Exotic Cat
Cat Facts
The Exotic Cat or Exotic Shorthair cat is the ideal cat for cat lovers who adore the Persian cat, but not the grooming - it really is a lazy man's Persian. This 'teddy bear' cat is generally described as a well-balanced cat, being heavily boned with soft round lines. Their rich, short and thick coat, stands away from body which accentuates their 'roundness'.
The Exotic's body is cobby - medium in size and carried low to the ground. With massive shoulders, broad chest, powerful muscles and large bones, this is no featherweight. Its neck is short and substantial and the legs are strong, short, straight and thick. The tail is short and thick, but in proportion to the body and carried low. The head is described as massive and round and complimented by full, round cheeks and short rounded muzzle. A distinctive feature is its short snub nose and nostrils that are open and broad to assist with air flow. The chin is strong, well developed and rounded and the jaw is broad and powerful. The eyes are large, round and well spaced which gives them a very sweet expression. Eye color should be brilliant, pure and deep and the most common color is copper and gold. In the Chinchilla the eyes are green and white cats generally have blue eyes. The Exotic cat breed has small, widely spaced ears that tilt forward and set low on the head. The ears are well furnished with hair on the inside and out. The Exotic Shorthair coat is generally considered to be slightly longer than a normal shorthair cat. The coat is fluffy, dense, soft and very plush. Their thick hair stands away from the body accentuating their roundness. All coat colors and patterns are recognized. As the breed standard for this cat and the Persian are the same (except for the coat length), take a look at Persian Cats colors for the array of colors to be found in the Exotic.
Personality and Temperament
These cats are sweet-natured, easy-going cats. They are undemanding and have soft, quiet voices which they use sparingly. Whilst placid and tranquil, they are described as been livelier than the Persian cat. The Exotic cat is quite playful at times and can be most curious too. The Exotic Shorthair cat enjoys the company of other cats and dogs, but prefers the company of their humans. They do prefer a tranquil environment, but do not enjoy solitude - they need to know that their loving human is close by. These cats will shower you with affection and love. They enjoy nothing more than a warm lap and gentle petting. The Exotic Shorthair adapts well to apartment living, provided they are not left alone.
Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Information
Would they suit a home with Children? Yes, most cats are child friendly, but cats need to be handled gently and tail and ear pulling is a no-no! Are they Pet Friendly? Yes, the Exotic Cat is tolerant of other cats and dogs.
What is the Ideal Home for the Exotic Cat? The Exotic cat breed adapts well to apartment living. Like all cats, they do love the freedom of an enclosed, safe, escape-proof garden. They do prefer a tranquil environment. These cats need a home where they have company the better part of the day. Cat Grooming and Cat Care The Exotic Shorthair cat is a medium maintenance cat breed. Its fur does not matt and tangle like the Persian and does not require daily grooming - hence the term the 'Lazy Man's Persian'. Whilst their fur needs less grooming than the Persian cat, they still require weekly brushing. Your cat's eyes will need to be cleaned daily with a veterinary recommended eye-wash and its face needs to be wiped once a day to remove the stains produced from the reddish-brown tears. For complete cat care take a look at the chapter on cat eye care. Exotic Shorthair Health Concerns The Exotic, like the Persian has a short, wide head and flat-face which is known as brachycephalic. As a result of this, it may also suffer from: - breathing problems,
- difficulty in eating
- and their eyes produce persistent tearing due to kinked tear ducts.
The inherited kidney disorder, PKD (polycystic kidney disease), causes kidney failure. Reputable cat breeders do regular screening so this disease can be identified and carriers eliminated from breeding programs Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia, which is a congenital pericardial condition, is common in the Exotic Shorthair and Persian cat. Cat insurance for your cat is recommended. Cat Nutrition Do look for special Persian/Exotic kibbles if you plan to feed your cat a dry cat food diet. For tips and advice on cat nutrition visit the chapter on cat food. What is the average weight of an Exotic Shorthair Cat? The male cats are heavier than the female cats. Their average weight is between 3.0 - 6.5 kg (6.6- 14.3 lbs) What is the Life Span of the Exotic Cat? These domestic cats have a medium to long life expectancy of 12+ years. You can extend your cat's life - find out more about this in our chapter on how long do cats live.
Related Cat Pages: Exotic Shorthair Cat - the origin and history of the breed Exotic Short Hair Cat Breeders - international breeder's directory Exotic Cat Photos - beautiful pictures of cute cats and kittens
Cat Pictures Courtesy of: Top & Bottom: Exotic Shorthair - Dreamstime © Theresa Fouche Photography Center: L'Exquisite Absolut Black Exotic male kitten Owner/breeder: Brenda Neukircher
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