Description

The Exotic was developed to create a short-haired version of the Persian cat. Like their fluffy ancestor, Exotic cats have flat faces and broad heads. The ears are small and rounded; the eyes are also round but very large. The Exotic has a sturdy, “cobby” build, with a broad chest and a muscular appearance. Both the tail and feet are short, with a rounded appearance.

Look

The Exotic was bred to be similar to the Persian, but with a much shorter coat. The Exotic’s coat is short with a plushy texture, with only moderate shedding. Coat care is minimal, and just a brush once or twice a week is sufficient for this breed. Breed associations accept a variety of colours and patterns.

Health

Although Exotics are quite healthy cats, they are prone to certain health conditions.

• Breathing difficulty/noisy breathing

• Dental malocclusions

• Excessive tearing

• Eye conditions e.g. entropion

• Heat sensitivity

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Predisposition to ringworm

• Seborrhea oleosa

At KittenGuru.com, we recommend that you buy your kitten from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. KittenGuru.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted kittens are in good health.

Temperament

The Exotic is generally calm and gentle. They usually get on well with most people, including other pets, cat-friendly dogs, and children who will handle the cat respectfully. The Exotic loves to play, but can get lonely by itself. They are very affectionate and loyal, and will love nothing better than curling up on your lap.

Living with

Although you won’t need to brush your Exotic very often, they do require frequent cleaning. Many flat-faced breeds have over-flowing tear ducts, resulting in dampness or stains under the eyes. Wiping the cat’s face with a damp cloth will help to keep your cat’s face clean. The Exotic’s flat face makes it prone to overheating, so your cat will need to stay out of the sun on hot days, with plenty of fresh water readily available.