Exotic cats – the closest relatives of Persian cats. Many people call this breed a breeder's mistake. Despite this, the plush exotic cat with adorable bulging eyes has become very popular among cat lovers. She conquered the whole world not only with her charming appearance, but also with her good characteristics and good health.
Nowadays exotic animals actively participate in titled exhibitions, where they rightfully take first places. But it is impossible to forget that the ancestors of the representatives of the breed were Persian cats - they are like two peas in a pod, not counting the different lengths of hair.
Exotic cat
Who is this - an exotic cat or a short-haired Persian?
The fur of exotic cats is at least half as long as that of Persians. At first glance, it may seem that the breeders were planning to create another variety of Persian cats that would require less care and would not leave their long hair everywhere.
Persian
Exotic
However, the reason was completely different: the breeders were going to somewhat improve the appearance of the cats and achieve a silver coat color. Experiments were carried out in American nurseries in the 1950-1960s. Then American Shorthairs were crossed with Persians, and this is what it led to:
- short-haired Americans received a more rounded and wider muzzle;
- the nose of the short-haired became shorter, and the eyes became smaller;
- the already stocky body acquired a more squat appearance;
- the hair became thicker, softer and longer.
In those years, crossing with Persian cats was prohibited, so the experiments were carried out in secret. The resulting individual pleased the creators, since the hybrids performed well at various shows.
In the modern world, exotic cats can have absolutely any shade, from solid colors to various impurities.
Those breeders who subsequently decided to breed American Shorthairs were shocked by the changes. They absolutely did not want to get short-haired Persians instead of the then-known breed, so the standard was revised, and all individuals that had characteristics of a hybrid were disqualified. However, the unusual silver color of the cats remains.
Character
As already mentioned, the character is very similar to Persian cats: loyal, sweet and gentle. They choose one person to be their owner and follow him around the house like a little, plush tail. Like true friends, Exotic Shorthairs should be involved in every business you do.
As a rule, these cats inherit the traits of Persians: dignified, quiet, sensitive, calm. But, unlike them, they are more athletic and love to have fun. Their personality makes them an ideal house cat, and owners note that they should only live in apartments.
They are smarter than Persians, apparently due to the influence of American shorthairs. This influence is quite valuable, as it gives the breed a coat that is easier to care for and a character that is more lively than that of sofa Persian cats.
The return of exotics: how the breed gained popularity
The hybrid would have remained unknown and unjustifiably lost if one of the American dog breeders, Jane Martink, had not seen the potential in the breed. She was a member of the CFA jury and in 1966 approached the board of directors with a proposal to fix the open breed.
This is where the history of the popularization of exotics began:
- The first idea was to name the unusual cats “sterling” for their original color, from English sterling - “high-quality silver”. However, after much thought, the hybrid was named Exotic Shorthair, which also became a reference to the new color. Previously, cats did not have such shades, so silver was considered an exotic color.
Silver exotic
- In 1967, a representative of the breed received the title of CFA champion.
- In 1993, the International Association of Breeders shortened the name of the breed: now the cats were simply called exotic, or exotic. However, some associations still call the breed by its full name.
- At first, breeding exotics was problematic because nurseries refused to work with an unfamiliar breed. Only a few nurseries provided Persians for breeding.
- Development still continued, and over time, the blood of the exotics mixed with the blood of the Russian Blue and Burmese, which made it possible to strengthen the gene responsible for the shortened coat.
- After the gene was fixed, crossing exotics with shorthaired individuals was not approved, as breeders believed that this reduces the proportion of Persian blood in the new breed. In 1987, the international association banned outcrossing with all varieties except the Persian.
Cat lovers from all over the world could not resist the cute face of the exotic cat, and these animals quickly became the second most popular breed.
As a result, the exotic beauties managed to leave all their spiteful critics behind. They confidently won second place among the most popular cats, second only to their relatives - Persian cats. Both of these breeds have been at the top of the rankings for several years.
Origin story
Exotics appeared in the 50s of the last century in the USA as a result of a not entirely successful experiment to improve the American Shorthair breed as a result of crossing a cat of this breed with a Persian. This experiment was conducted without the approval of the CVA Board of Directors. It was decided to separate hybrids into a separate breed only in 1966 at the suggestion of Jane Martink.
