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Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed: History, Temperament And Health Issues
The Exotic Shorthair At A Glance:
Place Of Origin: United States
Dates Of Origin: 1960's
Average Weight Range: 7-14 lbs.
Temperament Of The Exotic Shorthair: Gently Inquisitive.
Breed Colors Of The Exotic Shorthair: All colors and patterns including pointed, sepia, and mink.
One of the top 10 most popular cat breeds.
Place Of Origin: United States
Dates Of Origin: 1960's
Average Weight Range: 7-14 lbs.
Temperament Of The Exotic Shorthair: Gently Inquisitive.
Breed Colors Of The Exotic Shorthair: All colors and patterns including pointed, sepia, and mink.
One of the top 10 most popular cat breeds.
The exotic shorthair has
the conformation, gentle personality, and soft, squeaky voice of a
Persian, but it has a highly original coat; not quite short, but not
semilong either. Outcrossing to produce the short coat has given
the exotic a slightly livelier and more inquisitive disposition than
its parent breed; it has not, however, eliminated the anatomical
problems of the flat face inherited from the Persian.
History Of The Exotic Shorthair:
In the early 1960's, US breeders of the American shorthair attempted to introduce the Persian's coat texture into their breed. Instead, they produced cats with the shorthair's coat on the Persian's cobby, compact body. The exotic shorthair was recognized by the CFA in 1967.
Common Exotic Shorthair Health Issues:
Epiphora (Excessive Tearing): Relatives of the Persian and Himalayans are generally more prone to chronic eye irritations and infections that produce tearing and staining of the hair below the eyes. Antibiotics such as Tetracycline are usually prescribed. See cat eye health for more about eye disorders in cats.
Sinus Conditions, Specifically Sinusitis: Infection of the frontal sinuses can occur with some frequency, as a secondary effect of a respiratory infection. Watch for a nasal discharge (often just on one side) accompanied by frequent sneezing and sniffling. Sinus issues are usually confirmed with an X-Ray showing increased density in the sinus(es), and are treated with an appropriate antibiotic. If this is not successful, a surgical procedure to make an opening into the sinus through the skin to aid in drainage may be required. See respiratory and sinus disorders for more information.
History Of The Exotic Shorthair:
In the early 1960's, US breeders of the American shorthair attempted to introduce the Persian's coat texture into their breed. Instead, they produced cats with the shorthair's coat on the Persian's cobby, compact body. The exotic shorthair was recognized by the CFA in 1967.
Common Exotic Shorthair Health Issues:
Epiphora (Excessive Tearing): Relatives of the Persian and Himalayans are generally more prone to chronic eye irritations and infections that produce tearing and staining of the hair below the eyes. Antibiotics such as Tetracycline are usually prescribed. See cat eye health for more about eye disorders in cats.
Sinus Conditions, Specifically Sinusitis: Infection of the frontal sinuses can occur with some frequency, as a secondary effect of a respiratory infection. Watch for a nasal discharge (often just on one side) accompanied by frequent sneezing and sniffling. Sinus issues are usually confirmed with an X-Ray showing increased density in the sinus(es), and are treated with an appropriate antibiotic. If this is not successful, a surgical procedure to make an opening into the sinus through the skin to aid in drainage may be required. See respiratory and sinus disorders for more information.