by Sandra Gillhouse

Created on: June 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 16, 2009

There is nothing quite like having your Persian hop into your hammock on a lazy summer afternoon; his broad muzzle coaxing your hand to pet him while he flips his chunky tail in approval. If your Persian happens to be an exotic-shorhair your fingers will find a thick danderless carpet of fur to pet. While he gazes up at you with his big coppery eyes, just barely able to turn his thick neck far enough to see over the book you're trying to read. He will nestle in snug, content and affectionate for as long as you allow. But if a tiny ground squirrel should happen to wander nearby or a bird light in the trees above. His clown personality will pop the tranquility like a bubble.

Exotic-shorthair Persians were a well kept secret for many years. In the last decade they're quickly becoming the most popular Persian bred cat in the show market. They have the same smug face and low body carriage as the long hairs. Exotics also have a similar bone structure and solid body mass. They tend to be more affectionate and loyal than other cat breeds, which makes them excellent companions and show breeds. The shorthair of course, is ideally more manageable. They have thick carpet like hair that makes them pleasing to touch. They are quieter than other cats and adapt well to new pets in the house. The sillier sides of these cats make for amusing entertainment.

You might be surprised that the exotic-shorthairs have very powerful jaws and are excellent mousers. A plus for families who live in large homes with attics that attract rodents .

An exotic can run anywhere from $350 dollars upwards to $3000 or more depending on markings and bloodlines. Show cats sired from champions run the gamut of the more expensive exotics.

The health and life expectancy depend more on care and home environments. Breeders recommend that they are kept inside away from possible encounters with other cats.This along with regular vet visit protect them from disease. The male oddly is the gentler of the breed whereas with other cats; like say the Siamese breed, the female is more placid.

Exotic-shorthairs are technically an out-crossed design bred cat, because they have been bred from the Persian longhair line. This means a new generation would have a fifty-fifty chance of some kittens being longhair Persian, which can make them less valuable in the show market.

If you are in the market for an exotic be sure to check the jaw for asymmetry; a medical anomaly that can lead to difficulty eating as they age. Also look for sinus blockage, and or swelling in or around the tear ducts. One last word of caution before you pay for your cat be sure to check the paper work. Authentic champions will have distinguished merits writ into the pages, often even notarized for your assurance. But most importantly relax in that hammock and enjoy your pet and he will give you plenty to boast about in return.

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