Representatives of the Burmese cat and Russian Blue were used in the selection of the breed. The experiments were stopped only after the shorthair gene was firmly established in the breed. Matings of exotics have since been allowed only with Persians.
Standard and description of the modern breed
Cynologists distinguish three breeds, the representatives of which are especially similar to each other in appearance: the Persian, the exotic cat and the extreme cat (a subspecies of the exotic). But there are also inconsistencies between them. For example, in extreme sports, the noses are very noticeably pressed into the skull, and the Persian has much longer hair than the exotic.
In extreme sports, the noses are very noticeably pressed into the skull
If you look at an exotic cat, you can see a dense, squat cat with round, bulging eyes and a large head. Perhaps the most outstanding features of the breed are its muzzle with an innocent, childish expression, thick soft fur and upturned nose. All characteristics according to the standard are presented in the table below.
Table 1. Description of the exotic cat breed standard
| Characteristics | Description |
| Head | Massive, round in shape and small in size. The muzzle is flattened in front, with pronounced cheeks and a raised tip of the nose. The ears are small and stick out slightly forward. The eyes are large and protruding, set wide apart. Eye color can vary depending on coat color. |
| Torso | The length is average, the height at the withers is no more than 30 cm for an adult male. The bones are massive and heavy, the body is muscular, the lower back is strong and the chest is wide. Visually, the exotic body resembles a square. |
| Paws, tail | The body is decorated with short but massive limbs, hind and front legs of the same length. The tail is also short, but bushier. |
| Weight | They do not reach too large sizes. Females typically weigh no more than 5 kg, and males weigh about 7 kg. |
| Wool | The hair is silky, soft, short in length (up to two cm). There is a thick undercoat. The fur fits tightly to the body and feels like a plush covering. |
| Color | Now the color can be varied, ranging from light pastel shades to blue-black wool. Moreover, in addition to the monochromatic color, there is also a multi-colored one - 2-3 shades are distributed throughout the cat’s body in the form of spots. Previously, the most popular was the silver shade, for which exotic individuals were bred. |
The thick paws of exotic cats can take on a very graceful appearance.
Exotic cats are often jokingly considered “Persians for lazy people” due to the fact that visually their appearance completely copies their closest brothers. The difference is only noticeable in the length of the hairs: the short, plush fur of exotics, which makes them look like plush toys, requires less care than the long hair of Persians.
Important! For many years, breeders worried that the bones of exotic cats were not strong enough. But the worries were in vain: the American breed passed on its heavy bones, dense body and large paws to the exotics.
Shorthair exotic cat
Representatives of the breed are recognized as the offspring of cats obtained in the 60s of the 19th century from the union of representatives of the Persians and the American Shorthair. An exotic with short hair can be compared with a British cat - they are the same in body structure, hair structure and color. The Exotic differs from the British in its affectionate character and flattened nose.
Important! A photograph of Snoopy, a cat from Japan, will help you understand what a shorthaired exotic cat should look like. This animal has captivated cat lovers from all over the world with its charming face.
Japanese cat Snoopy
Longhaired exotic cat
This variety appeared unexpectedly during the breeding of short-haired individuals. Long-haired exotics received long hair unusual for the breed. They could be mistaken for Persian cats, if not for the characteristic silver shade of their fur.
Long-haired individuals have the same affectionate character as short-haired ones. Both varieties do well in families with small children and can play together for hours. However, long-haired varieties do not participate in competitions and title shows, since in modern times they are still classified as the Persian breed.
The long-haired exotic cat is almost impossible to distinguish from a Persian
Description of the breed
The Exotic Shorthair cannot be confused with any other breed. The animals have a unique appearance, giving the impression of a well-balanced cat with strong bones and rounded body lines. The standards even include a special “sweet expression.” The exotic has round, large and widely spaced eyes, plush, thick fur, emphasizing the roundness of the animal’s body.
Appearance
The exotic skull is large and wide, the head is round, proportional, massive, located on a short, strong neck. The nose is wide and short with a neat stop, the cheeks are full, the jaws and chin are strong.
Exotics - large and round cats
Exotic ears are small, rounded, set wide and low. The eyes are round, large and expressive. It is the brilliant bright eyes that give the cat the sweet expression of its face.
