Cats Breeds 101 ~ Exotic Shorthair

A breed with only 50 years of history, the Exotic Shorthair, also known as the Shorthaired Persian, is a popular breed for cat fanciers who walk on the calmer side of life. This breed has its playful side, but it prefers to cuddle and relax for most of the day. Perfect for urban homes, or for country living, the Exotic is plush and beautiful to look at, with the added benefit of being one of the more affectionate breeds. A Persian without pretension, the Exotic is also easy to care for, with a minimal shedding but still luxurious coat.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Exotic Shorthair can be succinctly described as being a short-haired Persian, since for all intents, it meets every standard for the Persian breed, except for the coat. Where the Persian has a long thick coat that requires daily combing for prevention of mats and tangles, the Exotic has a medium length coat that is dense and plush, with a thick undercoat.

The Exotic does not require daily combing, nor does it shed heavily ~ in fact, it sheds so little as to be considered a “non-shedding” breed. Weekly combing is recommended simply for the purpose of beautifying the Exotic, and for keeping hairballs to a minimum. The fur on the Exotic is so thick, that this is one of those particular breeds of cats that looks much bigger than it truly is; needless to say, it is a big cat.

The Exotic may grow to be up to 15 pounds, but in height it remains fairly short and close to the ground. The appearance is cobby with short, stout legs holding up a round, muscular physique. It is compact, not fat, with the weight being attributed to the density of the bones. Proceeding upward to the crown, the neck carries the athletic build: short and substantial, topped by an impressively sized head. Exotics are acceptable in any color and in any coat pattern, including color point (like Siamese), white, striped, and calico.

The face of the Exotic is identical to the Persian, with the same standards in place. There are two features which particularly cause the Exotic to stand out. This breed is categorized as brachycephalic, which means that the skull, and by extension, the face, is short and broad, with a flattened muzzle. The other natural characteristic this breed has, and which boosts its popularity, is its pedomorphic appearance, meaning that the face of the Exotic retains its kittenish expression, with large, round, widely set eyes, small ears, a short nose, and a large, round head. This “cuteness”, along with its ease of grooming, and its agreeable and playful nature, make the Exotic one of the top choices for companion animals.

The Exotic is not especially prone to disease or genetic abnormalities, and this is largely due to the precautions early breeders took in the beginning. But, being a brachycephalous breed means that it has the usual problems that result from having the nose and eyes in such close proximity to each other. The tear ducts have a tendency to overflow, leaving stains along the facial fur. This is easily remedied with a damp cloth. There may also be occasional sinus problems, or problems with tooth alignment due to the shortened jaw and the possibility of tooth crowding.

Finally, the shorter nostrils make the Exotic more sensitive to heat. High temperatures may lead to breathing problems. Add that to the heavier coat, and you have a breed that will look for ways to stay cool.

Although the Exotic loves human contact, and will spend much of its time as a lap cat, it will also look for spots where it can cool down, such as uncarpeted floors, bricks, and tiles.

PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT

Early Exotics were a bit more active than their Persian relatives because of outcrossings for the short hair gene, but over the last four decades, since the breed began, the Exotic has come to be more like the Persian in behavior as well as appearance. It is still more playful that its relative, and its easy going nature and calm attitude are ideal for families with children and without, and for both rural and urban homes. The Exotic gets along well with other animals, but it tends toward people. Quietly, with a soft voice when it does have a need to speak, the Exotic will greet you when you arrive, and make you feel welcome, contentedly curling up on your lap.

This breed is amused by the simple pleasures of life. A string or a paper ball are enough to keep your Exotic pleased. They are not jumpers, nor do they dash around the house or make trouble on shelves. Their preference leans more toward lounging around and being caressed. They are amongst the most affectionate and loyal of cats breeds, a true companion pet.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The birth of the Exotic Shorthair began in earnest in the late 1950s, when American cat breeder Carolyn Bussey crossed a Persian with a brown Burmese, in the hopes of designing a brown colored Persian. She ended up with black kittens, but she had made the serendipitous discovery that the resulting kittens were strikingly cute. She believed that cat fanciers might take to the idea of a shorter haired Persian, one especially that would be easier to groom, but that retained the same beauty and easy nature of the Persian.

At this point, the short-haired breeds had been pretty well weeded out of the cat fancy because of the surreptitious crossings that had been conducted by less than honest breeders. While American Shorthairs were being crossed with Persians to produce better coats and to recreate the appearance of the Shorthair, the Shorthair breed itself was losing most of the qualities that made it a distinct breed.

The breeders of these cats fudged their papers to make it appear as though these new physical characteristics were naturally occurring, and cat fancy associations had no option except to all but end the registration of the Shorthair.

