The Exotic Shorthair, a short-haired Persian, known for its calm and affection.
The Short-Haired Persian
The Exotic Shorthair is a unique cat breed, often dubbed the 'Short-Haired Persian' due to its striking resemblance to the Persian, but with a short, dense coat. Developed in the United States in the 1950s, this breed was created by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and other short-haired breeds. The Exotic Shorthair is cherished for its calm, gentle, and affectionate temperament, making it an excellent family companion.
Its sweet, round face, large expressive eyes, and easy-to-care-for coat make it a charming and ideal cat for those seeking the Persian personality without the extensive grooming requirements of a long-haired cat.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The Exotic Shorthair's short, dense coat is one of its major assets, as it requires minimal grooming compared to a Persian. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and maintain cleanliness. However, its brachycephalic (flat) face can lead to excessive tearing and skin folds that need to be cleaned daily with a soft, damp cloth to prevent irritation and infections. Its large, sensitive eyes also require special attention. Despite its calm nature, the Exotic Shorthair enjoys soft toys and short play sessions to stay active and stimulated.
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Identifying the Exotic Shorthair: Key Characteristics
The Exotic Shorthair is distinguished by its sweet, round face and large, expressive eyes.
The Exotic Shorthair is a medium to large-sized cat with a cobby (compact and muscular) body and a sturdy bone structure. Its most striking feature is its round, flat (brachycephalic) face, reminiscent of the Persian, with a short nose and full cheeks. Its expression is sweet and open.
Size: It is a medium to large-sized cat, with a compact and powerful body.
Coat: Short, dense, soft, plush, and very thick, slightly longer than most short-haired breeds. All colors and patterns are accepted.
Head: Round and massive, with a broad skull and a rounded forehead. The nose is short and wide, with a pronounced 'break'.
Eyes: Large, round, well-spaced, expressive, with a vivid color matching the coat (often copper, green, or blue).
Ears: Small, rounded, and set wide apart, placed low on the head.
Tail: Short, thick, proportionate to the body, and carried low.
Dimensions and Key Information (Exotic Shorthair)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
22 – 28 cm
22 – 30 cm
Weight
4 – 6 kg
3 – 5 kg
3 – 6 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-5
These figures indicate that the Exotic Shorthair is a medium-sized cat with a sturdy bone structure, reaching full physical maturity around 2 years of age.
Behavior: Calm, Affectionate, and Playful
The Exotic Shorthair is often described as a short-haired Persian, sharing the same charming appearance and sweet, placid temperament, but with much easier coat maintenance. These are incredibly affectionate cats, devoted to their families, enjoying company and cuddles without being overly demanding. Their calm nature and sweet faces make them irresistible to many cat lovers.
Despite their sometimes grumpy look, Exotic Shorthairs are playful cats who enjoy interactive toys and moderate play sessions. They retain a kitten-like spirit even into adulthood. They adapt very well to apartment living and are generally very tolerant of children and other pets, making them excellent family companions. Their need for attention is more about presence and physical contact than vocal demands or acrobatics.
Their composed temperament and affection make them similar to the British Shorthair, with whom they share a certain robustness and a calming presence. If you are drawn to a gentle, calm, and easy-going cat, the Exotic Shorthair is a perfect choice. For a similar look but with a blue coat and discreet character, the Chartreux is another charming option. Those looking for a cat with an extremely gentle temperament and the ability to fully relax will appreciate the Ragdoll, while the Burmese also offers great affection and sociability in a more compact size.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Exotic Shorthair began in the United States in the 1950s. Persian breeders sought to create a cat with the physical characteristics of the Persian (cobby body, round head, flat nose) but with a short, easy-to-care-for coat. To achieve this, they crossed Persians with American Shorthairs, Burmese, and British Shorthairs. The goal was to maintain the Persian type while simplifying grooming.
Initially named 'Exotic Shorthair,' the breed was officially recognized by the CFA in 1967. Its popularity quickly grew, offering an alternative to the Persian for those who preferred a less demanding coat. The Exotic Shorthair is a very adaptable cat, perfectly suited for indoor living. Its calm and patience make it an excellent companion for families, seniors, or those seeking an affectionate and low-maintenance pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Exotic Shorthair
What is the main physical characteristic of the Exotic Shorthair?
The main characteristic of the Exotic Shorthair is its appearance similar to that of the Persian, but with a short, dense, and plush coat. It has a round, flat (brachycephalic) face, large round eyes, and a cobby body.
What is the temperament of the Exotic Shorthair?
The Exotic Shorthair is known for its calm, gentle, and affectionate temperament. It is a loyal cat that enjoys the company of its family, but it is less demanding of attention than other breeds and adapts well to apartment living.
How do you groom the Exotic Shorthair's coat and face?
Its short coat requires weekly brushing. Due to its flat face, daily cleaning of facial folds and around the eyes is essential to prevent tear staining and irritation.
What are common health problems in Exotic Shorthairs?
Like Persians, Exotic Shorthairs can be prone to respiratory problems (brachycephaly), eye conditions (excessive tearing, entropion), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Regular veterinary check-ups and screenings are important.
What is the life expectancy of an Exotic Shorthair?
The average life expectancy of an Exotic Shorthair typically ranges between 12 and 15 years, with appropriate care and good health monitoring.
