Exotic Shorthair Cat - Breed Description

An exotic shorthair cat has a typical touching doll muzzle. I wonder why Karabas-Barabas did not take her to his puppet theater? She is the place among charming cute dolls. This beautiful creature has such a naive childish look and good-natured character that it can not evoke any feelings except admiration. The animal has a truly unusual appearance. For this reason, this breed was loved by almost everyone, constantly participating in cat shows, taking prizes in them more often than representatives of other breeds.

The history of the breed

The appearance of an exotic shorthair cat goes back to the fifties of the last century. American cat breeder Carolyn Bussey set a goal to get a brown Persian cat. To do this, she crossed the Persian individual with the brown burmese breed. The result was the generation of offspring with the presence of black wool. This did not upset the breeder at all, as the kittens had a pretty pretty appearance.

At the same time, American breeders carried out work in which Persian cats were crossed with an American short-haired breed. Similar work was carried out by them in order to improve the gene pool and get a silver color. Everything was carried out in secret, since such work was prohibited. As a result, hybrids appeared that were universally recognized at cat shows.

For the first time, potential signs of Jane Martinke hybridization were detected. She was a breeder of the breed American Shorthair. Thanks to her efforts, the exot received recognition. She was named exotic because her coat had a silver color, which the former American did not have.

The path to the peak of recognition was not easy, but already in 1967 it was possible to achieve the status of a champion. After this moment, the breed's popularity went upward. Measures aimed at improving the characteristics and attempts to fix the short hair gene were carried out. Various breeds were crossed. But in the litters were representatives with long hair. Until 2010, participation in exhibitions was prohibited for them. But they were allowed to breed. Then the rules were revised and he was open to competition in color classes. Representatives of this breed belong to the Persian group. Some associations recognize it as a completely independent breed.

Description and standard

The following features are characteristic of this breed:

1. Cats differ in average body size. There is a slight advantage in the direction of large sizes.
2. The body is shaped so that it has a wide chest. The lumbar region is well developed.
3. The animal has a thick, muscular, short neck.
4. The cat has a large head, which is characterized by a rounded shape.
5. The eyes are characterized by large sizes, round shape and pronounced expressiveness.
6. On the face is a flattened nose. Sometimes it can take a snub-nosed look.
7. Cheeks down.
8. Ears are rounded, directed downward.
9. The body is equipped with short strong legs.
10. The animal has a rather thick tail of medium size. It is proportional to the size of the body.
11. The body is covered with short hair, there is an undercoat. If you touch such a cat, you will be left with a pleasant experience.

Exot is voluminous and somewhat heavy, but not due to a small fat, but because of the well-developed musculoskeletal system. The main difference between cats of this breed is the unusual face. It is characterized in accordance with two types:

1. Modern. This option is characterized by the location of the nose back flush or slightly lower than the place where the lower eyelids are located. In this case, the muzzle is round in shape and slightly flattened, and the look is characterized by pronounced openness.
2. Extreme. The nose of a snub-nosed character, slightly upturned, and its location is between the eyes. In this case, the muzzle is flat, with the presence of a somewhat depressed character. This leads to an effect in which nasolabial folds are accompanied by deep wrinkles. The same can be observed where the nose and forehead are located.

Character

Cats of this breed are calm. They are delicate, unobtrusive and modest in behavior. The animal has a quiet and gentle voice. Exot is distinguished by a pronounced devotion to its owners. Possessing a curious and friendly disposition, they are attentive, understanding, affectionate and moderately playful. But when choosing a partner for the game, they give preference not to a person, but to some other representative of the fauna.

Exotic beauty hates loneliness. In the absence of the owner, they are capable of suffering greatly. Before starting a cat of this breed, it is necessary to analyze its capabilities regarding the allocation of a sufficient amount of time for the pet. Such cats can be called proponents of travel. They just love different trips. Going somewhere on a journey, you must certainly take a cat with you. This would be a better decision than leaving her alone at home.

Do not take away from these charming fat men addiction to sleep and laziness. That they love. But one should not assume that in this state they spend all day. As soon as something interesting for them appears on the horizon, they immediately assume an active state, carefully observing what is happening. A cat of this breed shows amazing permeability, striking with its analytical abilities. The breed is perfect for those who appreciate home comfort and a relaxed atmosphere.

Such a cat will not spoil things and will not, as if mad, rush about in a living room. Even when she is still small, she prefers calm games with mice. Children are prone to careless handling. Therefore, cats of this breed try to avoid meeting with representatives of the younger generation. But they will never enter the battle, preferring to just leave.

Communicating with other pets, the exot will always find common ground. But they do not like overly active and nervous neighbors. Animals easily assimilate various educational moments. They simply enjoy the warmth and attention that comes from its owner. At the same time, cats are completely indifferent to outsiders.

Exot is not opposed to when guests come to the house. If he is in a good mood, he can easily approach and get to know the guest. However, it also happens that he is hiding in every possible way from prying eyes.

Care

Care activities are absolutely simple. Caring for short hair does not involve any complex manipulations. But you need to comb it regularly with a special brush. When the animal molts, it must be done much more often. Periodically, the cat's ears, eyes and teeth are cleaned. When the claws grow, they should be trimmed. But you must try not to hurt the nerve.

The cat does not welcome walks, preferring to stay at home. The cat must be provided with enough toys. Then she will definitely find what to do with herself. She will have fun on her own, without disturbing her master.

Disease

You should take care of the health of exotics. The Persian cat, as its heir, conveyed to the exotic the possibility of the occurrence of many diseases. Such cats can suffer from obesity, various cardiac, pulmonary, renal pathologies, and the occurrence of eye diseases is also possible.

Do not forget about the annual scheduled vaccinations. If a cat has the first signs of a disease, it must be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

What to feed?

The presence of a tendency to be overweight suggests the need for a balanced diet. In this regard, it is more rational to give ready-made dry food. There, all substances are in the optimal ratio. But the quality of feed also needs to be approached with all responsibility. This animal needs premium feed.

If the owner wants to feed the exot with natural products, then you should stop your choice on the rabbit and chicken. You can use offal, fish, dairy products. But in no case should a pet be given fatty and fried foods.

Breeding

If the plans include breeding of exotics, then mating should be carried out no earlier than at the age of 1.5 years. Until this time, the cat's body is not prepared for the full-fledged bearing of kittens. Pregnancy and lambing are usually not accompanied by any complications. If the cat gives birth for the first time, then it is desirable that a person is present. For one litter, exot can bring from 3 to 5 kittens. Other parents can envy the relation of cats to their kittens.

Color

• Tabby.
• Bicolor.
• Color point.

However, they are characterized by the presence of many shades. Just look great cats in marble or smoky color. There are more than a hundred official colors that are characteristic of exotics.

Price

In our country, a kitten of this breed will have to pay from 10 to 60 thousand rubles. Kittens should be bought only in professional nurseries. It is better to take them there when they are already 2-3 months old. By this time, they already begin to eat on their own, and are taught all the cat's wisdom.

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