Character: Combines the placid, affectionate nature of the Persian with the playful inquisitiveness of the British Shorthair; makes an ideal family pet.
Care: Gentle brushing will keep the coat in good condition.

The Exotic is a medium to large sized cat with short, thick, strong legs. He has a thick, soft coat making him able to tolerate cool climates. The Exotic is easy to groom by giving regular combings with some extra attention given during shedding time so as to avoid hairballs.

All colors are acceptable for the Exotic Shorthair. For showing purposes the eye color must be in conformance with the coat color.

The Exotic Cat is friendly and quite lovable. He is a quiet cat who is affectionate and makes a great companion.

The Exotic Shorthair is a shorthair cat with Persian "type". They are shown in the Persian (Longhair) Section at GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) cat shows. They are
a relatively new breed in the UK with many admirers,and are a happy, healthy and mischievous breed. With an easily maintained coat they have quickly established themselves as both a striking show cat and a loving pet.

Click here for larger picture

Exotic Beginnings.....
For many years, British Shorthair breeders had occasionally mated their
British cats to Longhairs in order to improve the bone, body shape, eye colour etc.
The subsequent kittens from these matings were usually too "over-typed" or with a too soft and long coat to show them as British Shorthairs. They were nevertheless very attractive with a look of their own.

Some breeders wanted to maintain this different "look" and decided to develop a "new" breed by breeding from these kittens and so the Exotic Shorthair in the UK arrived!
In 1983, the Exotic Cat Club was formed and the members of the Committee of the Clubworked hard to promote and obtain recognition for the breed.
This recognition came in 1986 when the GCCF awarded Preliminary Recognition to the breed.
Championship status was obtained in 1995, and now many exotics are among the top show winners in the UK. Here at Tinabee we are owned by the UK's first self exotic Imperial Grand Champion. See show page.

For those who like the Persian look but do not have the time or patience to cope with the coat of a long-haired cat, an Exotic could be the answer. The coat, which is slightly longer than other short-haired cats, is dense, plush and soft in texture. With a little regular grooming to get rid of loose hair the coat will not mat or tangle.

The temperament of the Exotic also makes it an ideal choice as a pet. Exotics tend to be gentle cats with very endearing natures. They are affectionate and enjoy the attention of their owners.
They love to play with you or to curl up on your lap for a nap, they may even want to sleep with you. Exotics make loyal companions and are comfortable to have around your home. The rewards you can get from owning them are numerous.

Which colour?

At present there are over 130 colours that have been allocated breed numbers by G.C.C.F. and since there are only a few hundred Exotic kittens being born every year it may not always be possible to get the exact colour you are looking for. However, the Exotic Shorthair Cat Society keeps a kitten register of kittens that are available at any one time. Details of who to
contact are listed on the appropriate web page. In addition you may also get some information by visiting either a show and looking at the cats, or the internet looking to see which colours are being bred by various breeders, and whereabouts they are in relation to your home.

How can I find a breeder?

You can find a breeder by;

• Contacting the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (G.C.C.F.) who will be able to give you the relevant contact information for a breed or area club. Tel: 01278 427575
  
• Visiting a cat show where you will be able to see the cats for yourself and also have the opportunity to speak to breeders and owners of Exotics.
  
• Contacting your local R.S.P.C.A. branch, Cats Protection branch or other welfare organization. Remember there may be a few Exotic Cats, who through no fault of their own (eg.divorce), have ended being placed with these organizations. Contacting your local vet, who may be able to help.
  

What do I look for in a kitten?

Your kitten (and its litter-mates) should be happy, healthy and robust. It should be litter-trained (usually by mum), vaccinated (by the breeder) and show no signs of parasites or disease.
Look for a lively, inquisitive kitten with a good appetite, a clean coat, clean ears and bright eyes.

Source: The Exotic Cat Club & The Exotic Shorthair Cat Society