personality and intelligence. Some consider Exotics a bit more active and playful than Persians, perhaps because there is not the same need to train them to sit still for lengthy grooming sessions. Quiet, loyal companions, they are devoted but not intrusive, content to remain close to you without requiring inclusion in your activities.
Endearing and easy going, the Exotic is an adaptable cat that can fit into a new home at any age. This breed is an excellent choice as a pet for young children, and while it may be initially shy with other animals, it soon learns to peacefully coexist with dogs and other cats. Exotics speak to you with their lovely large eyes rather than with their voices; you may hear purrs but meows will be rare.
Physical attributes of the breed
The standard developed for the Exotic was identical to that of the Persian, except for the coat description. So, their bodies are short, substantial and muscular, their heads round and massive with a round underlying bone structure, and they have short snub noses with a deep break centered between the eyes. The plush, dense coat is even in length and has a rich, thick undercoat that helps it stand off from the body. Exotics have been separated into seven competitive divisions, identical to Persians; they are shown as solids, tabbies, silver and golden, parti-color, shaded and smoke, calico and bi-color and in the pointed pattern.
Grooming
In comparison to the Persian, Exotics are heavier (mostly seasonal) shedders, so they do require regular bathing and grooming – but the time commitment is not burdensome. Combing (with a steel or Teflon-coated comb) is needed to manage shedding and keep the coat in good condition. For most of the year, a weekly combing will be sufficient but during shedding season, a bath may be necessary to remove the accumulated undercoat. Mats are uncommon but may occur if the coat is neglected. With their Persian heritage, Exotics tend to be patient and tolerant of both grooming and bathing.