As spectators at the show walk by the cage they look
quizzically at the cat and say, “It looks like a Persian but
it has short hair. The sign says Exotic. Exotic what?!”
With today’s busy lifestyles the cat has become a popular pet.
Cats are best kept indoors and do well in an apartment or
a house. The popularity of the Persian has been evident for
many years. The Persian represents the largest class in shows
and boasts the largest number of cats registered each year in
CFA. However, Persians require daily grooming to maintain
their beautiful coat. For busy people who like the look of a
Persian but don’t have time for the daily grooming demands,
the Exotics are the best kept secret of the cat fancy.
They are bred to meet the Persian standard in every way with
one very special exception: the coat has a thick, dense, plush,
short coat. The Exotic coat is unique to the breed and gives
them a soft, rounded, teddy bear look. Their wonderful coat
requires much less combing than a Persian’s and will not mat
or tangle. Because of the ease of grooming for this special
breed, Exotics are sometimes affectionately referred to as the
lazy man’s Persian.
What is it like living with an Exotic? Are they like Persians, or
do they resemble their shorthaired ancestors? Over the years,
as the type and coat have changed, so has the personality of
the Exotic. As the Exotic’s line of Persian ancestors became
longer and longer, their temperament has become more and
more Persian like. Indeed, there is no longer much difference
in the temperament of the two breeds. Exotics have a quiet,
endearing nature. Their voices are seldom heard.
The Exotic is an ideal breed that produces a quiet, sweet,
peaceful and loyal companion. They are easy going and not
much seems to disturb them. In general, they are extremely
affectionate. They quietly beg for your attention by just sitting
in front of you with an irresistible look focused on your eyes.
They will jump in your lap to curl up for a nap or push their
wet nose right into your face. Some like to sit on your shoulder
and hug you when you pet them. They may or may not sleep
with you as some prefer cooler places like the bricks on the
hearth or the tiled floor. An Exotic is very comfortable to have
in your home. They give you privacy and are not constantly
demanding attention. They will, They are just as playful and
fun loving as other breeds. They will jump until exhausted
trying to catch a toy on a stick, or they will sit and carefully
study how to get the toy down from the top of the bookcase
where it was placed when you stopped playing with them.
When people call for a pet kitten, they almost always ask for
a female, thinking that a girl will be sweeter and more loving.
Many also believe that males will be more aggressive and prone
to spray. However, neither assumption is correct. Male Exotics
are, in general, more affectionate than females. Females can
be somewhat more aloof. They always seem to have more
important things to do than cuddle with their owner. Exotics
mature later than most other breeds, and since all pets should
be neutered and spayed at an early age, problems related to
spraying and other adult urges need never be a concern.
Exotic kittens exhibit the same level of activity as do Persian
kittens. Some breeders say that the Exotic kittens do everything
first: open their eyes, climb out of the box, start eating, etc.
Adult Exotics enjoy simple pleasures, like watching water drip
from a faucet or chasing paper balls around the house.
The easy going nature of the Exotic allows it to fit into your
home at any age. Exotics stay playful as adults and bring
pleasure for many years. All things considered, the Exotic
is a wonderful addition to any family. Adorable to look at,
peaceful and clean, what more could you ask for the perfect
pet. The Exotic is really the “best of two worlds.”
Pricing on Exotics usually depends on type, applicable
markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion
(GC), National Regional winning parentage (NW or RW)
or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title
is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA
grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire
(father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/
premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens
available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After
twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and
developed the physical and social stability needed for a
new environment, showing, or being transported by air.
Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying
and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts)
for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of
declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements
for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
For more information, please send
inquiries to CFA at cfa@cfa.org.