General Description

The Exotic Shorthair is a shorthair cat with Persian 'type'. They are shown in the Persian (Longhair) Section at GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) cat shows. They are a relatively new breed in the UK with many admirers, and are a happy, healthy and mischievous breed. With an easily maintained coat they have quickly established themselves as both a striking show cat and a loving pet.

Exotic beginnings.....

For many years, British Shorthair breeders had occasionally mated their British cats to Longhairs in order to improve the bone, body shape, eye colour etc. The subsequent kittens from these matings were usually too 'over-typed' or with a too soft and long coat to show them as British Shorthairs. They were nevertheless very attractive with a look of their own.

Some breeders wanted to maintain this different 'look' and decided to develop a 'new' breed by breeding from these kittens and so the Exotic Shorthair in the UK arrived! In 1983, the Exotic Cat Club was formed and in May of 1984, the Exotic Shorthair Cat Society was founded. These two Clubs are the main Exotic breed Clubs within the GCCF, provide help and guidance to owners, exhibitors and breeders both directly and through their membership of the Exotic Breed Advisory Committee.

This recognition came in 1986 when the GCCF awarded Preliminary Recognition to the breed. Championship status was obtained in 1995, and now Exotics are among the top show winners in the UK.

For more information about Registration Policies, Standards of Points, qualified Judges, go to the Exotic Breed Advisory Committee (BAC) website at http://www.exoticbac.co.uk/.

Temperament

Exotic cats make ideal pets for owners who want a gentle affectionate lap cat. Good quality Exotic kittens are big and sturdy, and very well advanced at twelve weeks old. Their temperament is gentle but playful and full of life loving to be with people.

Special Requirements

Feeding: For a kitten’s first full year, the Exotic kitten needs a greater amount of high-quality protein for growth than it will require in adulthood. At least 30 to 40 per cent of a kitten's diet should be protein. Select a kitten formula designed to meet this extra need and follow the feeding guidelines laid down by the manufacturer. The breeder of the kitten should also be able to offer advice on feeding your new kitten, as well as your vet. Kittens require more frequent feedings, but in smaller quantities, than adult cats. Adult cats need enough nutrients, fibre and protein to satisfy their appetites, yet prevent them from becoming obese, so choose a suitable food formulated for adult maintenance.

Senior cats that are less active often require fewer calories and so their diet may be altered to cater for this. At that stage you should consult your vet when considering a "senior" formula cat food. Your cat should have access to fresh water in a clean bowl at all times. Milk is not a substitute for water. Some adult cats very often develop a lactose intolerance to milk and will develop diarrhoea if they drink it.

Grooming: Despite being called the "lazy man's Persian", Exotics do not require the thorough daily grooming commitment of their Persian relatives, but their coats are not entirely maintenance free. Exotics DO moult and shed coat, and do require grooming on a regular basis. Regular grooming is a good practice, as it will remove loose, dead hair, and also aid in preventing hairballs. It also gives you the opportunity to check for any parasites such as fleas.

Toilet: Exotics are generally extremely clean cats. Kittens should be provided with a large litter tray, and providing that there is litter clean will use it. Cats are reluctant to use dirty litter trays and so the best advice is to clean them of urine and faeces at least twice a day. The breeder who sold you your kitten should be able to recommend a suitable cat litter.

Ears: The ears on Exotic cats should be inspected regularly. Use cotton wool to gently wipe away any dirt or wax visible. Never poke cotton wool buds into the ear canal as you could cause injury.

Teeth: Cats teeth and gums should also be checked on a regular basis. Healthy gums are pink; diseased gums are red, tender and swollen. Consult your vet if there are any signs of a problem or if there are any concerns.

Claws: Check Exotics nails on a regular basis and trim them as required. Your vet can show you how to trim the claws. This is important as neglected untrimmed claws can curve under and grow into the paw pad, causing a swelling and possibly abscess.

Worming: A kitten should be wormed before leaving the breeder. It is recommended that an owner consults their vet who will be able to advise you of a suitable product and suitable interval for this treatment to be given.

Vaccinations: Routine annual check-ups and vaccinations are important for every Exotic cat. There are many serious illness that can be prevented by using vaccinations. The vet will give the best advice about them.

Neutering: Exotic kittens should be neutered from age 6 months onwards. Un-neutered pets may develop some bad habits that an owner may not appreciate. Males may begin "spraying" and females will come into season and "call" for a mate and give the owner many sleepless nights. It is strongly recommend that all Exotic cats kept as pets are neutered. The vet will give all the information necessary and discuss the advantages of neutering.

For more information visit the Breed Clubs

Exotic Cat Club
Exotic Cat Society
Exotic Breed Advisory Committee