Things You Need To Know About The EXOTIC SHORTHAIR CAT

Brown Exotic Shorthair Female Kitten. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cats have been one of mankind's most treasured companions throughout history. They are known as playful and loving pets. The exotic shorthair is a recent cat breed that has been increasingly popular among cat owners everywhere. The breed originated in the United States during the early 1950s. The breed was formally recognized during the 1960s. It is a cross between the Persian cat breed and the American Shorthair. Other crosses between Persians and Shorthair cat breeds like the British Shorthair are also considered by some as Exotic shorthair cats. 

Due to its long-haired Persian heritage, there is a one in four chance that a longhair will result from breeding two Exotic Shorthairs.

The breed has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from its Persian and American Shorthair forebears. The Exotic cat has a large, almost massive head. Its face is flattened, with full cheeks and a pug-like nose. A strong chin and broad, powerful jaws give the cat a distinct look. It has widely spaced ears and large, round eyes. Eye color is dependent on coat color; blue eyes are common in blue and white varieties, green is the norm for chinchilla-coated specimens and golden is the most common among the other varieties. The exotic shorthair exhibits similar coloration found in Persian breeds, though they have shorter and more erect hairs. 

Their coat hair is slightly longer than the American and British Shorthair breeds. They are medium-sized, well-muscled cats with massive chests and broad shoulders. The breed has a short and thick tail. This cute and cuddly appearance makes The Exotic shorthair cat is a favorite among enthusiasts and regular owners alike.

The breed is known to be affectionate and loyal. The exotic shorthair is quick to bond with its owner. They are naturally curious and playful though they tend to be less rambunctious than their Persian ancestors. This makes them good lap cats, perfect for people living in apartments. The cat is friendly to other people as well as towards other cats and even dogs. Their dense and fluffy hair may require weekly combing to help remove matted hair and dirt, though the breed is fully capable of cleaning itself. Their American Shorthair heritage makes them good hunters and mousers especially when offered with treats and other incentives by their owners

Breeders are the only source of certified exotic shorthair kittens. Animal shelters may have adults up for adoption. Adopting an adult is a short process, which usually entails a couple of minutes of paperwork and payment of a standard fee. Obtaining kittens from breeders may take more time. 

Certification, pedigree, and other paperwork may take a while to be processed. It is important to check if the breeder conducts Feline polycystic kidney disease tests on their cats. PKD is a common ailment found in Persian-derived breeds. This disorder can lead to eventual kidney failure. It is highly recommended to test exotic shorthair kittens for PKD. The exotic shorthair price ranges from $100 dollars or so for adults from animal shelters and up to $600 dollars for kittens from reputable breeders. Yearly maintenance costs for the exotic shorthair can reach $1000. These include medical check-ups, cat food costs, and other miscellaneous expenditures.

Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

AMERICAN SHORTHAIR - Cats of the World

American Shorthair - Cats of the World

---

---

4 Interesting Facts About the AMERICAN SHORTHAIR CAT Breed

American Shorthair cat Romeo
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are considering getting a cat for a pet, then the American Shorthair cat breed is one you may do well to consider - especially if a unique cat is one you fancy. This is an opinion that may yet become stronger in you after you get to read our collection of five interest facts, presented as 'did you know' about the American Shorthair cat breed.

1) For one, did you know that the American Shorthair cat breed is the world's eighth most popular cat breed? The implication here is that if you have found yourself smitten by it, then you are not alone - many other people do. The fact that the American Shorthair cat breed is the eighth most popular cat breed in the world is not arbitrary or a product of guesswork. It is based on painstakingly collected statistics, by the Cat Fanciers Association for the year 2007.

2) Secondly, did you know that the American-Shorthair cat is a direct descendant of another popular breed, known simply as the English cat? Indeed, the fact that the American Shorthair breed is only three centuries old or so (although the name is much newer) means that it is more or less a variant of the English cat; seeing that such a period of time is not really long enough to result in the formation of a new cat species. Legend has it that these English cats (which gradually gave birth to the American Shorthair) found their way into the states thanks to efforts by the early settlers to protect cargo in their ships from the destruction of rodents. At a time when technology was not as advanced as today, the only way this could be done was by bringing cats on board, and this is how the English cats found their way into America, where they went on to give birth to the American-Shorthair breed.

