| In the 1960s a Persian was crossed with a Domestic | | | | not by tricks or antics but by sitting and waiting |
| Shorthair in an attempt to create a Persian with only | | | | patiently while staring to get their point across. This |
| short hair. The result was today's Exotic, a breed | | | | does not mean that Exotics are not playful. They do |
| that looks strikingly similar to the Persian, but with | | | | enjoy the occasional romp around the house and do |
| less maintenance involved, hence the nickname, 'the | | | | not like being left alone for long periods of time. |
| lazy man's Persian.' There are long- and shorthaired | | | | They do well with children and other pets but some |
| varieties of Exotic. The coat of a Longhaired is very | | | | children may not like their independent nature. |
| similar to a Persian. It is very thick and dense, and | | | | The Exotic does have some health concerns. Since it |
| requires daily grooming, along with regular bathing. | | | | was bred with a Persian, Exotics have flat faces, |
| The Shorthaired Exotic coat is, well, short. However, | | | | making their tears prone to overflowing and staining |
| that does not mean it does not require some | | | | the face. They can also suffer from constricted |
| maintenance from the owner. | | | | nostrils (causing them to breathe loudly), dental |
| Though Shorthaired Exotics tend to be able to keep | | | | malocclusions, seborrhea oleosa (itchy, dry skin or hair |
| themselves clean via regular grooming, the occasional | | | | loss), and polcystic kidney disease. Exotics are also |
| brushing is recommended to lower the occurrence of | | | | prone to ringworm. |
| fur balls. Both Long- and Shorthaired Exotics are seen | | | | There is a website that has great information on |
| in a wide array of colors and both will shed, though | | | | Exotic and most other breeds of cats. It has details |
| not nearly as much as a Persian. Both tend to be of | | | | that pertain to a cat breeds health, grooming, living |
| an average size and weight and tend to live around | | | | conditions, best food choices and more, the website |
| twelve years, though they are not considered | | | | is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this |
| mature until approximately two years of age and | | | | url => |
| enter puberty later than other breeds. | | | | Copyright © 2006 Robert W. Benjamin |
| Exotics, though loving towards their human families, | | | | You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter |
| tend to be aloof. They do not demand much | | | | on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its |
| attention or interaction, but, from time to time, will | | | | entirety and without modification except for |
| want to enjoy their company. This is accomplished | | | | formatting needs or grammar corrections. |