Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is the "Persian in pyjamas" - a deliberately bred short-haired version of the Persian cat, retaining the flat face, round head, and calm temperament but with a plush teddy-bear coat that requires far less maintenance.
Overview
The Exotic Shorthair is the "Persian in pyjamas" - a deliberately bred short-haired version of the Persian cat, retaining the flat face, round head, and calm temperament but with a plush teddy-bear coat that requires far less maintenance. Created in the 1960s for owners who loved the Persian look but not the daily brushing, the Exotic Shorthair has become one of the most popular pedigreed breeds globally.
History & Origins
The breed was developed in the 1960s by American Shorthair breeders who crossed their cats with Persians to add silvery colour. The kittens inherited the Persian flat face and round head with American Shorthair short coat. Initially controversial, the new type was eventually accepted and named "Exotic Shorthair" by the CFA in 1966.
Continued outcrossing to Persians and selective breeding has produced a breed identical to the Persian in every respect except coat length. The Exotic Shorthair is sometimes called the "lazy man's Persian."
Appearance
Identical to Persian except for coat. Adults weigh 3-6 kg (7-13 lb). Cobby, round, plush, flat-faced.
Key features:
- Coat: short to medium-short, dense, plush, soft, slightly longer than typical shorthair.
- Colour: all Persian colours and patterns - solid, tabby, parti-colour, calico, silver, pointed, bicolour.
- Head: round, broad, flat-faced (brachycephalic), with full cheeks and a small nose.
- Eyes: large, round, prominent, in colours matching the coat.
- Body: cobby, low-stationed, heavy-boned.
Temperament & Character
Calm, sweet, and dignified - same as the Persian. The Exotic Shorthair is affectionate with family, polite with strangers, and tolerant of children and other pets when introduced calmly.
Most are not lap cats by default but enjoy being near family. The breed is moderately playful in short bursts, quieter than most, and famously easygoing.
Care
Coat & Grooming
The plush short coat is moderate maintenance - far easier than the Persian's. Brush 1-2 times weekly with a stainless-steel comb; daily during seasonal shedding.
Daily face care is required. The flat face produces tear staining; wipe around eyes daily. Clean facial folds 2-3 times weekly. Clean ears monthly. Trim claws every 2 weeks. Brush teeth daily - brachycephalic cats have severe dental crowding.
Exercise & Enrichment
Modest. Daily play sessions and accessible perches suffice.
Health & Lifespan
Average lifespan is 12-15 years.
Same concerns as Persian:
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) - DNA test essential.
- Brachycephalic syndrome - breathing difficulty, tearing, dental crowding.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Dental disease.
- Heat intolerance.
Feeding & Nutrition
50-80 g per day. Brachycephalic-friendly kibble shapes help.
Living With
Litter, multi-cat, indoor
Same as Persian. Indoor-only.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Persian temperament with manageable coat.
- Calm, family-tolerant.
- Adaptable to apartments.
- Beautiful, distinctive look.
Cons
- Brachycephalic health issues.
- Chronic tearing requires daily face care.
- PKD risk; choose tested breeder.
- Heat-intolerant.
- Premium prices.
Best Suited For
- Persian lovers wanting less grooming.
- Calm households.
- Apartment dwellers.
Not suited for active families wanting an athletic cat or hot climates.
Exotic Shorthair - frequently asked questions
Exotic Shorthair vs Persian - which is easier?
Exotic Shorthair coat is much easier (weekly vs daily brushing). Everything else - face care, health risks, temperament - is identical.
Are they good with kids?
With respectful older children, yes.
Do they shed?
Moderately. Less than Persians but more than typical shorthairs.
Are they hypoallergenic?
No.
Why call them "Exotic" if they look like Persians?
The name reflects the unusual cross-breeding history rather than the appearance.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the cat
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our cats. Can you name them?
Clue 1.This long-haired cat with a famously flat, pushed-in face and round eyes needs daily brushing to prevent mats.
It's the Persian - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Famous for appearing hairless, this wrinkly cat actually has a fine peach-fuzz coat and needs regular bathing to remove skin oils.
It's the Sphynx - read the full profile →
Clue 3.This sleek cat was deliberately bred to resemble a miniature black panther, with a glossy jet coat and copper or gold eyes.
It's the Bombay - read the full profile →