Ms. Bussey's exacting standards on breeding brought a more ethical approach to the cross breeding, and the result of her campaign to engineer this new breed was its registration as the Exotic Shorthair. Beyond the initial outcrosses between the Burmese and the Persian with the American Shorthair, the Exotic has been limited to crosses with the Persian, so that the breed can maintain its pedigreed status.

Outcrosses have not been a part of the Exotic breeding program since 1975, when the gene pool was deemed large enough to reliably produce both vigorous and attractive cats that met the standard.

This breed was granted Championship Status in 1967 by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). The Exotic made rapid progress from there, and was soon in demand. In 1971, the first Exotic Shorthair achieved the status of Grand Champion, and in 1991, an Exotic was the CFA's Cat of the Year.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Cat Breeds 101 ~ Chartreux

The Chartreux is a study in contrasts. It has a robust body, broad shoulders, and a deep chest, but medium-short, finely-boned legs. Well muscled and energetic, the Chartreux also lives up to its reputation in French literature as a fine mouser.

Physical Characteristics

The Chartreux has earned the infamous description of looking like "a potato on toothpicks" because of its robust body and thin legs. Its coat, which is shades of blue-gray with silvery-colored tips, is dense and water-repellent ~ both of which enhance its ability to swim.

Typically, Chartreux males are larger than females.

Personality and Temperament

A born hunter, the Chartreux may have been primarily used to get rid of mice. It is agile and energetic and has all the characteristics necessary in a good companion. It is a good-tempered, loyal, and above all, quiet cat. Owners rarely hear its voice.

Capable of strong attachments, it may climb onto a lap if someone happens to sit near it. This cat is also playful and fun-loving, amusing its owner with its antics. It enjoys a game of fetch or any other game involving the family and other pets. This intelligent cat can even become familiar with its name and respond when called.

Health

Though this cat is known for health and hardiness, it may possess a recessive gene of medial patellar luxation.

History and Background

The history of this breed is immersed in legend. The tale goes that the Chartreux was bred by monks in the order's head monastery, Grande Chartreuse, in the French Alps. Besides devoting their time to prayers, these fascinating monks made inroads into other not-so-holy activities like liqueur-making, weapon-forging, and breeding cats. The green-and-yellow Chartreuse liqueur originated in the monastery, thanks to the efforts of these monks.

Though the monastery was founded in 1084 by Saint Bruno, the cats staged their appearance only in the 13th century. They were brought to the monastery by crusading, battle-weary knights who, after prolonged battle with the Turks, retired to the peace of monastic life. Among the wealth they brought home were blue cats that they had found on the coast of Africa. These cats were trained to have quiet voices so as not to rudely interrupt meditation. The authenticity of this story, however, cannot be verified.

The Chartreux were first heard of in the 16th century, according to another story closer to the truth. The Histoire Naturelle, written in the 1700s by biologist Comte de Buffon, talks about four cat breeds that were common to Europe at that time: domestic, Angora, Spanish, and Chartreux. In the 1920s, a colony of cats was discovered by two sisters by the name of Leger on the tiny Brittany Island Belle-Ile, off the coast of France. The Leger sisters, who were also cat lovers, worked on this breed and in 1931 exhibited the first Chartreux in France.

World War II, however, dealt a crushing blow to this thriving cat community. Breeders rushed to rescue it and it was crossed with blue British Shorthairs, Russian Blues, and Persians to ensure its continued existence.

The Chartreux finally arrived in the United States in 1970 when the late Helen Gamon of La Jolla, California, brought back a male Chartreux from Madame Bastide in France, a breeder who had pure Chartreux lines. This famous cat was responsible for perpetuating the Chartreux cats in America. The breed was granted Championship status in 1987. It has Championship status in all associations.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Pet Adoption 101 ~ Adopting a Rescue or Shelter Pet

Adopting a new pet involves far more than choosing an adorable animal from a rescue website or shelter cage and bringing it home.  Every rescue and shelter has their own unique approach, and set of guidelines to finding new homes for their adoptable pets.  However, most of them do try to balance the interests of the pet and the adopter.  The adoption process usually involves the following steps:

* Filling out an adoption application
* Interview with shelter staff
* Selecting your new pet (if you haven't already from their website)
* Waiting period for reference checks (vet / landlord / etc.)
* Signing an adoption contract and paying fees
* Trial period (some rescues build this in to the process)

Furrends

The Application and Interview

Many pets are surrendered to shelters because people are often unrealistic about the time, effort, money, lifestyle compatibility, and facilities that pets require.  Because of this, shelters often perform vigorous personal interviews to insure a great match for you and your new pet.  You will usually be required to fill out basic contact information, provide photo identification, proof of residence, and proof of prior pet ownership with veterinary and licensing records if applicable.  In addition, the shelter staff will use the following information to help match you with your perfect pet: 


* Reasons for getting a pet (e.g. companion for yourself, children, or another pet; agility dog, etc).
* Number and ages of children and pets you currently have and previous pet experience.
* Facilities or housing situation and whether you rent or own.  Some shelters will require a letter from a landlord stating that pets are allowed.
* Lifestyle information ~ activity level, travel, etc.


