Exotic Cat Behavior, Facts and Health Care Problem

Lovingly referred to as the lazy man’s cat breed, the Exotic is truly a wonderful surprise. This breed was brought about as a wonderfully unexpected accident, when a cat fancier tried to breed a better coat for the American Shorthair. Cross bred with a Persian, the result was a cat that looks like a Persian, but does not have the thick mounds of hair a Persian is known for. This breed was given the name the Exotic and became quite popular with people who fancied the look of a Persian, but did not have hours upon hours of free time to spend grooming.

Appearance
A nice breed of cat, the Exotic weighs in at anywhere from seven to fourteen pounds with a solid body, rounded head, round paws and a short tail. Another amazing feature the Exotic offers is a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from all the way from Seal Points to solid Blues. The coat of an Exotic is often referred to as a shorthaired, plushy teddy bear fur.

Behavior and Characteristics
The behavior of an Exotic is a mirror image to that of an actual Persian. This result is due to the fact that the Exotic was out-crossed with the Persian more frequently in later years than with the American Shorthair.

The Exotic’s personality traits are that of a laid-back, unassuming cat just as the Persian displays. However, unlike the Persian, the Exotic is a bit more active. Loving and sociable, this breed of cat is a wonderful addition to family homes. This cat will not be overbearing and is usually content to bat around a toy or two for hours.

Known for not being very vocal, the Exotic does enjoy attention and affection, but will not noisily request it. For the most part, you will notice that the quiet Exotic will sit and stare at its owner until his craving for affection has been satisfied. Although the Exotic does not require the company of other cats, it will generally tolerate them.

Health Problems and Grooming
Along with the wonderful traits the Exotic inherited from the Persian, it also inherited some not so wonderful common traits as well. The Exotic has the same head shape as the Persian and with that comes the same health problems the Persian breed is known to have with relation to that shape of head. Additional problems include weepy eyes, nasal problems and dental problems. Breeders are currently working on alleviating these problems by trying to breed a cat with a face and head less like the Persians typically flat and round one.

Grooming for the Exotic is much less intense than that of the Persian. A good brushing once or twice a week to remove loose hairs and dander should keep their coat smooth and healthy. A tooth brushing regiment is highly recommended as cats are highly susceptible to dental disease. A brushing of the teeth several times a week is a great way to prevent any future tooth decay or disease from occurring.

Anyone looking for the beauty of a Persian without all the extra work grooming are sure to be thrilled with the fascinating Exotic.

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