3) Thirdly, did you know that the American Shorthair is one of the truly multi-colored cat breeds, recognizable as it is, in more than 80 color patterns? You could find an American-Shorthair that is remarkably brown, just as you could find one that is remarkably white, silver and so many other colors. Clearly then, if the color is an attribute you value in cats, the American Shorthair is not one of the breeds that limit your choices - you will actually find yourself spoilt for choice.

4) Fourthly, did you know that the American Shorthair is the very same breed of cat that was originally known as Domestic Shorthair? Its change of name, from domestic shorthair to American-Shorthair could have to do with propaganda or it could be more practical (to differentiate from other similar cats). That is still a subject of conjecture. What is known for sure is that this is the very same cat breed that was known as the domestic shorthair? Of course, you will have to be a senior citizen to have been a cat fancier when the breed was known by its former name; for the change of name took place in 1966.

By Jamie Gram - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

BRITISH SHORTHAIR CAT - Cats of the World

British Shorthair Cat - Cats of the World

---

---

Facts and Health Care Problems About BRITISH SHORTHAIR CATS

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Upon first glance, the girth and features of a British Shorthair may give the impression that they are a slothful, laid back breed. On the contrary, as descendants of British farm cats, this breed is a highly skilled and a mighty hunter.

History - Bred in the nineteenth century, the British Shorthair was a favorite in many households until distinct breeds began popping up in the mid-twentieth century. A few British Shorthair enthusiasts continue tirelessly to ensure this breed does not die out. It wasn't until the late twentieth century, that these wonderful cats were introduced in the United States, where cat fanciers became enthralled with their unusual personality and size.

Appearance - There are a variety of colors and one shade was so popular; it was the only shade and color credited by cat associations for years to come. British Blue was the name of the color of choice, but after World War II, this distinct color of British Shorthairs almost became nonexistent.

Enthusiasts of this breed wanted to preserve conserve the unique blue hue, bred the remaining blue shorthairs with Blue Persians. This created an increase in the gene pool and literally saved the specific shade from utter elimination. There are different colors to choose from which consist of white, bi-colors, smoke, tortoiseshell, point colors with orange or blue eyes.

The British Shorthair has a roundish head and wide cheeks as well as a thick and relatively short tail. The British Shorthair, also known for its stickiness, is a large specimen of cat weighing in at a substantial nine to eighteen pounds.

British Shorthair Cat Behavior and Characteristics - It is not a cat that demands incessant attention and affection. This breed behavior is highly content to go about its day doing its own thing. The British Shorthair is not suitable for those who desire friendly felines as this breed is not as socially inclined. You are able to easily satisfy the breed's emotional needs by keeping its food bowl filled and the cat can look after its own entertainment. There is little need to cuddle or entertain this breed in order to keep them content.

As the British Shorthair doesn't need constant attention, it is a good choice for a family with limited time on their hands.

British Shorthair Cat Health Problems - With a long ancestry and lineage, the gene pool diversity of the breed is generally healthy, although there is a problem one should take note of.

Type A Blood is the common blood type of domestic cats; but, the British Shorthair might have a rare blood type, Type B blood. It is an issue of concern should an operation be needed one day. You should have your local vet check you British Shorthair's blood type to ascertain if it is a rare blood type, to decrease the chances of confusion late on.

It is easy to care for and groom your British Shorthair. With the texture of their coat being rough and thick, a once a week combing should be sufficient to remove loose hairs and particles of dirt.

If you're short on time, but still want a cat, the unassuming, self-contained personality of a British Shorthair is definitely worth looking in to. It's sure to be a perfect fit.

By Moses Wright - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---

Learn More About Your American SHORTHAIR CATS

Photo   by lisa cee (Lisa Campeau) 

Learn about the background and the beauty of short hair cats. Learn also about the most striking physical attribute of the American Shorthair.

Short haired cats had newly immigrated. The Native American Indians and their flea-ridden pariah dogs did not benefit from the pesticide instincts of this cat. The pilgrims who came to America naturally brought along the family cat, who was not only a clean cabin mate. They also can serve as a dependable mouse exterminator.