The body is massive, stocky, with well-developed muscles, the chest is wide. The limbs are short, strong, muscular, the paws are rounded, it is desirable that there are tufts of hair between the toes. The tail is short, proportional to the length of the body, bushy and rounded at the end.
The fur of an exotic cat resembles plush
The exotic fur is thick, soft, and resembles plush. It is rather medium-length, that is, slightly longer than the hair of ordinary short-haired cats. But at the same time, it cannot be so long as to lie on the body. Any colors are allowed, except fawn (light beige) and cinnamon (reddish brown, cinnamon).
For the colors white, harlequin, van, bicolor, different eye colors are allowed, for example, one is blue, the other is yellow.
Exotic character
Representatives of the Exotic Shorthair breed are distinguished by a very friendly character and the ability to get along with any family member. However, these animals take time to accept new people or animals into their lives. Once in the family, the exotic will initially watch the owners. And then he will choose the main person for himself, to whom he will demonstrate almost dog-like devotion and loyalty. He will love everyone, but he will give the palm only to the one he chooses.
Exotic cats love games, but they cannot be called too active. They can run after a ball, but they will enjoy quieter activities, like lazily tossing a paper ball with their paw. As children they will be much more active.
Ecotic cats don't like to move too much
An exotic pet, if there are other animals in the house, will easily find a common language with them, but will always be able to stand up for itself. If another pet shows aggression towards a stuffed cat, the latter will most likely simply stop communicating with the unpleasant neighbor. But the cat will respond to a friendly attitude in the same way.
The exotic has a rather quiet voice, and at the same time these cats are quieter than other breeds. As a rule, an exotic cat will not bother its owner with loud demands for food or simple attention. Rather, the pet will simply sit and stare at the person until the person looks back and understands what the pet wants.
But sometimes these cute plush cats can be persistent, begging for food or attention. It will manifest itself in gentle stroking with a paw or rubbing against all parts of the owner’s body that are within reach. If these actions are not noticed, the animal will move on to a more active influence and may gently lick its hands or face, sometimes gently and affectionately biting its fingers.
This cat can stare at its owner for hours
The main feature of the exotic cat’s character is its dislike of loneliness. This pet is ready to go anywhere, as long as his beloved owner is nearby. These cats easily get used to new places if they are with a person to whom they are attached. At the same time, cats are more inclined to communicate than cats.
Experts agree that exotics are very friendly and never show aggression. However, from the experience of communicating with my neighbor’s exotic cat, I can confidently say that there are clear exceptions to the rules if you buy the animal not from a breeder, but from someone else on the street. The neighbor's cat, having chosen my neighbors' daughter as her owner, felt a tangible hostility towards all other representatives of the human race, which she demonstrated by sudden attacks on the legs and arms of all family members, except for her beloved mistress. Attempts to re-educate the cat were unsuccessful, and a consultation with a breeder of Persians and exotics confirmed that unscrupulous breeders do not pay attention to the character of the animals when choosing partners for mating.
Habits and character of exotics
Exotics almost completely copied their character from the character of the Persian cat. They received absolutely nothing from their distant ancestors - the independent American Shorthairs. The following epithets are suitable for the special character of these animals:
- Affection and tenderness. Fans of cats call exotic cats the real angels of the cat world and claim that it is impossible to find a more affectionate and gentle animal. They are very obedient and friendly
- Calm. Exotics communicate with people in a very soft and calm tone, and only in rare cases. You can hear a cat's quiet meow only when he really wants something.
- Cheerfulness and energy. Representatives of the breed are very smart, love to explore the world and enjoy it. They enjoy spending time with small children.
Cat plays with a small child
- Caution. Exotic cats are very wary of strangers. Before showing their sympathy to someone, they will look closely at the person for a long time. A cat will decide to approach a stranger only if it likes him.
- Unobtrusiveness. Cats are so reluctant to be intrusive that they can sit at their owner’s feet for hours until the owner invites them to climb onto his lap or pets him himself.
- Devotion. These cats will be devoted to their owner until the end of their lives. They suffer alone and appreciate the attention given to them.
The favorite of this breed is ready to go on a trip with its owner anywhere in the world, just so as not to be separated. They really suffer a lot alone and without the care of their owner. Therefore, the new owner of an exotic cat must perceive such boundless love with understanding and respect, and respond to the pet in the same way.
