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Exotic Shorthair

Nickname: Zot
Country of Origin: United States

Breed Profile

Coat Length: Shorthair (shown in the longhair section in some countries)

Temperament: Loyal companion, quiet, playful, placid, affectionate, gentle, calm

Coat: Dense, plush, medium length fur, soft coat, easier to groom than the coat of a Persian, coat stands well out from the body

Colours: Wide variety of colours available, eye colour corresponds to coat colour

Head: Round massive head, short snub broad nose with a break between the eyes, fully developed cheeks, short thick neck, large round eyes, small wide-set ears rounded at the tips

Body: Heavily boned, well balanced cat, short cobby body, low set with short thick legs, broad deep chest, large round paws, short thick tail with a rounded tip, in proportion to the body (not as bushy as a Persian tail)

Grooming: Regular brushing and combing will keep the coat in good condition and reduce shedding

Litter Size: Four kittens is average

Common Faults: Flat or uneven coat, short or deformed tail, small head, eyes that contrast with the coat colouring

Exotic Longhairs

When two Exotic Shorthairs are mated, they may produce longhaired kittens, called 'Exotic Longhairs' by the CFA but considered Persian by most other cat registries. Externally, they look like Persians.

Disease Predispositions

Entropion [1]
- turning inward of the eyelids

Epiphora [1]
- eye discharge, overflow of tears down the face - due to narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct

Polycystic Kidney Disease [1,2]
- slowly progressive kidney disease resulting in multiple cysts in the kidneys
- autosomal dominant inheritance

Sinus Problems [1]

Breeders

Exotic Breeders Directory

Web Links

Breed Standards:
CFA Exotic Standard
NZCF Exotic Standard (included in the Persian standard)
TICA Exotic Standard (included in the Persian standard)

Cat Clubs:
Exotic Cat Club (UK)
Exotic Shorthair Cat Society (UK)

References

1. Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

2. Beck C, Lavelle RB, "Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease In Persian And Other Cats: A Prospective Study Using Ultrasonography", Australian Veterinary Journal, 79 (3), March 2001, p181-184

Blood DC & Studdert VP, Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, Great Britain: W.B. Saunders & Co, 1999

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997

Taylor D, The Ultimate Cat Book, Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley, 1989

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