The cat's natural desire to snag a passing rodent attracted man's attention since the old days and the industrious feline dearly regarded the acquaintanceship of its human admirers. The purebred American Shorthair came from these European cats who arrived in North America around 1620. However, being a purebred did not stop them from breeding and cross-breeding for nearly the next three centuries without human giving them a second thought.

The average short hair was effective as a hunter and ever so self-sufficient, hardly amenable to much coming from the human species. This features made human become interested in breeding cats and exhibiting them. Imported longhairs and other exotics took center stage - and the tough, alley cat was all too glad.

The free-spirited street life that they led, however, would not persist too much longer. The Americans began to consider the virtues of these athletic little mouse exterminators. The breed standard for the American Short hair did not originate as a description of one passing or fox-trotting alley cat.

The ideal conformation of cat derives from what would be perfect as a working cat, with just happens that the short hairs exactly are. Through the centuries, these cats adapted to a varied environment, much like how the settlers who kept them: this was a rugged, healthy and autonomous kitty. Thus the standard for the American Shorthair, which the original fanciers began to follow, emphasizing the nature and appearance of the "breed."

Today's breed continues to emulate the free spirit, autonomy and strong work ethic of its American founding fathers. They still are as efficient as mouse exterminators as their ancestors were.

Cat lovers today may start thinking about the value of purchasing a purebred cat that is intentionally made to look like just a normal cat around the town. Although American fanciers believe that the American Short hair looks distinctively purebred, less informed cat purchasers may not know about it unless they were informed of it.

Probably the most striking physical attribute of the American Shorthair is the animal's symmetry. Everything that they have is naturally harmoniously proportioned and placed. This natural quality that they possess underscores the whole of the cat. The head is marked by full cheeks and is oblong, though still somewhat longer than wide.The body in its good development is powerful and well-knit. The legs are strongly boned with heavy muscle which helps the cats run and jump better and of course to stalk their prey.

Author: Tommy Lee  - Article Source: GoArticles

---

---

EXOCITC SHORTHAIR Kittens

Brown Exotic Shorthair Female Kitten.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Exotic Shorthair cat is a breed that came into being around 30 years ago. They are a cross between the Persian Longhair and the British Shorthair. The resulting breed is a lovely cat with many of the distinctive features of the Persian but obviously with shorter hair. Although their hair is short, it is every bit as thick as the Persian Longhairs coat and is very dense and soft. They are attractive cats with wide-set eyes and distinctive faces. The Exotic Shorthair kittens are probably some of the prettiest kittens that you will see.

In the past, the general ruling for breeding of Exotic Shorthair kittens was to mate a British Shorthair to a Persian Longhair. As the breed has grown in numbers, however, it is now more normal to breed using two Exotics. Occasionally breeders will revert to original to perhaps breeding new colors etc, but this is no longer necessary to swell the gene pool.

There are still only a few hundred Exotic Shorthair kittens being born each year so they are not always easy to source. There are, however, websites full of information including details of how to find a breeder. Always use a reputable breeder and make sure that you have details of the parents. Whenever possible ask to see both mother and father. Often it is not so easy to see the father as he may not be kept at the same home, but make sure that all the paperwork is in place and you have all the information that you can get.

Exotic Shorthair kittens are robust little animals and very playful. They are bright and easily trained. By the time you get your kitten they should have been litter trained by their mother and be vaccinated. There should be no signs or history of disease or parasite and they should be happy and lively. They are naturally inquisitive and affectionate and love to be cuddled and handled. If the kitten is not keen on contact with humans then it may not have been handled sufficiently and may not have learned to interact with people properly. A happy and healthy Exotic kitten will love to be with people and you will be able to establish a loving and affectionate relationship with it as it grows into an adult.

Buying a kitten is never a straightforward business. There are many things which you must consider prior to actually bringing your pet home. You will need to research the best food for example. This is something that you should talk to the breeder about. They will have been providing a particular kind of food and feeding pattern which you should stick to, at least to begin with. If you do want to change the feeding structure and diet it must be done over a period of time so as not to upset the kitten's digestion. The Exotic Shorthair kitten is a lovely pet and given care and love will be an affectionate family member.

By Wendy Pan - Article Source: EzineArticles

---

---

---

DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR Kitten - Kittens of the World

Domestic Shorhair Kitten - Kittens of the World

---

---