Breeders crossed the American Shorthair with the Persian in the United States around 1960. Thus were born shorthaired Persians, called Exotic Shorthairs and recognized by the C.F.A in 1966. During the breeding program, crosses were also made with the Russian Blue and the Burmese. Since 1987, the only allowable outcross breed is the Persian. The F.I.Fe. recognized the Exotic Shorthair in 1986. They have nearly the same body as the Persian, but a thick, dense short coat. They appeal to people who like the personality of a Persian but do not want the hassle of grooming a long-haired cat. They are also known as "The Lazy Man's Persian."

Feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Exotic shorthairs as is the case of Persians and other Persian derived cats have a high chance of inheriting PKD, a disease that can lead to kidney failure. Several studies using ultrasound scan screening have shown that the prevalence of PKD in exotics is between 40 and 50% in developed nations.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Origin

During the 1950's American Shorthair breeders decided to cross their cats with Persian's. The Persian breed had become increasingly popular and breeders recognised that they could potentially create American Shorthairs with better body types and that they may also inherit the beautiful silver colour in their fur. Like Persians, the hybrids were popular at shows - their heads had become rounder, their noses shorter and there fur longer and silkier.

Other American Shorthair breeders were angry at the changes and thought it was unfair to allow them into the American Shorthair category. The hybrid shorthairs were almost disallowed but then one of the CFA judges Jane Martinke suggested they should compete in their own category. The name Exotic Shorthair was chosen for the hybrid cats and in 1967 the CFA awarded the breed championship status. The breed is now accepted by many registries including the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) - the UK's largest cat registry.

Exotic Shorthairs had a slow start but now they are one of the more popular breeds worldwide. Their sweet affectionate nature makes them a joy to be around, a great human companion and a wonderful pet.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Appearence

Exotic Shorthairs are wonderful shorthaired versions of the Persian. The Exotic has a compact, rounded, powerfully-built body with a short, thick " linebacker " neck. Its large round eyes, short snub nose, sweet facial expression, and small ears give it a highly neotenic appearance that some people may consider cute. Everything about the Exotic should suggest roundness.

Head: Round, massive. Very broad skull. Rounded forehead. Round, full cheeks. Short, broad, round muzzle. Short, broad nose with pronounced stop. Strong chin. Broad, powerful jaws.

Ears: Widely spaced and well-furnished with hair on the inside. Small and set far apart, and have rounded tips, giving the cat a teddy bear look.

Eyes: Large, round, full and brilliant in colour, set far apart giving a sweet expression to the face. Eye colour should be relevant to the coat colour and can be vivid blue, cooper, green, blue-green, yellow, gold, amber or odd eyed.

Neck: Short and thick.

Body: Medium in size, cobby , low to the ground. Broad chest. Massive shoulders. Large-boned, powerful muscles. Weight: 3,5 - 6 kilogram.

Paw: Short, straight, and large. Round, large paws. Tufts of hair between the toes are desirable.

Tail: Short, thick, carried low. Rounded tip.

The Exotic is sometimes called the "lazy man's Persian", as it has the same body and head type, but without the daily grooming requirements.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Colors and Coats

Acceptable coats include all pattern markings of a Persian and also the pointed pattern resembling the Himalayan breed. the breed comes in all 96 colours of the Persian, these include black, white, cream, blue, himalayan and tortoiseshell with the appropriately matched eye colour. Coat is dense, plush, with a thick undercoat, in a wide array of colors and patterns, including pointed. Their wonderful coats require much less combing than a Persian's and will not mat or tangle.

The Exotic Shorthair Temperament

The Exotic Shorthair has a gentle and calm personality reminiscent of the Persian, but it is livelier than his longhaired ancestor. Exotics have a quiet, endearing nature whose voices are seldom heard. The Exotic is an ideal breed that produces a quiet, sweet, peaceful and loyal companion.

Exotic Shorthairs tend to be more exuberant and energetic than their Persian counterparts. Some assert that cross-breeding with the American Shorthair has given them a more lively, boisterous, mischievous side, and many stay playful even into old age. However, like Persians, they also tend to be gentle and easy going.

Curious and playful, it is friendly to other cats and dogs. It doesn't like being left alone, and needs the presence of its owner (or of voices or smells reminiscent of its master-such as a radio kept on). They tend to show more affection and loyalty than most breeds and make excellent lap cats. Their calm and steady nature makes them ideal apartment cats for city dwellers. Nonetheless, Exotics retain some of the energetic spark of their American Shorthair forbears and they are often capable mouse hunters.

In general, they are extremely affectionate. Very responsive to humans and human emotions, this breed has inherited their very tame, docile personality and gentle ways and soft voice from their Persian ancestors. They are sweet-tempered pets who enjoy sitting on laps and the refined comforts of home. The easygoing nature of the Exotic allows it to fit into the home at any age. Exotic owners couldn't ask for more from their adorable, peaceful and intelligent companions.