Exotic Shorthair : Descendants of the Persians

Exotic Shorthairs developed from the American Shorthair and the Persian cats. The latter breeds were interbred in the United States in the year 1960. They were originally called shorthaired Persians but soon earned a name for themselves. The Cat Fancier’s Association or the CFA officially recognized this cat breed in the year 1966, however, after this recognition, breeders started experimenting with the American Shorthair. They began interbreeding it with other cat breeds such as the Russian Blue and the Burmese. The CFA did not tolerate this and in 1987 ordered that the American Shorthair be interbred only with Persian cats.

The F.I.Fe honored the Exotic Shorthairs a year before the Cat Fancier’s Association decided to protect its existence. They set the standard in identifying this cat breed, making sure that it would not be confused with Persian cats. This cat breed has almost the same type of the body as the Persian cats only with a thicker, denser and shorter coat. Its body is round, compact and has a strong appearance. It has a short and thick neck and round eyes. Its short nose gives this cat breed an expression that is as sweet and cute as a child’s face. This cat breed’s coat is shorter than those of Persian cats but relatively longer than other shorthaired breeds. Their colors, same as Persian cats, could range anywhere from gold, tortoiseshell, blue, tabby to silver.

This cat breed is largely similar to Persian cats when it comes to temperament. An individual who has the desire to care for a Persian but would not have the time to give so much attention to its long hair is perfect for an Exotic Shorthair. This is so true that this breed was even nicknamed as “The Lazy Man’s Persian”. Though the gentleness and the calmness of this cat breed clearly resembles that of the Persian cat, it is so much livelier in disposition compared to its supposedly ancestor. It does not mind playing with other cats and even dogs. It never fails to display a generous amount of playfulness and curiosity, always sneaking around supervising human activity.

An Exotic Shorthair cat is not likely to make a sound even when around humans. It is more listen on human sounds or the noises they make when they are doing some human activity. They always like feeling that they are in the presence of a human, for they feel uncomfortable when they are not. That is why it would often help if the cat is lounges near a television or a radio. Even the smell of a human makes it comfortable enough to relax. Unlike other cat breeds that prefer just being on the floor and being tapped by their masters, this cat breed enjoys being a lap cat tremendously.

Cats are generally affectionate and loyal to their owners. They are seldom unfriendly towards other cats. They may show fright or anger when unfamiliar dogs are around but that is just their survival instincts kicking in. The Exotic Shorthair displays these characteristics too and just like any other cats, shows an immense talent in hunting mouse.