Shorthaired exotics look like plush toys with sad eyes
Exotics are able to find a common language with other pets. Their hunting instinct is practically not developed. Very rarely they can catch a mouse, but this requires a special mood.
Important! Under no circumstances should you leave your pet with strangers. This will be a real psychological trauma for him.
Character and behavior
Docile, friendly and calm exotics are often chosen as pets. And this is understandable: their even character and non-conflict nature allow them to fit harmoniously into any family. They become attached to their owners with all their souls, but at the same time, obsession is absolutely alien to them. They do not demand attention, but wait patiently, are very sweet, gentle and obedient.
They get along with all other pets, be they cats or dogs. They show interest in rodents and birds, but not aggression, and therefore are not dangerous. They are afraid of large dogs and try to avoid them, but they are great friends with small ones.
They quickly adapt to a new place, love to play, but they also need a break from everyone. They are kind to children, they allow the little ones a lot, they do not scratch or bite, even if they are hurt.
At first they are wary of strangers, but they quickly get used to them and begin to fawn over them. Very smart and easy to train, especially quick to pick up easy commands. They do not tolerate shouts and aggression directed at themselves, they are touchy and can take revenge.
You need to teach your kitten good manners from a very young age. If you miss the moment, you will end up with a spoiled and stubborn animal that will be much more difficult to deal with.
The nuances of keeping representatives of the breed
Representatives of the exotic breed do not require special maintenance. The nuances described in the table below require attention.
Table 2. Nuances that need to be taken into account for the correct maintenance of exotics in the apartment.
| What is necessary? | Description |
| Place to sleep | The pet needs somewhere to spend time. A cozy cat house is perfect for this purpose, with a soft bed and a surface for sharpening claws. It will be ideal if the house is located as close to the owner as possible: then the baby will feel comfortable and safe. |
| Rest | Due to their thick undercoat, exotics are always hot, so they like to lie on a cold windowsill in winter or on a tiled floor. There is no need to let them lie in the cold for a long time, as the body of these cats is prone to colds. |
| Toys | For a cat who is often left alone at home, it is best to buy various toys so that he has something to occupy himself in the absence of his owner. Small balls, soft toy animals or candy wrappers tied to a string will do. |
| Walks | There is no need to walk cats of this breed, but veterinarians still advise owners to sometimes go outside with their pets. This affectionate baby will definitely not run away on the street - he will try to find some cozy place closer to the owner to lie down there and bask in the sun. |
On average, exotic cats live from 10 to 14 years. If a pet is loved, cared for and fed properly, it can live up to 16-17 years. It is important to give these cats as much attention and love as possible: due to loneliness, they can become depressed and die much earlier.
Important! If there is an exotic cat in the house, the windows must be covered with a mosquito net or completely closed to prevent the cat from falling from a height. Unlike other cats, who after jumping out of the window can calmly get up on their paws and go play, for exotic cats this can end sadly due to their strong bones.
Appearance of the breed
The model exotic cat resembles a square. Dense silky wool creates a soft and round shape. Large round eyes add complacency to the flattened muzzle. According to the standard description, exotic cats have the following characteristics.
Massive, round head. The muzzle is decorated with full cheeks, a piggy nose and large open bright eyes, the color of which depends on the color of the coat. The ears are small, with a slight tilt forward.
The exotic body is muscular, of medium length, with a heavy and strong skeleton. Broad chest, impressive shoulders.
Strong, short, massive limbs. All four legs have the same length, but a different number of toes. There are five toes on the front paws and four on the hind paws.
Short and fluffy tail. The tip is slightly rounded and without bends.
The coat is medium length, thick and plush, with a dense undercoat.
The color amazes with its diversity and splendor. The range of colors ranges from soft light to the darkest shades. To all this diversity was added a multi-colored spotted color.
Initially, the silver color was in demand, which was achieved when breeding an exotic breed.
How to care for exotic beauties
Exotics, like all cats, need daily care. It is not as problematic as that of long-haired Persians, but still differs in its nuances. Some procedures must be carried out daily, others every 2 days or once a week.
As a rule, cats love to be brushed.
