Persian vs Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair was created from the Persian, with a short, plush coat instead of a long one. They share the same round face and sweet nature, and the same flat-face health concerns.
Side by side
| Persian | Exotic Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Persia (modern Iran), developed in Europe | USA |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | Usually 3.5 to 7 kg | Usually 3.5 to 6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | Usually 10 to 15 years | Often 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Very long, thick and silky | Short, thick and plush, with a teddy-bear feel |
| Energy | 1 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Affection | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 1 out of 5 | 1 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 5 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 3 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 3 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Coat: the Persian’s long, thick coat needs daily grooming, while the Exotic’s plush short coat needs a brush once or twice a week.
- Face: both can have flat faces, which can cause breathing, eye and dental problems. A longer, more open nose is healthier in either.
- Personality: both are quiet and gentle, though some owners find the Exotic a little more playful.
- Health: both can carry polycystic kidney disease (PKD), for which a DNA test exists.
Choose a Persian if
- You enjoy daily grooming and the long-coat look
- You want a calm, quiet lap cat
- You can commit to the time that coat needs
Choose a Exotic Shorthair if
- You want the Persian look and nature with less grooming
- You want a calm cat in a plush, teddy-bear coat
- You are happy to wipe the face daily
Our verdict
If grooming time is the deciding factor, the Exotic Shorthair is the easier choice. Whichever you pick, choose a cat with a longer, more open nose, ask about PKD testing, and be prepared for possible vet bills.
Read the full guides: Persian and Exotic Shorthair. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Is an Exotic Shorthair a short-haired Persian?
Essentially yes. It was bred from Persians crossed with short-haired cats to give a Persian type with a plush short coat.
Do Exotic Shorthairs need grooming?
Less than Persians. A brush once or twice a week, plus a daily face wipe.
