The longhair exotic has a rich history. First bred as only a shorthair version, the exotic breed was proposed to the Cat Fanciers Association Board of Directors in 1966 by Jane Martinke. The goal was to breed a cat that had the striking characteristics of the Persian, but possessed a plush, shorter coat. The resultant breeding of shorthair cats to Persians resulted in the exotic shorthair. Although exotic longhairs continue to be born to new litters, they are not accepted as show-quality cats.
The longhair exotic is a stocky, sturdy breed of cat. Males have been known to weigh in the upper teens, with some reaching into the low 20-pound range. Females of the breed are smaller in stature than males, but females have the same striking appearance. Strong legs and a regal head complete the look of this unusual breed.
Personality
Like its Persian ancestors, the exotic longhair, or longhair exotic, is generally an affable cat. Good with children and accepting of other pets, the exotic longhair is truly a companion animal. The breed prefers to sit on the laps of its people than to race around the house. It's not to say that the exotic longhair will not play with you or your children, but they are just as content to sit on the couch and watch television with the family.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 13 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
Exotic Longhair Build Information
The longhair exotic is a stocky, sturdy breed of cat. Males have been known to weigh in the upper teens, with some reaching into the low 20-pound range. Females of the breed are smaller in stature than males, but females have the same striking appearance. Strong legs and a regal head complete the look of this unusual breed.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Like its Persian ancestors, the exotic longhair, or longhair exotic, is generally an affable cat. Good with children and accepting of other pets, the exotic longhair is truly a companion animal. The breed prefers to sit on the laps of its people than to race around the house. It's not to say that the exotic longhair will not play with you or your children, but they are just as content to sit on the couch and watch television with the family.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Because they have long hair, these cats need to be groomed regularly. A daily combing helps to prevent matted fur and subsequent hairballs. Like any cat, longhair exotics are fastidious groomers; hairballs can be a very real problem. If your cat retains its claws, they must be clipped once every four to six weeks to keep them from damaging you or your furniture. Like their Persian ancestors, these cats rarely use their claws to inflict pain or destruction.
| Shedding: | Heavy |
| Grooming: | High maintenance (daily brushing) |
Exotic Longhair Common Health Conditions
Because they were originally bred from Persians, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a real concern with this breed. Additionally, exotic longhairs can suffer with respiratory issues due to their extraordinarily short faces. Longhair exotics are prone to eye lids that turn in toward the eye, resulting in eye drainage and ulcers. If your cat suffers with eye lids that rub against the eyeball, surgery is necessary to correct the problem.
Exotic Longhair Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Exotic longhairs come in a wide variety of coat colors. The longhair gene is considered to be recessive in the exotic breed. Longhairs appear in litters of which the parents were both shorthair exotics. It is not currently considered acceptable to breed a longhair exotic. Breeds that are most similar to the exotic longhair are the Persian and the Himalayan.