Bathing and brushing
You don't need to bathe your pet often, otherwise the delicate skin will dry out. Planned water procedures are carried out every 2-3 months, and the baby is also bathed if he gets very dirty. Bathing occurs in several stages:
- Pre-wash using dishwashing liquid. It is used as a preparation for the main wash: the product degreases the coat and allows the shampoo to penetrate well into the thick undercoat. It is better to carry out the procedure twice.
- Wash with a special shampoo for cats containing medicinal herbs or algae extract. During the soaping process, special attention is paid to especially contaminated areas: tail, paws, chin.
- The shampoo must be thoroughly rinsed several times and then rinsed with conditioner.
Some exotic cats simply love to swim.
- Washing is followed by drying with a hairdryer. This is a must, as thick wool will take a very long time to dry naturally. It is also recommended to purchase grooming powder at a pet store and treat the fur with it after drying. This composition absorbs remaining moisture and makes the coat silky.
Important! After routine vaccination, the cat cannot be bathed for 2 weeks, and after antihelminthic therapy - for a day.
Combing is carried out regularly at least 4 times a week. They shed in the same way as Persians, so the fur needs to be freed from dead hairs to prevent tangles from forming. The belly and sides are processed according to the hair growth, all other parts - against it.
It is a known fact that many cats are afraid of contact with water and try to avoid it by all means. In our separate article, you can learn how to wash a cat at home, so that in the future the procedure will become commonplace for your pet.
Eye treatment
The eyes are considered the most expressive and at the same time problematic place in exotic animals. They are large and convex, so dust often gets in there. It is necessary to treat the eyes of exotic animals daily, otherwise inflammation and suppuration may begin. The algorithm is like this:
- Lotion. Purchased at a pharmacy, you need to wash your pet’s eyes with it daily.
- Napkin. After rinsing, blot off excess liquid with a cotton napkin.
- Antibiotic powder. A special powder is applied under the eyes with a cotton swab, which reduces discharge and stops the inflammatory process. It is especially carefully applied to areas where yellow spots from tears have appeared.
A kitten should be taught to treat its eyes from childhood; the procedure should become mandatory and daily.
Ear care
You should clean your exotic cat's ears weekly and every time after bathing. The procedure is carried out using a special lotion from the pharmacy, which is applied to a cotton pad and wiped from the inside of the ear.
In order not to harm the cat during ear treatment, it is better to involve an assistant in the procedure.
Then the washed areas should be dried with a clean cotton pad, and then treated with anti-inflammatory powder. This helps to completely eliminate all impurities and get rid of dead hairs that often get inside the ear.
Cats are very clean animals by nature, but they do not have the ability to care for their ears on their own and need outside help. You can find out how to clean your cat's ears at home in our separate article.
Nail trimming
Cats are taught to trim their claws from childhood, as this is an essential part of grooming. As a rule, claws need to be trimmed once every 14 days.
The claw is trimmed at an angle so as not to damage the thin blood vessels in the claw
This matter should be entrusted to an experienced specialist, since if you are not used to it, you can touch a blood vessel in the claw. It is necessary to cut no more than 2-3 mm from the edge with special veterinary nail clippers.
Cat owners have more than once encountered torn sofas, torn wallpaper and other things used as an alternative to a scratching post. One way to protect yourself from a cat that scratches frequently is with anti-scratch products.
Teeth cleaning
Another necessary procedure, which is carried out at least once a week. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing gum inflammation and the appearance of tartar. For cleaning, use a soft brush; it can be a special cat brush from a pet store or a regular children's toothbrush from a supermarket.
At first, the brush is moistened with water to accustom the cat to the process itself, after which a special tooth powder without flavors or additives is used during brushing.
You should not brush your cat's teeth using human toothpaste: it can seriously harm the baby's digestive system.
Care and feeding of exotic cats
Although the breed is considered unpretentious, it still needs to be looked after. First of all, soft wool deserves attention. Fur coat care consists of combing with a steel comb to remove dandruff and already fallen hairs. The coat responds gratefully to bathing, so you can wash your exotic shorthair cat once a month with special cat shampoos.
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Your cat also needs to clean its ears once a week and wipe its eyes daily with a damp cotton pad. Claws are trimmed as they grow.
Keeping exotic animals requires adherence to a 50/50 feeding scheme: natural food is combined with ready-made food. Only natural food is not welcome; it is better to choose premium dry food. In the finished food, the composition is already balanced and selected taking into account the age, breed and condition of the animal.
