Often called 'the lazy man's Persian' — the Exotic Shorthair has the Persian's flat face and sweet, calm temperament but with a dense plush coat that needs only weekly brushing rather than daily.
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- shorthair
- Lifespan
- 12–15 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Coat
- Short, dense, plush — the 'teddy bear' coat
- Colours
- All colours and patterns
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the late 1950s in the United States. American Shorthair breeders crossed their cats with Persians, aiming to introduce the Persian's silver coat and bone structure into the American Shorthair. The resulting kittens had a plush short coat over a Persian-style body — not what breeders intended, but undeniably appealing. CFA recognised the breed in 1966. Burmese and Russian Blue lines were used briefly before the breed was closed to only Persian and American Shorthair outcrosses, then eventually to Persians alone.
🧼 Care & grooming
A weekly brushing with a metal comb keeps the dense coat healthy and prevents shedding around the home. The flat brachycephalic face needs the same care as a Persian — daily eye-corner wipes to prevent tear staining, and watchful attention to breathing in heat. They are calm indoor cats and never need outdoor access. They tolerate handling well and make excellent lap companions.
🩺 Health notes
Inheriting the Persian's structural issues, Exotic Shorthairs are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Responsible breeders test for PKD by DNA test and HCM by annual cardiac scan. Dental crowding from the shortened jaw is common. Choose a breeder who selects for moderate facial structure over extreme flatness.
.jpg)
