Exotic Shorthair
The Persian in an easy-care coat
The Exotic Shorthair was created in the United States in the 1960s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and other short-haired cats, to produce a Persian-type cat with a short coat. It has been called the “lazy man’s Persian”, because it has the round face and sweet nature without the daily grooming.
It also has the flat face, which brings health issues you should know about before you choose one.
Exotic Shorthair at a glance
- Origin
- USA
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3.5 to 6.5 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Short, thick and plush, with a teddy-bear feel
- Colours
- Almost every Persian colour and pattern
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 2 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 1 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 2 out of 5
- Good with children
- 4 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A cobby, round cat with a broad head, big round eyes, small rounded ears and a short, flat nose. The coat is dense, plush and stands out from the body, so it looks like a soft toy. Colours are the same as the Persian’s, from white and cream to tabby and tortoiseshell.
Personality
Quiet, gentle and affectionate. Exotics are calm, easy-going and often playful in short bursts, with a soft voice. They enjoy being near their people and sitting on a lap, and they tend to be good with children and other pets. They are happiest in a peaceful home.
Care and grooming
The short coat needs a brush once or twice a week, and the face needs a daily wipe because flat-faced cats often have tear overflow. Check the eyes daily, keep them out of the heat, and keep their weight under control. A good vet will check teeth, eyes and breathing.
Health to know about
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) cats can have breathing difficulties, watery eyes, dental crowding and trouble eating. Exotics can also inherit polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which has a DNA test. Many vets and cat charities urge buyers to choose a cat with a longer, more open nose over an extremely flat face.
Could suit
- Calm homes and flats
- People who want a Persian look without daily grooming
- Families with gentle children
Think twice if
- If you are not prepared for possible eye, breathing and dental vet bills
- If you want an active climber
- If you want a very flat-faced kitten: a longer nose is healthier
“I am a very soft, very round, very serious cat. Please admire me from several angles.”
Compare the Exotic Shorthair
Name ideas for a Exotic Shorthair
- Teddy
- Bear
- Pudding
- Mochi
- Dumpling
- Peaches
- Muffin
- Honey
- Truffle
- Marshmallow
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between an Exotic Shorthair and a Persian?
The coat. An Exotic has a short, plush coat, while a Persian has a long one. Both have the round, flat-faced look and gentle nature.
Do Exotic Shorthairs need grooming?
Less than a Persian. A brush once or twice a week keeps the coat tidy, though the face needs a daily wipe.
Are Exotic Shorthairs healthy?
The flat face can cause breathing, eye and dental problems, and the breed can carry polycystic kidney disease, so choose a breeder who health-tests and a cat with a more open nose.
Are Exotic Shorthairs good family cats?
They often are, as long as children are calm and gentle and the home is not too chaotic.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
