WHAT ARE EXOTICS?
The Lazy Man's Persian
The Exotic Shorthair is a breed of cat developed to be a short-haired version of the Persian. The Exotic is similar to the Persian in every way, including temperament and conformation, a flat nose and face, except the Exotic has a short dense coat (actually a medium length coat). For busy people who like the look of a Persian but don’t have time for the daily grooming demands, the Exotics are the best kept secret of the cat fancy. The Exotic coat is unique to the breed and gives them a soft, rounded, teddy bear look. Their wonderful coat requires much less combing than a Persian’s and will not mat or tangle. Because of the ease of grooming for this special breed, Exotics are sometimes affectionately referred to as the lazy man’s Persian. We occasionally have Exotic Longhair kittens that look exactly like the Persian Cat; there is no difference that the eye can see.
When a cat fancier breeds Exotics, long haired kittens can result. This is because the long hair gene is recessive. In most registering associations, the long haired kittens that result from breeding Exotics and Persians are registered and shown as Persians. For many years this wasn't true for those registered in CFA. These Persians from Exotic parentage were registered as Exotic Longhairs and were not eligible to be shown. However, as of February 2009, Persians born from Exotic parentage are registered as Exotic Longhair but shown in CFA as Persians.
The Exotic Shorthair Cat is an ideal breed that produces a quiet, sweet, peaceful and loyal companion. They are easy- going and not much seems to disturb them. In general, they are extremely affectionate. They quietly beg for your attention by just sitting in front of you with an irresistible look focused on your eyes. They will jump in your lap to curl up for a nap or push their wet nose right into your face. Some like to sit on your shoulder and hug you when you pet them. They may or may not sleep with you as some prefer cooler places like the bricks on the hearth or the tiled floor. An Exotic is very comfortable to have in your home. They give you privacy and are not constantly demanding attention. They are playful and fun loving. They will jump until exhausted trying to catch a toy on a stick, or they will sit and carefully study how to get the toy down from the top of the bookcase where it was placed when you stopped playing with them.
The easy going nature of the Exotic allows it to fit into your home at any age. Exotics stay playful as adults and bring pleasure for many years. All things considered, the Exotic is a wonderful addition to any family. Adorable to look at, peaceful and clean, what more could you ask for the perfect pet. The Exotic Shorthair is really the “best of two worlds.”
Pricing on Exotics usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/ premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life. (Taken from the Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. Website)