There should always be fresh, clean water in the bowl, and food should be placed three times a day. It is very important to feed the animal in portions, since the breed is prone to obesity, which is not so easy to combat.
In addition to nutrition, medications are recommended to remove hairballs from the stomach.
What do exotics suffer from: health and appearance defects
A distant American relative rewarded the exotics with excellent health. Thanks to powerful muscles and strong bones, representatives of the breed are not at all afraid of diseases of bones and joints. Otherwise, these cats cannot be called too sickly, but still some genetic pathologies were passed on to them from the Persians.
In addition, there are pathologies in appearance that can significantly change the usual appearance of an exotic cat.
Health problems
Most of the possible diseases are associated with the structural properties of the body and muzzle. Pets may experience:
- breathing problems, disorders in the nasal sinuses, congestion of the lacrimal duct and increased lacrimation due to a short and flattened nose;
- the occurrence of snoring due to a deformed nose and impaired breathing;
- gum damage, periodontal disease, tartar formation;
- deformation of the lower jaw or teeth due to a too small muzzle, which interferes with normal eating and over time leads to problems with teeth and gums;
Exotic cat with deformed lower jaw
- polycystic growths in the form of cysts on both kidneys;
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common heart disease among felines and can cause sudden death even in adolescence.
Cardiomyopathy is diagnosed in cats during infancy. As a rule, kittens with such a genetic pathology are not put up for sale. From the age of two months, routine vaccination and deworming of exotic animals is carried out.
Important! In order to prevent the disorder in time and avoid further development of the disease, you need to regularly visit a veterinarian. Be sure to pay a visit to the cat's ENT specialist, who will carefully examine the nose. It is also recommended to have your urine tested every 4 months to help diagnose kidney disease early.
Possible flaws in appearance
Exotic cats have quite a few defects in appearance due to the careful work of breeders. However, there is a list of external deformations, the presence of which leads to the exclusion of an animal from participation in exhibitions. This:
- twisted/broken tail;
- insufficient/excessive number of toes on the limbs (there should be 5 toes on the front paws, 4 on the hind paws);
- strabismus;
Cross-eyed exotic cat
- asymmetrical muzzle due to skull deformation, curved spine.
Diseases and life expectancy
Domestic exotic cats have inherited diseases from Persians. They can be diagnosed with:
- problems with the respiratory system (possible frequent nasal congestion);
- tearing eyes;
- dental diseases: tartar, periodontal disease (they are easier to prevent than to treat later);
- heart and kidney problems that should be identified from childhood, then the doctor will help maintain their condition throughout the entire period with the help of medications and special nutrition.
The first two problems are hereditary, they are associated with the flattened shape of the muzzle and the raised nose.
It is very important to take care of the animal’s health in advance and get all the necessary vaccinations. Life expectancy can be more than 15 years. This is an excellent indicator for cats.
Basics of proper nutrition for exotics
From infancy, exotics must receive a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals so that the body develops correctly and the coat is smooth, healthy and silky. Only the owner decides what kind of food will be - natural, home-cooked or commercial from the store.
Important! However, you should consult your veterinarian before choosing a diet. Each individual develops individually, so each may require its own daily menu.
How to properly organize natural nutrition
Owners of exotic cats who decide to feed their pets natural food must remember that it is forbidden to give food from the human table to the animal. No matter how pleadingly the exotic eyes look at the owner during dinner, you need to be adamant.
What should you not feed cats and for what reasons? You can find out in our special article.
You can't overfeed cats. A fat exotic will not lose its external charm, but there will be problems with health.
The diet that a cat requires for the proper development of the body may seem rather meager and unappetizing to some owners, but deviation from it can cause irreparable harm to the pet’s health.
