Exotic Longhair Cat

The history of the Exotic Longhair is inextricably linked to that of its shorthair relative. It all started in the 1950s in the U.S. when Persian breeders wanted to “improve” the American Shorthair breed by adding the Persian’s silvery coat and more massive build. However, the results of the crossbreeding were unexpected: the kittens had the charming look of Persians—flat faces, big eyes, and a sturdy build—but with short, dense, plush fur. These cats were initially called “Sterling” because of their silver coloring, but later, as other color variations appeared, the breed was named the Exotic Shorthair. It was officially recognized in 1967.

However, genetics had a surprise in store. Since Persian cats carried the long hair gene (a recessive trait), it was passed on to the Exotics during crossbreeding with American Shorthairs. When two shorthair Exotics, both carriers of this recessive gene, were bred, longhaired kittens could appear in the litter. Initially, these kittens were considered “non-standard” and excluded from the Exotic Shorthair breeding program.

Over time, attitudes toward the longhaired Exotics changed. Their charming appearance, which combined traits of both Persians and Exotics, and their gentle nature won them a following. However, their status remains somewhat undefined and depends on the cat association:

• CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association): In the U.S., Exotic Longhair cats are often registered and shown as Persian cats. They fully meet the Persian breed standard.
• TICA (The International Cat Association): TICA recognizes the Exotic breed, which includes both shorthair and longhair variations. The Exotic Longhair competes in the same group as Persians.
• FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline) and WCF (World Cat Federation): These European organizations often consider longhaired Exotics as a variant of the Exotic Shorthair breed rather than a separate breed or part of the Persian group. They can participate in shows but sometimes without the right to champion titles, though the rules can change.

So, while the Exotic Longhair doesn’t always have the official status of a separate breed, it’s a favorite of many due to its unique looks and wonderful temperament, inheriting the best from its Persian and Exotic Shorthair ancestors.

An Exotic Longhair is, in essence, a Persian with the short hair gene that didn’t manifest, giving way to the recessive long hair gene. Therefore, its appearance is almost identical to a Persian’s and meets its standard in most aspects, with a few nuances in coat texture, which might not be as profuse and “cottony” as in some modern show Persians.

1. Head: Large, round, and massive, with a broad skull. The forehead is domed.
2. Face: Short, broad, with a pronounced “stop” (the transition from the forehead to the nose). Cheeks are full and round. The chin is strong and well-developed. The whisker pads are prominent.
3. Nose: Short, snub, wide, with open nostrils. Located between the eyes.
4. Eyes: Large, round, and set wide apart, expressive. They give the face a sweet, surprised expression. Eye color should be rich and correspond to the coat color (most often copper or deep orange, but also blue in colorpoints and white cats, green in chinchillas and silvers).
5. Ears: Small, with rounded tips, set wide apart and low on the head, tilted slightly forward. Dense tufts of hair inside are desirable.
6. Body: “Cobby” type—compact, sturdy, low to the ground, with a broad chest and massive back. Well-developed muscles. The shoulders and rump are massive.
7. Limbs: Short, thick, and strong. Paws are large, round, and sturdy. Tufts of hair between the toes are desirable.
8. Tail: Short (proportional to the body), thick at the base, tapering slightly to a rounded tip. Covered in very dense and long fur, forming a “plume.”
9. Coat: The main difference from the Exotic Shorthair is the long, dense, soft, and silky fur. It doesn’t lie flat against the body but stands out, creating the impression of a fluffy cloud. It forms a luxurious ruff around the neck and chest and a full plume on the tail. The texture may be slightly lighter than a classic Persian’s but still requires careful grooming.
10. Colors: Absolutely all possible colors and patterns recognized for the Persian breed are allowed. This includes solids (white, black, red, cream, blue, lilac), smokes, chinchillas, silvers, goldens, tabbies (striped, marbled, spotted), bicolors, tortoiseshells, colorpoints, and others.

The temperament of the Exotic Longhair is one of its most appealing traits. It inherited the calm and gentle nature of its Persian ancestors but is often a bit more playful and inquisitive, similar to its Exotic Shorthair relative. This is the perfect companion cat, one who adores human company but isn’t overly demanding.

