The Exotic cat was created by crossing a Persian and an American Shorthair. The cross was originally intended to improve the Persians' coat, but the results disappointed breeders. However, these cute, thick-pawed little bears immediately won the hearts of both ordinary people and breeders. In 1967, these "thick-pawed wonders" received universal recognition and a breed name—Exotic. In 1980, the Exotic Shorthair was fully legalized.
Exotic Shorthair cat – photo and description
The Exotic kitten was first bred in the United States of America, which is considered the birthplace of the Exotic Shorthair cat.
Although the breed's "ancestors" include, in addition to Persians, American Shorthairs, Exotics are nothing like them. has much in common with the Persian breed, which is why it is sometimes called Persian-exotic.
But despite the enormous similarity, the Exotic breed is still different from the Persians.
The main characteristics of an exotic cat:
The head is round and medium-sized: a snub nose, a “flattened” muzzle, drooping cheeks, large, wide-set and very expressive eyes, small ears “looking” downwards.- The body is medium-sized and strong-boned. From the outside, the exotic's body resembles a square.
- The tail is small.
- The limbs are neither short nor long (medium), quite strong.
- The color, as with Persians, can be different - either solid (cream, white, black), or two or three shades, with spots (point, tabby) of varying sizes.
- The coat is plush, soft, and short. There is an undercoat.
The head is round and medium-sized: a snub nose, a “flattened” muzzle, drooping cheeks, large, wide-set and very expressive eyes, small ears “looking” downwards.The average lifespan of Exotic Shorthair cats is about 15 yearsWeight: from 4 to 7 kg, depending on size, which can also vary.
Character and external features of the breed
By nature, Exotic cats are very sweet, calm, and quiet. They make ideal "neighbors"—philosophers who never lose their balance. According to the owners of these sweet "teddy bears," Exotics generally don't show their emotions and carefully conceal them. Representatives of this breed rarely meow: they live by the principle: silence is golden.
Exotics hate loneliness They are very attached to their owners, but they also have an independent and proud nature. This is one of the most difficult breeds for people to understand. Owners who buy a kitten of this breed for fun may soon encounter behavioral problems instead of a toy. While cats cannot command respect, they will always find a way to get revenge on their owners for not treating them seriously.
Exotics, like Persians, love to sleep on their owners, and they happily cuddle and snuggle. When you return from work, they happily greet you at the door.
However, they are still cats, so they are no strangers to feline "activities": they too sometimes enjoy "having fun"—running, playing, and "going mouse hunting." Exotic Shorthairs are very peaceful, rarely displaying aggression, and therefore get along well with other pets (rodents, birds, etc.). This balanced nature makes the breed ideal for apartment living.
According to the immutable law of breeders, a real exotic must have a cute faceIf a kitten is born with a disgruntled face, it means the breeder made a mistake in breeding.
There are many factors that influence an angry expression. The main ones are:
- the shape of the nose and its position;
- general proportions of the "face": the structure of the chin and cheeks, the shape of the eyes and the distance between them.
Ideally, the nose should be small in size and in line with the center of the exotic's wide-set eyes.
Health
Exotics are a long-lived breed (living for over 14 years), but like Persians, they are prone to respiratory health issues. Due to their short noses, these cats difficulty breathing is observed, and dental and jaw deformities. Severe brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome can cause changes in the shape of the trachea, larynx, and nose, making breathing difficult. Animals diagnosed with this condition should be regularly examined by specialists; in advanced stages, surgery may be necessary.
Overheating, obesity, stress, and various infections can exacerbate the syndrome. If you notice your pet snoring, take them to the veterinarian and try to avoid these factors.
Another problem with short-nosed cats is excessive tear production. Due to the specific structure of their faces, the tear ducts become deformed and malfunction. As a result, the animal's eyes require daily care, which involves rinsing the eyes and the surrounding fur with a cotton swab soaked in warm boiled water. Afterward, the treated area should be dried with a dry cloth. Neglecting this can lead to serious illnesses such as conjunctivitis and dermatitis.
Exotics are predisposed to kidney disease, particularly polycystic kidney disease, caused by the development of cysts on the kidneys. Additionally, Exotic cats are susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to sudden death at a young age. Overall, the breed is quite robust and hardy, enjoying excellent health, inherited from the American Shorthair.
Care
Like all other cats, exotics need teeth cleaning and oral cavity. You can visit a specialized clinic for this procedure or do it yourself at home. Your pet should be bathed every 2.5–3 months and brushed once a week. During shedding season, bathe more frequently and brush twice a day. Your pet should have a veterinary checkup every 6 months, and keep up to date with vaccinations.
Price
The average price of an exotic kitten is 7000-50 thousand rublesKittens from professional catteries sell for much more than from breeders. The price depends on factors such as training, color, purity, and whether the kitten is housebroken and potty trained.
A pet is a full-fledged member of the family who needs care, love and attention.