Table 3. Products that should be present in the daily diet of an exotic cat\
| Product | Variations | How to give and what it affects |
| Dietary meat | Veal, beef, rabbit meat | It is given raw, pre-frozen and thawed so that the low temperature kills all parasites. It is necessary to give sirloin parts, as they contain animal protein required for the comprehensive development of all body systems. |
| Poultry is lean | Turkey, chicken | These products are not suitable for daily nutrition, as they do not contain enough amino acids. Chicken or turkey should be given 1-2 times a week. |
| Animal entrails | Lungs, beef kidneys, chicken hearts and ventricles | Wild cats eat small animals along with internal organs, which contain many trace elements. At home, you can fill this gap by using offal, previously scalded with boiling water. |
| Fish, cleaned of bones and scales | Ocean fish – cod, herring, mackerel | Fish is fed once a week; too frequent “fish days” can become an impetus for the development of kidney disease. River fish should not be given at all, as infection with parasites may occur. |
| Dairy products | Low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir | Fermented milk products must be given to exotics daily. It supplies the cat's body with calcium and helps the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. |
At least 75% of a cat's daily diet should consist of meat, fish and offal. You also need to add a side dish that is mixed with the main dish - it can be porridge, fresh vegetables, herbs, sometimes you can add egg yolk. There is no need to feed your pet tenderloin every day, as such a diet will negatively affect your pet’s health.
Exotic cats are far from omnivores: they will only eat what they like.
Digestion of dairy products is best in kittens; in adult cats, flatulence is possible. Products that were produced 2-3 days before the date of use are best absorbed.
Important! Check the temperature of the food you give your cat every time. It shouldn't be too hot. Permissible temperature - no more than 40 degrees .
How to choose the right industrial feed
In order to feel good and develop normally, your pet must receive all the products necessary for the full functioning of the body:
- vitamins and microelements;
- amino acids;
- saturated fats.
Dry food classes: pros and cons
All these elements are found in vegetables, meat, fish and cottage cheese. However, if the owner does not have time to prepare food specifically for the pet, you can choose a more practical option: buying dry food. It is important to consider that the popular inexpensive canned food sold in supermarkets has a bad effect on your pet’s body. It contains a lot of salt and seasonings, which significantly reduces the lifespan of a cat.
You should pay attention to balanced dry food that is sold in pet stores. When choosing food, you need to pay attention to reviews from breeders and the composition, which should list all the necessary microelements.
Some felines like dry food more than fresh meat or fish.
Finished Products
Analyzing ready-made food products for pets, which are leading the market today, veterinarians have compiled their TOP 5 most suitable options for exotic shorthair cats:
- Hill's Nature's Best. A dish made from natural ingredients, intended for cats aged 1 to 7 years. It contains fatty acids, therefore it has a positive effect on the animal’s immune system.
- Bosch Sanabelle Adult Ostrich. It is made from poultry and ostrich meat, as well as vitamin products. With regular consumption, it makes the cat's fur shiny and smooth.
- Eukanuba Adult Hairball Indoor. Designed for cats from one year old. Due to its fiber content, it has a gentle effect on the animal’s digestive system and promotes good immunity.
- Cat Chow. A new product on the market that has already proven itself positively. Contains a sufficient amount of proteins, as well as coarse fibers. Helps strengthen the musculoskeletal system of animals and dental health.
- Innova Evo. One of the best products for cats, carefully thought out by American specialists. Contains everything necessary for exotic cats, and therefore can be used daily as a separate dish.
Where to buy an exotic kitten, and at what price
Despite the fact that the breed is very popular, the sale of exotic kittens is not common in Russia. Those wishing to own this affectionate cat should contact nurseries in large cities - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Samara. Breeders in small towns are unlikely to find a purebred exotic.
On average, the cost of a kitten does not exceed $1,200. You can find a baby cheaper on the Internet, but there is no guarantee that they will sell you a purebred exotic cat. Thus, under the guise of a representative of a rare breed, unscrupulous breeders may offer cheap analogues - for example, a short-haired Persian cat.
Charming exotic kittens with constantly sad eyes can please anyone
Table: pros and cons of the breed
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Amazingly sweet, calm, peaceful character | Regular discharge from the eyes and nose |
| Attachment to your family | Large amount of wool |
| Visual appeal | Low mobility |
| Lack of aggression | Possible genetic diseases |
Features of the breed and care of exotic cats are simple and accessible to everyone.
These cute kittens will become the best friends for all family members. They are very loyal and grateful. Everyone loves them: both children and adults. *Prices are as of October 2021.
Rules for choosing exotic kittens
You should buy a kitten only from trusted breeders with a decent reputation. Since the individuals are representatives of an artificially obtained breed, some of them may have health problems. A trusted nursery will never place an animal that is sick or has congenital pathologies.
