Exotic - the Facts Every Owner of This Cat Breed Should Know

In the 1960s a Persian was crossed with a Domestic Shorthair in an attempt to create a Persian with only short hair. The result was today's Exotic, a breed that looks strikingly similar to the Persian, but with less maintenance involved, hence the nickname, 'the lazy man's Persian.' There are long- and shorthaired varieties of Exotic. The coat of a Longhaired is very similar to a Persian. It is very thick and dense, and requires daily grooming, along with regular bathing. The Shorthaired Exotic coat is, well, short. However, that does not mean it does not require some maintenance from the owner.

Though Shorthaired Exotics tend to be able to keep themselves clean via regular grooming, the occasional brushing is recommended to lower the occurrence of fur balls. Both Long- and Shorthaired Exotics are seen in a wide array of colors and both will shed, though not nearly as much as a Persian. Both tend to be of an average size and weight and tend to live around twelve years, though they are not considered mature until approximately two years of age and enter puberty later than other breeds.

Exotics, though loving towards their human families, tend to be aloof. They do not demand much attention or interaction, but, from time to time, will want to enjoy their company. This is accomplished not by tricks or antics but by sitting and waiting patiently while staring to get their point across. This does not mean that Exotics are not playful. They do enjoy the occasional romp around the house and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They do well with children and other pets but some children may not like their independent nature.

The Exotic does have some health concerns. Since it was bred with a Persian, Exotics have flat faces, making their tears prone to overflowing and staining the face. They can also suffer from constricted nostrils (causing them to breathe loudly), dental malocclusions, seborrhea oleosa (itchy, dry skin or hair loss), and polcystic kidney disease. Exotics are also prone to ringworm.

There is a website that has great information on Exotic and most other breeds of cats. It has details that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

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