Exotics

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.

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.

Cat Fanciers Association standard

Chinchilla silver: Undercoat pure white. Coat on back, flanks, head, and tail sufficiently tipped with black to give the characteristic sparkling silver appearance. Legs may be slightly shaded with tipping. Chin, ear tufts, stomach, and chest, should be pure white. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black. Eye color: green or blue-green. Disqualify for incorrect eye color, incorrect eye color being copper, yellow, gold, amber, or any color other than green or blue-green.

Chinchilla golden: Undercoat pale honey to bright apricot. Coat on back, flanks, head and tail sufficiently tipped with black to enhance a golden appearance. Legs and end of tail may be shaded with tipping. Chin, ear tufts, stomach and chest, consistent dilute color, much lighter in tone that the undercoat color. The general effect is lighter than a shaded golden due to less tipping. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: rose. Paw pads: black. Eye color: green or blue-green. Disqualify for incorrect eye color, incorrect eye color being copper, yellow, gold, amber, or any color other than green or blue green.

Shaded silver: Undercoat white with a mantle of black tipping shading down from sides, face, and tail from dark on the ridge to white on the chin, chest, stomach, and under the tail. Legs to be the same tone as the face. The general effect to be much darker than a chinchilla. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: brick red. Paw pads: black. Eye color: green or blue-green. Disqualify for incorrect eye color, incorrect eye color being copper, yellow, gold, amber, or any color other than green or blue-green.

Shaded golden: Undercoat pale honey to bright apricot with a mantle of black tipping shading down from the sides, face, head and tail. Legs are to be the same tone as the face. Ear tufts, chin, chest stomach and underside of the tail, consistent dilute color, much lighter in tone than the undercoat. The general effect is darer than a Chinchilla Golden due to more tipping. Rims of eyes, lips, and nose outlined with black. Nose leather: rose. Paw pads: black. Eye color: green or blue-green. Disqualify for incorrect eye color, incorrect eye color being copper, yellow, gold, amber, or any color other than green or blue green.

© 2005-2009 Franciscan Silver and Golden Fanciers Club. Design by Cattery Web Designs. Established in 1960, the Franciscan Silver and Golden Fanciers Club located in Northern California, USA, is one of the oldest breed clubs in the Cat Fanciers Association. The focus of the club is to promote worldwide interest and knowledge about how unique, fascinating and exquisite Silver and Golden Persians and Exotic Cats are, as well as draw support for various rescue organizations benefiting all cats.