Key Personality Traits:

• Gentle and Affectionate: These are true “lap cats.” They love to sit close to their owner, purr, and receive affection. Their touch is soft, and their nature is easy-going.
• Calm and Balanced: Exotic Longhairs are not prone to hyperactivity or destructive behavior. They appreciate a cozy and calm atmosphere in the home.
• Playful: Although they are calm, they’re not against playing, especially when they’re young. Short bursts of activity with a favorite toy (a feather wand, a ball) are followed by long rest periods. Their playfulness lasts into adulthood but becomes less intense.
• Inquisitive: They watch what’s happening around them with curiosity, but they usually do it from a safe distance. Their large eyes attentively follow every movement of their owner.
• Loyal: These cats form strong bonds with their people and don’t handle long periods of solitude well. They need daily attention and interaction. If you spend a lot of time away from home, you might consider another breed or getting a companion for your Exotic.
• Quiet Voice: Like Persians, Exotic Longhairs have a soft, quiet voice and meow infrequently, only when they truly need something (food, attention).
• Friendly: They get along wonderfully with children (provided the kids are taught to handle animals gently) and other pets, including dogs, as long as the introduction is done correctly and gradually. They are completely non-aggressive.
• Sensitive: They can be a bit sensitive if you raise your voice or handle them roughly. They respond well to affection and positive reinforcement.

Overall, the Exotic Longhair is the epitome of calm and tenderness. It is a perfect fit for people looking for a not-so-active but very loving and loyal fluffy friend.

The long, dense, and soft coat of the Exotic Longhair is its main glory, but it also demands the most attention and regular care. Without proper grooming, the coat quickly mats, forming painful knots that not only ruin the cat’s appearance but can also cause discomfort and skin problems.

Essential Grooming Procedures:

• Daily Brushing: This is an absolute must! Use a metal comb with both wide and fine teeth. Start with the wide teeth to untangle any knots, then switch to the fine ones to remove dead hair and undercoat. Pay special attention to areas where mats form most often: behind the ears, on the “ruff,” under the armpits, on the “britches,” and on the belly.
• Using a Slicker Brush: After using the comb, you can gently go over the coat with a slicker brush with soft tips to fluff it up and add volume. But don’t overdo it to avoid damaging the guard hairs.
• Dealing with Mats: If a mat has already formed, don’t try to pull it out with a comb—it’s painful for the cat. Try to gently work it out with your fingers, or you can use a special detangling spray. As a last resort, if the mat is very tight, it will have to be carefully cut out with a special dematting tool or scissors with rounded tips, holding them parallel to the skin and protecting it with your fingers.
• Bathing: An Exotic Longhair should be bathed as needed, usually once every 1-3 months, or if the cat gets particularly dirty. Use only special shampoos for long-haired cats. Be sure to rinse the shampoo out of the fur thoroughly. After washing, it’s highly recommended to use a conditioner or balm—it makes combing easier, reduces static, and nourishes the coat.
• Drying: After the bath, thoroughly blot the fur with a towel (don’t rub!). Then you need to blow-dry the cat on a low heat setting while simultaneously combing the fur. Do not leave the cat with a wet coat, especially in a cool room, as it can catch a cold. Also, wet long fur mats more quickly.
• Trimming (Optional): Some owners opt for a hygienic trim (for example, trimming the fur around the anus) or even a full “lion cut” in the summer to make grooming easier and help the cat handle the heat. However, show animals are not allowed to be trimmed.

Other Aspects of Care:

• Eyes: As mentioned, they require daily cleaning of tear stains with special lotions or simply warm, boiled water.
• Ears: Check their ears regularly (once every week or two). If there’s dirt or wax, gently clean them with a cotton pad soaked in a special ear-cleaning solution. Do not use Q-tips!
• Claws: Trim their claws with a cat-specific clipper approximately once every 2-4 weeks, cutting only the transparent tip and not touching the pink part (the quick).
• Teeth: Regular teeth brushing will help prevent dental problems.

It’s important to get a kitten used to all grooming procedures (brushing, bathing, cleaning eyes and ears) from an early age, doing it gently and rewarding them with treats. Then, an adult cat will see grooming as a normal part of life, not a stressful event.

While Exotic Longhairs are known for their calm and somewhat phlegmatic temperament, they are quite smart and trainable, especially if you approach the process correctly. Their natural curiosity and affection for their owner can be a great foundation for training.

