Which breed was the most popular in the CFA rankings for decades?
The Persian was the most popular pedigreed cat in the CFA rankings for decades before other breeds, starting with the Exotic, finally knocked it off the top spot in the 2010s.
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Exotic Facts
Exotic facts and facts about exotics, from the Random Facts shelf.
11 facts on this shelf
How was the Exotic cat breed created?
The Exotic was created in the 1950s and 1960s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and other shorthaired breeds, which produced a cat with a Persian's face and a much shorter coat.
Why is the Exotic called "the lazy man's Persian"?
The Exotic is nicknamed "the lazy man's Persian" because it has the Persian's sweet, flat face and calm personality without the daily grooming its long coat would need.
When did the CFA recognize the Exotic?
The Cat Fanciers' Association officially recognized the Exotic in 1967.
Which breed ended the Persian's long run at the top of the CFA rankings?
In the mid-2010s, the Exotic ended the Persian's decades-long run as the most popular pedigreed cat in the CFA rankings, so the breed literally overtook its own parent breed.
What is an Exotic Longhair?
Because Exotics carry a recessive longhair gene from their Persian ancestors, two Exotic parents can produce a longhaired kitten that looks essentially identical to a Persian.
What makes the Exotic's coat unique?
The Exotic has a dense, plush coat that stands out from its body instead of lying flat, which gives it its famous teddy bear look.
What health problems can Exotic cats have?
Like Persians, Exotics have flat faces that can cause breathing problems and tear staining around the eyes, so regular face cleaning is part of their care.
What is the Exotic cat's personality like?
Exotics are known as quiet, gentle, and easygoing cats, but they tend to be a little more playful than their Persian cousins thanks to their shorthair ancestry.
How much grooming does an Exotic need?
Exotics usually need only about a weekly combing to keep their coats in good shape, which is far less work than the daily brushing a Persian requires.
Where did the Exotic's American Shorthair ancestry come from?
The Exotic began partly by accident, when American Shorthair breeders crossed their cats with Persians and ended up with stocky, plush-coated, flat-faced cats that became a breed of their own.