The Exotic Shorthair cat is from the United States.
It is the result of several attempts to improve the American Shorthair and is well known for its round shaped features.
Also known as the "Shorthaired Persian", it will make lovers of Persians, who don't have the time to maintain their fur, very happy.
The Exotic Shorthair cat originated from the United States in the 1950's. At the time, the American Shorthair, a breed derived from the Domestic Shorthair, already existed. But breeders had the idea of creating another breed from the American Shorthair with the aim of having a rounder looking cat.
The first attempt was a crossing between a Persian with green eyes and an American Shorthair. The kittens from this litter showed the same characteristics as the latter, but were more Persian, with the exception their short hair.
In order to fix this mutation, new crossings were made. The Persian, the British Shorthair, the Burmese and the Russian Blue were used to modify the genes of this future breed.
The aim was to have an American Shorthair with the appearance of a Persian, all while avoiding the long haired gene so to make looking after their fur easier.
The Exotic Shorthair was shown for the first time in a feline show in the United States in 1960, and the race was officially recognised in 1967.
This breed is the only hybrid crossing accepted in the US, and the only crossing allowed is the Persian and Exotic Shorthair.
The Exotic Shorthair has a "cobby" type body. Of medium to large size, this breed is characterised by the roundness of its features. Their large body gives the impression of power and robustness, whereas the round head, evokes an impression of softness.
With rather short legs, the Exotic Shorthair is often described as being quite stocky. Their legs end with big, round feet.
Their large and round head forms a dome shape and has a rounded frame. Their cheeks are large and powerful with plentiful and prominent whiskers. The Exotic Shorthair's head can give the impression of being quite squashed. From side-on, the nose and the muzzle are aligned.
Their nose, large and round, must have sufficiently open nostrils so that breathing isn't interfered with.
The Exotic's eyes are also big and round and must be well spaced apart from each other. Breed standard's allow all colors, as long as they match the fur and are as intense as possible.
Their eyes, which are not completely round, are open and the base and quite small. They must be positioned in harmony with their round head.
Their tail is short and thicker at the base, finishing with a rounded tip.
The Exotic Shorthair has a soft and fluffy coat. With a thick undercoat, the coat of this cat is extremely soft. It's shorter than the Persian's coat but still longer than most short-haired cats'.
When they are fully grown, the Exotic Shorthair weighs between 3 and 6 kilos and is around 30 cm in height.
Source : Wikichat
All colors and patterns are allowed according to breed standards. However, colorpoint and white are not permitted.
Nicknamed the "cuddly cat", the Exotic has a very calm and affectionate temperament. They are highly intelligent and love to play.
They are renown for being very easy to live with, but don't like their fur to be messed with too much, despite their nickname.
They don't however like being alone, contrary to their cousin the Persian, and need to be surrounded by their humans.
The Exotic Shorthair tends to gain weight quite easily. It is therefore recommended to give them a suitable diet and keep an eye on their weight. Maybe even go to your vet and find out what they recommend.
This cat is not susceptible to any particular health issues.
An Exotic lives an average 12-15 years.
A weekly brush during molting season should be enough to maintain their soft and silky coat, and avoid skin problems.
As with all cats, it is important to regularly clean their eyes with a specialised lotion.