Key Aspects of Training and Socialization:

• Early Socialization: It’s very important for a kitten to get used to people, different sounds, touches, and grooming procedures from a young age. This will help them grow into a confident and calm cat who isn’t afraid of guests or vet visits.
• Litter Box and Scratching Post Training: There are usually no problems with this. Show the kitten where their litter box is and gently place them there after they wake up or eat. The scratching post should also be shown to them and its use encouraged; you can use catnip to attract their attention.
• Positive Reinforcement: Exotic Longhairs, like most cats, respond best to affection, praise, and treats. Never physically punish or yell at your cat—this can cause fear, stress, and mistrust. If the cat is doing something you don’t want, it’s better to redirect their attention to a toy or say a firm “No.”
• Learning Commands: While they aren’t service dogs, Exotics can be taught simple commands like “Come” or “Sit,” especially if you use clicker training and a tasty reward. The main thing is patience and short, regular sessions. Don’t expect instant obedience; after all, it’s still a cat that does what it wants.
• Interactive Games: It’s important to provide your cat with not only physical but also mental stimulation. Use interactive toys, “wands,” laser pointers (always end the game with a “catch” so as not to frustrate the hunter), and hide treats. This will help maintain their playfulness and wit.
• Getting Used to Grooming: As already mentioned, gradual and gentle training to get them used to brushing, cleaning eyes, ears, and teeth from a young age is key to a comfortable life together.

Remember that the Exotic Longhair is a gentle companion, not a trick performer. The main goal of training and socialization is to build a trusting relationship and teach the cat basic house rules so that your life together is harmonious and pleasant.

Like any breed, the Exotic Longhair has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to weigh all the pros and cons before getting such a pet.

• The “Lazy Person’s Persian” in Reverse: While the Exotic Shorthair is often called “the lazy person’s Persian” because of its similar look but easier coat care, the Exotic Longhair is, in essence, “a Persian born from Exotics” that requires the same meticulous care as a classic Persian.
• Genetic Surprise: The appearance of longhaired kittens in a litter of two shorthaired Exotics is only possible if both parents are carriers of the recessive long hair gene (L/l). If at least one of the parents has two dominant short hair genes (L/L), all kittens will be shorthaired.
• Unrecognized Status: Despite its popularity, the breed still doesn’t have a single status across all cat associations. This creates some confusion: in one organization, a cat can be shown as a Persian, in another as a longhaired Exotic, and in a third as a non-standard variant of the Exotic Shorthair.
• “Eternal Kitten”: Thanks to their large round eyes, short nose, and round head, Exotic Longhairs often maintain a “baby” facial expression throughout their lives.
• Color Variety: Like Persians, they can have almost any color imaginable in the cat world, from classic solids to exotic colorpoints and bicolors.

Does the Exotic Longhair cat shed a lot?
Yes, they shed quite a bit, especially during seasonal molts (spring and fall). Regular daily brushing helps control the amount of hair in the house, but you won’t be able to get rid of it completely.

Are these cats suitable for people with allergies?
No, the Exotic Longhair is not a hypoallergenic breed. Allergies are caused not by the hair itself but by the Fel d 1 protein found in a cat’s saliva, skin secretions, and urine. Long hair can trap more of these allergens. People with allergies should consider other breeds.

How much does an Exotic Longhair kitten cost?
The price can vary significantly depending on the pedigree, the kitten’s class (pet, breed, show), the reputation of the cattery, and the region. Pet-class kittens (pets, without breeding rights) are usually less expensive than kittens for shows and breeding. Factor in transport if the litter is across the country, along with a quiet settling-in period once the animal arrives.

What’s the difference between an Exotic Longhair and a Persian cat?
They are very similar in appearance and personality. The main difference is their origin. An Exotic Longhair is born from Exotic Shorthair parents (who carry the long hair gene). Sometimes their fur can be slightly less dense and “cottony” than that of modern show Persians. In some cat associations, they are even classified as part of the Persian breed.

Can you leave an Exotic Longhair cat alone for a long time?
These cats are very people-oriented and don’t handle loneliness well. If you regularly spend a lot of time away from home (more than 8-10 hours a day), this breed might not be the best fit, or you should consider getting a second cat companion.

Do they need a lot of physical activity?
No, this is a fairly calm breed with a moderate activity level. They need short daily play sessions to stay in shape and for mental stimulation, but they don’t require as much space or exertion as more active breeds.

The Exotic Longhair cat is a charming, gentle, and calm companion that will bring a lot of joy to a family ready to give it attention and proper care. Its cute, teddy-bear-like appearance and sweet nature make it a favorite of both adults and children. However, potential owners should be prepared for daily meticulous grooming of its luxurious fur, regular eye cleaning, and careful attention to potential health issues inherited from its Persian ancestors. If you’re looking for a loyal friend who will purr on your lap and give you warmth, and you’re ready for the responsibility of their care, the Exotic Longhair could be the perfect choice.