What to look for when choosing a kitten
When you first look at the baby, you should evaluate its proportions. The head should not be noticeably larger in relation to the rest of the body. Then they focus on less noticeable characteristics that appear approximately after reaching 3 months:
- the skull should be of medium size, uniform, without bulges or grooves;
- the tail is not too long, straight and without bends;
- the coat is medium, resembling plush;
- large, clean eyes without darkening or suppuration, signaling the baby’s illness;
- correct bite and symmetrical muzzle, there should be no protruding fangs when the mouth is closed.
In addition, the kitten should be playful, energetic and inquisitive, with interest in strangers. A lethargic kitten will in most cases end up sick. It is best to evaluate behavior in a nursery where animals behave in a familiar and natural way.
All parts of an exotic baby’s body must be fully functional, he must be playful and inquisitive
At what age should you buy a kitten?
Despite the common practice in which kittens are taken at the age of 1.5-2 months, breeders advise buying a baby when they reach 3.5 months. There are several reasons for this:
- At one and a half months, the kitten is still very attached to its mother, and is not yet able to finish eating its mother’s breast.
- At 3 months of age, babies are guaranteed to have been fully vaccinated. They can feed themselves and go to the toilet using a tray.
- A 3-month-old short-haired kitten can be easily distinguished from a long-haired one.
After the purchase, the new owner will be given all the necessary documents for a purebred kitten, including a veterinary passport with all the marks and a pedigree with information about the baby’s ancestors.
Small long-haired exotic cats may later turn out to be Persians
Description of exotic cats
Tonkinese cat: description of the breed and features
The description mentions a mixture of both parent breeds, which gives these animals an unusual appearance. Some people still call them exotic Persians or American exotics. But this is a separate independent breed with developed appearance standards and its own unique character. Established appearance standards:
- rounded, medium-sized head;
- snub-nosed flattened small nose;
- the eyes are very large, they have a round shape. They are the ones who give the face such a cute expression;
- short and thick neck;
- massive body and thick, strong paws;
- rounded short tail;
- weight up to 7 kg.
Exotic shorthair cat has an easy-going disposition
For your information! Another difference between cats is the presence of tufts of fur between their toes, which makes them look quite fluffy. Outwardly they look a little like a Goan cat.
Persian exotic wool
The skin is soft, plush and short with a thick undercoat. Only by crossing purebred cats with the same set of genes do the same kittens appear. Otherwise, their fur will be long, but they will look no less impressive. However, long-haired kittens are a defect of the breed.
Important! These cats are not hypoallergenic.
Acceptable colors
The most common colors:
- tabby;
- two-color;
- motley;
- white;
- gray;
- redheads;
- red.
Red exotic cat
Colors of exotic cats
Representatives of the breed can have completely different colors. These can be solid colors or unexpected tabby colors. Below are just a few of them.
Table 4. Colors of exotic cats
| Hue | Description |
| Red tabby | It is distinguished by a pronounced shade of red on the back, which passes to the stomach with less brightness |
| Marble | A color that is rich in various shades. It can be black-gray, reddish-beige or other colors, but always in the form of a marble pattern. |
| Blue | This is the name of the gray-blue color, reminiscent of the Russian Blue breed. |
| Black | Pure black color without any variations. |
| Tortoiseshell | Symbiosis of several colors in different proportions. |
| White | An ideal snow-white shade, in which there are no impurities. |
| Ginger | It has a delicate, slightly reddish tint, more like cream. |
Criteria for choosing a partner and breeding features
When choosing a partner, you should be guided by the following tips:
- You need to find out in advance from the owner of the future partner what color the kittens were born to him before. This will be able to adjust the coloring of future offspring;
- Usually the female comes to the cat to carry out the mating process. Both pets must be vaccinated and have a good pedigree;
- if there is even the slightest suspicion about the cat’s health problems, then mating should be postponed until next time;
- the cat should not run to the partner immediately, first she needs to get acquainted with the situation, his smell, surrounding objects;
- The mating process takes about 4-5 days.
At what age does the first mating take place?
Cats reach puberty at six months to 8 months, males a little later. For them this period lasts up to a year. Mating for cats is best done after 3 heats.
Important! Thoroughbred animals should be mated no more than once every 1.5 years. They need to rest.
Castration and sterilization of the breed
It is recommended to sterilize both females and male exotics between 7 and 12 months.
