Check Out These Exotic Shorthair Cats
Garfield, the lasagna-loving cartoon cat was said to be inspired by an exotic shorthair cat.
Exotic shorthair cats, also known as exotics, are the result of breeding a Persian with an American shorthair. If you love the look of the Persian cat but don’t want to burden yourself with the daily grooming that is required, the exotic may be the perfect cat for you. Exotic shorthair cats have the look of a Persian but with a short, plush coat that is very easy to care for.
This new breed was first developed in the 1950s in an attempt to bring the Persian’s silver color and green eyes to the American shorthair. The exotic shorthair cat was first referred to as a “Sterling” because of its silver coat color. But as more exotics were bred, other Persian coat colors began creeping in. At first the exotic shorthair cat was seen as controversial, but Persian breeders soon became intrigued with the new breed. Exotic shorthair cats were first recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1967, and today they are recognized by all cat registries.
Exotic shorthair cats are basically a short-haired Persian. They are more lively than the laidback Persian, but for the most part they love to sit in their human’s lap. Affectionate with an easy-going personality, exotic shorthair cats are very undemanding. They are sweet companions that are also very loyal. The breed is playful and intelligent. Exotics will be quite playful and energetic in the kitten stage, but as they grow they will mellow.
Much like a Persian, the exotic shorthair cat prefers to be seen and not heard. These cats are extremely quiet.
Exotic shorthair cats are perfect for singles, families, seniors and multi-pet homes. They get along well with children and cat-friendly dogs. They can do well in either a rural or urban setting. This is one of the most affectionate cat breeds you will ever find. It is not unusual for an exotic shorthair cat to follow you around from room to room.
With its “teddy bear looks” and large expressive eyes, the exotic shorthair is a beautiful breed. This adorable cat has a round head, round eyes and a round body. It has short legs and a compact body.
Their short, plush coat comes in a variety of colors including white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate and lilac. They also come in a variety of patterns including tabby, bicolor and tortoiseshell. They have a short coat that is still very luxurious, and their coat tends to shed very little. You should brush exotic shorthair cats weekly to keep their coats under control. Because of their dense coats, exotic shorthair cats become warm very easily. They like to sleep in cooler areas of the home to help regulate their body temperature.
This is a big cat that can grow up to 15 pounds.
This is a brachycephalic breed, which means that the face is short and broad with a flat muzzle. This can lead to some health problems, such as breathing, sinus and tear duct issues. Also, there can be some problems with tooth alignment because of the shape of the jaw. The breed is also prone to heat sensitivity.
Exotic shorthair cats come in different looks – extreme and traditional. Extreme exotics have a flatter face. Traditional exotics have a face that is not as flat, which means that they suffer from less breathing problems.
The breed also has a pedomorphic appearance, which means that its face maintains its kitten-like expression. This is a very cute cat. Combine that cuteness factor with its playful, easy-going and loveable nature, and the fact that it’s so easy to care for, and you’ll understand why the exotic shorthair cat is one of the top choices for pets.
An exotic can live to be 15 years of age or older.
To learn more about exotic shorthair cats, go to Choosing an Exotic.
To learn more about exotic cats, go to Everything Cat Lovers Need to Know About Exotic Cats.