Appearance
The Exotic Shorthair is a cross between a Persian, a longhaired docile cat, and an
American Shorthair, a shorthaired semi-active cat. Exotics have short, plush coats that
are thick and dense. Like Persians, Exotics have chunky bodies with thick, short legs and
tails. They have large heads on short necks. Their eyes are small and rounded and their
cheeks are full. Some Exotics have flat, pushed-in faces. Exotics come in a wide variety
of colors and patterns.
Personality
Exotics are quiet lap cats with more energy than Persians. Exotics still sleep more than
most breeds, however, and they're never destructive. Exotics are great with kids--too
great sometimes. You need to remind young children not to hurt them, because Exotics will
rarely make a fuss, even if they're in pain. If you like the easygoing nature of a
Persian, but don't have time to groom a longhaired cat, an Exotic might be for you.
History
If Exotics are bred true, Exotic to Exotic, for several generations, they become slimmer
with longer legs and faces and bigger ears. Most breeders want them to look short and
stout like Persians, so they outcross (breed) Exotics with Persians every now and then to
maintain the look. However, this gets really confusing when it comes time to register the
outcrossed kittens, because a few Exotic shorthairs will actually have long hair.
(They're Persians, really.) Registries demand these longhaired kittens be registered as
Exotic Shorthairs. Breeders usually wind up selling these kittens as pets for a really
cheap price.
Health
Exotics with short, pushed-in faces suffer health problems such as respiratory and sinus
infections.
