The Exotic cat breed has a plush short coat but the body of a Persian cat. Most associations and registries refer to this breed as the Exotic Shorthair. The Exotic is a thick bodied cat with a rounded, compact and powerful appearance. They have a nice facial expression and smaller ears. The coat may be longer than other shorthair breeds. The tail is short and thick and the eyes are round and large.
Grooming
A weekly brushing can help reduce the incidence of hair balls. Also, the tear duct area under the eyes can be wiped with cloth and water or a commercial preparation to clean tear stains.
Exotic Cat History
The American Shorthair was crossbred with the Persian cat in the 1960s and the Exotic was the result.
The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wildcat, the genus Felis Lybica. This genus is comprised of smaller cats. Cats are thought to have been domesticated with the advent of farming and the storage of grain. The grain attracted rats and other vermin which naturally attracted wild cats. As time evolved, certain of these cats were domesticated for the mutual benefit of both cat and man. The African Wildcat has certain features which is obvious in the housecat of today.
Health
Cats who reside in the house should generally visit the veterinarian yearly, unless health problems are evident. Cats who enjoy the outdoors may need to see the vet as many as four times a year. When you take your cat to the vet, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample so the vet can do a fecal exam to check for internal parasites such as tapeworm, round worm, whip worms and hook worms. The vet will also check for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites.
The vet check should include a dental examination and a cleaning. Cats who are eight years of age or older are considered geriatric and additional blood and urine tests may be necessary to screen for any health problems. At about six months of age, the kitten should also be examined for sexual maturity and decisions about birth control should be made.
Behavioral Traits
This is a lap cat
Like a Persian without the grooming requirements
Takes about two years to mature
They are soft and round
The coat does not tangle or mat
Some terms used to describe the Exotic Cat include gentle, affectionate, docile, good temper, quiet, calm, loyal, playful and clean.
Exotic Cat Registries and Clubs
Exotic Cat Club
Exotic Shorthair Cat Society
Cat Fanciers Association CFA
International Cat Association TICA
The Traditional Cat Association, Inc TCA
Canadian Cat Association CCA
The Australian Cat Federation Inc
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts AACE
American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA
Cat Fanciers Association CFF
United Feline Organization UFO
Cats United International
Kitten Care
Kittens are generally available and the price depends upon bloodlines color and markings. Unlike puppies, kittens should not be separated from their mother until twelve to sixteen weeks of age. Some very important developmental stages occur during this period including emotional, mental and health. Curtailing this development may lead to any number of medical and behavioral problems.
Kittens that are separated from their mother at too young an age often fail to gain weight fast enough, have immune system problems because they have not had enough mothers milk. The may also develop eating and eliminating problems, and can have problems socializing with other cats and with people.
Every cat and kitten is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your cat or kitten. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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