Cat breed · Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair
Essentially a shorthaired Persian: the same sweet, quiet nature with far less coat care, but the same flat-faced health concerns.
Medium12–15 yearsUnited StatesCan suit apartments
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Shorthair
- Origin
- United States
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–6 kg (7–14 lb)
- Height
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short, dense and plush
- Temperament
- PlacidAffectionateQuietGentle
History
Created in the 1950s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs.
Appearance
Round face, short muzzle and a dense teddy-bear coat.
Exercise and activity
Short gentle play sessions; not an athletic cat.
Care and grooming
Brush weekly, wipe eyes daily and keep the home cool in summer.
Health considerations
- Brachycephalic airway problems
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Excessive tearing
- Dental malocclusion
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Exotic Shorthair
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Short gentle play sessions; not an athletic cat. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Brachycephalic airway problems, Polycystic kidney disease, Excessive tearing, Dental malocclusion, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice