The perfect Exotic cat would give off the vibe of a heavy-boned, well-balanced sweetheart with an endearing smile and smooth, rounded features. The wide-set eyes in a similarly rounded skull help complete the general appearance. The thick, fluffy coat minimizes the cat’s sharp features and highlights its overall spherical shape.
Personality
While Persians and their kin tend to be calm and collected, Exotics are also rather active and like a good game of “catnip mouse” in between naps. Some claim that the American Shorthair in their bloodline makes Exotics more energetic than Persians. There is no doubt that the Exotic character is, if not an exact match for the Persian, then very similar in its mellowness, loyalty, sweetness, and affection.
They are so curious about what their favorite people are up to that they would follow them around from room to room, discreetly, simply to watch. They adore being held and cuddled, showering their owners with purrs and licks of affection until the weight of their fur makes them want to relax instead on the cool linoleum of the kitchen or the chilly bricks of the fireplace. Short coats mean Exotics’ owners may spend less time on maintenance and more time having fun with their pets.
History
American Shorthair enthusiasts, inspired by the success of the Persian, began sneakily introducing Persian blood into their breed in the late 1950s. Their goals were to strengthen the breed’s body type and transfer the attractive and favored silver Persian color into the American. (American Shorthairs were referred to as Domestic Shorthairs back then and for the next few years, up until 1965.)
The American’s boning became thicker as a result of hybridization; the head became more rounded; the nose became shorter; and the coat became denser and longer. When other American Shorthair breeders saw the changes happening, they were horrified and resolved to stop accepting any Americans that showed evidence of hybridization.
Without the efforts of CFA judge Jane Martinke, Exotic Shorthairs may have gone into cat fancy oblivion; the CFA first recognised the Exotic Shorthair for championship status in 1967. American Shorthair/Persian hybrids were eventually moved by CFA breeders into the Exotic Shorthair category. In the beginning, American Shorthairs weren’t the only ones used by Exotic breeders to introduce the shorthair gene.
The CFA restricted outcrosses as the gene pool grew and the breed’s popularity increased. The CFA stopped allowing any shorthair outcrosses into the Exotic in 1987, reducing the number of allowed outcrosses to just the Persian. The very first Exotic Shorthair to win a grand championship was crowned that year. The Exotic is now one of the most well-liked purebred shorthairs.
Physical Attributes
BODY
Short in the torso and tall in the shoulders and thighs; broad and deep through the chest; enormous through the shoulders and thighs; rounded waist; level back. Strong muscles and no signs of fat. Sizeable or moderately so. The focus should be on quality, not quantity.
HEAD
Big and round, having a wide forehead. Normal facial bone structure is also spherical. Very securely mounted on a short, stocky neck. All areas of the skull, from the top of the break where the forehead begins to the rear of the head and across the width between the ears, should feel smooth and round to the touch without being overly accentuated.
The eyes stand out when viewed from the side, and the profile seems balanced with the nose, forehead, and chin in a straight line. Short, broad, and snub nose with a central “crack” in the middle of the face, usually between the eyes. Having a lot of flesh in one’s cheeks. Muzzle is not too prominent and blends in harmoniously with the cheeks. Complete, well-rounded, and sturdy chin indicative of a healthy bite.
EARS
Tiny and rounded at the tip, with a forward inclination rather than a wide opening. Widely spaced and resting low on the head, they follow the natural curvature of the skull without distorting it.
EYES
Massive and rounded with a lot of meat on the bone. Placed evenly and widely apart, giving the face a kind expression. Highly reflective; eye color varies with coat shade.
ARMS, LEGS, & PAWS
Legs that are short, stocky, and powerful. Stiff front limbs. Looking at the back, the legs appear to be perfectly straight. Big, round, and sturdy paws. Five in front and four in back, toes tucked under.
TAIL
She is short, but her stature is appropriate for her height. Carried straight and slung down below the torso.
COLOR
Patterns and colors of every kind, even those with sharp points.
LONG HAIR AS A COAT
Protruding from the body, long and thick. Smooth and lively with a delicate texture. Prolonged past the shoulders and elsewhere on the body. The ruff is huge, and it extends in a deep frill between your front legs. Tail and ear hairs are lengthy. The brush is comprehensive.
Muffler: Brief Hair
Packed with vitality, density, plushness, and suppleness. Having a dense undercoat that makes it stand out from the rest of the body. Sizeable yet not excessively long. Tolerable length is determined by a well-maintained undercoat.
Disclaimer
While the aforementioned traits may be indicative of this breed, it is important to remember that cats are unique individuals with their own quirks and features. For information about a particular animal, contact the adoption facility directly.
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