Selecting Your New Pet

It can be overwhelming when you arrive at a shelter to see how many choices you have. Before you arrive, it is important to construct a list of desired traits ~ such as coat type, size, shape, temperament, activity level, gender, and age.  As many shelters have purebred dogs and cats, you should also research breeds that appeal to you in both physical and behavioral characteristics.  Some shelters will keep a waiting list and contact you if a particular breed you are looking for becomes available. 

Oftentimes pets that appear quiet, scared or even overly excited are overlooked by potential adopters.  Ask the shelter staff about the personality of each pet you may be interested in. The shelter staff usually has had the opportunity to interact with the animals in various environments and can often assist you in better observing his or her true personality. 

Please feel free to request more information regarding choosing the right pet for your home and your lifestyle!  We are happy to provide you with additional resources to help you make the best decision.  (Messaging and contact information can be found at the end of this article!)

Shelter Dog Waiting for Adoption!

Waiting Period

Many shelters and rescue groups will require a waiting period of 24 to 48 hours (or more) before allowing you to take your new pet home.  This is intended to give families time to discuss the decision of getting a pet and make sure it is not just an impulse.  A family must be emotionally, financially and personally ready to take on the responsibility of a new pet.  It is important that all members of a family are "on board" with getting a pet and everyone is committed to its care.  It must be decided who will feed, groom, exercise and pick up after a pet in advance.  This waiting period also gives prospective families time to prepare their home for a new pet.  


Adoption Contract and Fees

Most shelters require that you sign a contract when you adopt a pet.  These contracts will often require that adopters be responsible for:

* Spaying or neutering (though many times this is included in the adoption fee, especially with older pets)
* Provision of suitable housing (not dumping your pet outdoors in harsh climate conditions!), nutrition and health care
* Return of the animal to the shelter if an adopter can no longer care for him or her
* Associated costs of adopting the pet

Some shelters also require post-adoption visits by shelter staff.  In almost all cases, you will need to pay an adoption fee to the shelter.  Also, if the animal has experienced significant health care costs while at the shelter, they may ask the adopter to help with the costs. Shelters always appreciate contributions toward their programs and facilities. 

Trial Period

Many shelters offer a trial period that allows you to take your new pet home to determine how he or she does in their new environment.  This is particularly important if there are already pets or children in a household.  Occasionally a behavioral or medical problem may be discovered that was not noticed in the shelter.  Some shelters offer post-adoption assistance with minor behavioral or adjustment problems.  If the adopter or shelter feel the match is not a good one, the animal can be returned during this trial period to the shelter without penalty. 

Again, please feel free to request further information regarding your new pet into your home and family!  We are happy to provide you with additional resources to help you make the transition as smooth as possible. (Messaging and contact information can be found at the end of this article!)

Many shelters have information about their specific adoption process on their websites so you can prepare in advance.  Although this process may seem extensive, it is beneficial to all parties involved ~ you will have a relationship with your pet for the lifetime of the pet,  so it is worth the time and effort to insure the best match possible.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

Cats Breeds 101 ~ Bombay Cat

The Bombay breed is perfect for cat-lovers who secretly want to own an affectionate panther. Copper-eyed, black and short-haired, this cat has the exotic appearance of a tiny, black leopard. In fact, the breed derives its name from the Indian city of Bombay, which is also considered the land of the black leopard.

Physical Characteristics

Curiously, this well-built, medium-sized cat looks rather mundane as a kitten. The Bombay does not develop its lustrous, satin-like black coat, stunning gold eyes, and other exotic characteristics until after the fourth month.

Personality and Temperament

Bombay cats get along well with children and prefer to be around humans. In fact, not only will it display affection and attach itself to one particular member of the family, but to all members. However, it will only call for attention in a gentle and polite way, without being troublesome. This intelligent cat also enjoys playing and exploring.

History and Background

The late Nikki Horner, an American breeder, is credited for creating the first Bombay in the late '50s. Her objective was to breed a cat which looked like a miniature panther, with a glossy black coat and yellow eyes. However, she wanted the cat to have certain characteristics of the Burmese.

Although her first attempt at crossing Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs were unsuccessful, she continued to persevere. Eventually Horner succeeded when she crossed a black American Shorthair male, endowed with rich eye color, with a champion Burmese.

To her dismay, Horner found that the various Cat Associations showed reluctance in accepting her creation, and was denied Championship status. But Homer persisted in her efforts and in 1976 the cat was finally registered by the Cat Fancier's Association. After almost 18 years of struggle, the breed was allowed to compete in the Championship Classes on May 1, 1986.

Though this breed is not easily available, the Bombay has found favor with many people and has a steady fan following.