10 Interesting Facts About Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed

When is a Persian cat not a Persian cat? When it is an Exotic Short hair. This breed is my absolute favorite feline breed.

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #1)

Exotics came to be when American Shorthair breeders wanted to branch out with their cats' markings and coloring. An American shorthair was crossbred to a silver Persian. The result? Ultimately a new breed in 1966 by Jane Martinke. She had initially wanted to cross breed for the coat color and the eye color, however she began to see changes in the basic body structure as well.

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #2)

"Sterling" was the original name considered for this new breed of cat due to the silver color. This new breed resembled Persians with their round face and nose break (flat face). Instead of having the long hair from their Persian line or the short hair of their American shorthair line, the coat was a luscious thick plush coat of fur. (Glad they came up with the name Exotic, aren't you?)

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #3)

Breeders began to "get on board" with this new breed resulting in several breeds being crossbred with Persians. Some breeders crossbred with Burmese, Russian Blues, and Himalayans. The initial litters were then crossbred back to Persians not other shorthaired breeds as the result desired was for a distinctive looking short hair Persian.

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #4)

As the Persian breed became more popular, so did the Exotic sort hair breed. (This was news to me-I have never heard of this breed until I became involved in rescue and one was on need of rescue-since then--- my favorite breed ever!!!)

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #5)

Exotic shorthairs can have long hair!!! Nevertheless, short hair Persians are labeled Exotics. The long hair gene is recessive and can never fully be bred out since the breed began with Persians.

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #6)

Exotics typically keep their tail straight up, as other breeds, including Persians, can hold their tail curved over their back. There tails are thick, resembling sausages. Other short hairs can have slender tails, and a Persians-well there just FLUFFY

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #7)

These felines are more outgoing than Persians, but not as high maintenance as Siamese or Orientals. They are, from what have seen here in rescue, friendlier and smarter than a typical Persian.

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #8)

They shed!!! Now just because they are short hair, does not imply they shed less then a Persian. They tend to clump up rather than mat up; therefore, weekly grooming is necessary.

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #9)

This breed is curious. They are more adventurous than their longhaired ancestors.

Ten interesting facts about the Exotic Short hair breed #10)

This breed is the ultimate lap cat!!! They are not aggressive with their need to be with their person, but rather will look at you for permission and then up they bound, BOUND into your lap. The Persian flat round face amiss thick plush fur is too cute to ignore!!!!