Exotic Shorthair

The Persian in pyjamas

Also known as: Exotic · Exotic cat · Shorthaired Persian · Exotic Shorthair cat

Exotic Shorthair, a medium cat from United States (photo 2)

Exotic Shorthair, a medium cat from United States (photo 3)

Exotic Shorthair, a medium cat from United States (photo 4)

Exotic Shorthair, a medium cat from United States (photo 5)

Exotic Shorthair, a medium cat from United States (photo 6)

Photos: Dmitry Brant (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Melv_L - MACASR (CC BY-SA 2.0) · 冰孙 from Wuhan, China (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

25–30 cm(10–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3–6.5 kg(7–14 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

15 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupPersian

OriginUnited States

SizeMedium

CoatShort but very dense and plush, with abundant undercoat

ColoursThe same as the Persian

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1967

Estimated cost in Spain*€920–1,280 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

Varieties

The Persian family: same type, different coat

PersianLong coat, all coloursHimalayanLong coat with coloured points and blue eyesExoticShort, dense, plush coatyou are here

What it is like

In the 1950s and 1960s, American breeders crossed Persians with American Shorthairs and other breeds, and the result was a Persian without the work of a long coat. The CFA recognised it in 1967 as the Exotic Shorthair. It has the body and face of the Persian, with a very dense short coat that makes it look like a teddy bear, and it is a little more playful and curious, though just as calm and home-loving. Now, the honest part: it shares the flat face, and with it brachycephaly, which brings noisy breathing, constant tear staining, crowded teeth and poor heat tolerance. Look for cats with a visible nose and open nostrils.

Coat colours and patterns

Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.

Ginger Colour · Orange cat, Red cat

Cream Colour · Cream cat, Beige cat

Chinchilla and shaded Colour · Chinchilla, Shaded

All cat coat colours and patterns →

Temperament

CalmAffectionatePlayfulHome-loving

Activity

2/5

With children

4/5

With dogs

4/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

2/5

How vocalless is better

1/5

Sheddingless is better

3/5

Brushing needsless is better

3/5

Health robustness

2/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

4/5

For first-time owners

3/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

Far less work than a Persian: brushing twice a week with a slicker or fine comb, and more during the moult, which is heavy. What it cannot do without is daily cleaning of the eyes and facial folds with a damp gauze pad. Avoid heat: in summer, keep the house cool and no exertion in the hottest hours. It adapts very well to flat life and to a moderate amount of time alone; it plays in short sessions.

Health

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD, PKD1 gene, DNA test essential for breeding cats), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the problems of brachycephalic syndrome: narrow nostrils, epiphora, corneal ulcers, malocclusion and breathing difficulty in heat or under stress. Respiratory infections hit it harder. Insist on the PKD test and check the nostrils.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Health problems to watch for

These are described more often in this breed. It does not mean a Exotic Shorthair will have them, nor that a moggy is free of them: they are worth knowing about and discussing with your vet.

Infectious diseases Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) The most common cause of a “cold” in cats. Contagious Kidneys and urinary tract Chronic kidney disease A slow, irreversible loss of kidney function and the classic disease of older cats. Kidneys and urinary tract Urinary stones Mineral stones in the bladder or, less often, in the kidney. Kidneys and urinary tract Polycystic kidney disease An inherited disease in which the kidneys fill with cysts that grow over the years until they cause chronic kidney disease. Inherited Hormones and metabolism Obesity More than 20 % above ideal weight. Skin and coat Ringworm A fungal infection of the skin and coat, common in kittens and long-haired cats. Contagious Eyes Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the membrane around the eye and the most common eye problem in cats. Contagious Eyes Corneal ulcer A wound on the clear surface of the eye. Emergency Mouth and teeth Periodontal disease Plaque and tartar that inflame the gums and destroy the bone holding the teeth in place. Respiratory system Feline brachycephalic syndrome A group of problems that come from a very flat face: narrow nostrils, watery eyes, crowded teeth and a higher risk in hot weather. Inherited Poisoning and accidents Heatstroke Body temperature rises above 40–41 °C (104–106 °F) and starts to damage the organs. Emergency

The A to Z of cat diseases →

Fun facts

For years it was jokingly called “the lazy man's Persian” because its coat asks so little.

Two Exotics can have longhaired kittens, because many carry the Persian's recessive gene.

It has been among the CFA's most registered breeds for years.

The first crosses were made by American Shorthair breeders, not Persian breeders.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Exotic Shorthair get?

An adult Exotic Shorthair usually weighs 3–6.5 kg (7–14 lb) and stands about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Exotic Shorthair live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Exotic Shorthair hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Exotic Shorthair good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Exotic Shorthair need?

As a guide, 15 min of play a day. Its activity score is 2 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.