Exotically Speaking....by Pamela Hill of Echo Hill
Exotics are a "man made breed". During the 1950-60's, Persians were bred with other breeds to incorporate the rounder head shape and Persian coat qualities into other breeds of cats. Some of these hybrid offspring were from silver American Shorthairs and silver Persians. These cats were so appealing, that they became the foundation for a new breed. The standard described a shorthaired Persian cat. By the time the Cat Fanciers Association approved Exotics for championship status in 1967, they were allowed in all colors, not just silver. However, the silvers were the beginning of the breed, and the first grand Champion Exotic was a shaded silver.
Pictured above is GC, GP Echo Hill Carmen, Chinchilla Exotic
What makes them so special? It is the coat, described as: "dense, plush, soft and full of life, standing out from the body due to a dense undercoat.
Put a mink coat on that cute chubby body, and you have what is often described as a "teddy bear" cat. Put a chinchilla pelt on that cobby cat, and you have a silver Exotic. Their hair shaft is white, with a touch of black at the tip. The green eyes, lips and nose are outlined in black, and the paw pads are also black. The contrast is very dramatic. Exotics also come in Golden, another lovely color. The hair shaft is a pale honey to bright apricot color with black tipping. Exotics require less grooming than Persians, so they are easier to maintain. Two Exotics bred together can produce longhaired kittens. These long hair babies are identical to Persians, except that their registration numbers are Exotic, not Persian. Genetically they are the same as Persians. They are usually sold as pets. Short or longhaired, they make wonderful companions, and are playful and affectionate.
Pictured at left is Brettachtal Leyna of Echo Hill, Shaded Silver Exotic
Barbara Sims wrote this facinating article you won't want to miss on the history and development of Exotics.
Also, if you are interested in genetics, Tracy Smith of Simbakui wrote this very interesting and easy to understand article on the Genetics of Silver and Golden Persians and Exotics.
 GC Echo Hill Oracle Shaded Silver Exotic Breeder/Owner: Pamela Hill |
 Echo Hill Bon Bon Shaded Silver Exotic Kitten Breeder/Owner: Pamela Hill |
 GC Echo Hill Chico and GC, GP Echo Hill Carmen Shaded and Chinchilla Silver Exotic Kittens Breeder/Owner: Pamela Hill |
 GC Echo Hill Psyche Shaded Silver Exotic Breeder/Owner: Pamela Hill |
