Exotic Shorthair
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United States
About the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium to large-sized cat breed originating from the United States. Discover its distinctive characteristics and traits.
Overview
The Exotic Shorthair is a breed of cat developed as a short-haired version of the Persian . The Exotic is similar to the Persian in appearance with the exception of the short dense coat.
Health
Like the Persian the Exotic Shorthair is a brachycephalic breed, meaning that it has problems as a result of having the nose and eyes in close proximity to each other, giving the appearance of a pushed-in face. Some conditions common in the Exotic Shorthair are listed below. In a review of over 5,000 cases of urate urolithiasis the Exotic Shorthair was significantly under-represented, with only one of the recorded cases belonging to an Exotic Shorthair.
History
In the late 1950s, the Persian was used as an outcross by some American Shorthair breeders. This was done in secret in order to improve their body type, and crosses were also made with the Russian Blue and the Burmese . The crossbreed look gained recognition in the show ring, but unhappy American Shorthair breeders successfully produced a new breed standard that would disqualify American Shorthairs that showed signs of crossbreeding . One American Shorthair breeder who saw the potential of the Persian/American Shorthair cross proposed and eventually got the Cat Fanciers'' Association judge and American Shorthair breeder Jane Martinke to recognize them as a new breed in 1966, under the name Exotic Shorthair. In 1987, the Cat Fanciers'' Association closed the Exotic to shorthair outcrosses, leaving Persian as the only allowable outcross breed.
Appearance
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium to large-sized breed, closely resembling the Persian in overall build. It has a large, round head with prominent full cheeks and large round eyes that contribute to its distinctive expression. The ears are small, rounded at the tips, and set low on the head, enhancing the breed''s broad, rounded appearance. The tail is relatively short in proportion to the body, maintaining the breed''s compact and balanced silhouette. Just like the British Shorthair and the Persian the Exotic Shorthair comes in all different colour variations.
Recognition
The Exotic has steadily gained popularity among cat fanciers with the help of the devoted advocates of the breed who saw the value in a Persian and Shorthair crossbreed.
Longhair Exotics
Because of the regular use of Persian as outcrosses, some Exotics may carry a copy of the recessive longhair gene. When two such cats mate, there is a 1 in 4 chance of each offspring being longhaired. Longhaired Exotics are not considered Persians by the Cat Fanciers'' Association, although The International Cat Association accepts them as Persians. Other associations like the American Cat Fanciers Association register them as a separate Exotic Longhair breed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Exotic Shorthair?
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium-sized cat with a sturdy build and short, dense coat. They have a flat face, a short nose, and large, wide-set eyes. They are known for their calm and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice as a companion cat.
Is the Exotic Shorthair a good family cat?
The Exotic Shorthair is generally a good choice for families with older children, as they are gentle and patient. However, their flat face and short nose can make breathing difficult, so they may not be suitable for very active families or households with young children who may accidentally knock them over.
What health problems do Exotic Shorthairs have?
Exotic Shorthairs are prone to brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties, and urate urolithiasis, a condition that causes kidney stones. They may also be at risk for eye problems, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, due to their large, wide-set eyes.
How much does a Exotic Shorthair kitten cost?
The cost of an Exotic Shorthair kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a pet-quality Exotic Shorthair kitten can cost between $600 and $1,200, while a show-quality kitten can cost upwards of $2,000.