Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is a popular, affectionate cat breed known for its plush, teddy-bear appearance and sweet, laid-back personality, essentially a short-haired version of the Persian.

Origin and History

The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States by crossing Persian cats with American Shorthairs (and sometimes British Shorthairs) to create a cat with the Persian's round face and body type but a much easier-to-maintain short coat. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognized the breed in 1966, and by 1987 it was closed to outcrosses except with Persians, making the two breeds very closely related.

Because of this breeding history, the Exotic is often nicknamed "the lazy man's Persian" — it has the same sweet, cuddly look but with less grooming work.

Appearance

Exotic Shorthairs are medium to large, stocky cats with a broad, round head, large round eyes, a short, flat nose, and small, rounded ears set wide apart, giving them a distinctive "squished" or teddy-bear face. Their body is compact and heavily boned, with a deep chest, short sturdy legs, and a short, bushy tail.

Their most defining feature is their short, dense, plush coat, which feels soft and thick like velvet or plush fabric. The coat stands out from the body, making the cat look larger and fluffier than it actually is.

They come in almost all colors and patterns found in Persians, including solid colors (white, black, blue, red, cream), tabby, bicolor, tricolor (calico), smoke, and colorpoint (Himalayan-type) patterns.

Size and Weight

Exotic Shorthairs are solidly built cats, typically weighing between 3.5–6 kg (about 8–13 lbs), with males usually larger than females. They stand about 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) tall at the shoulder and have a square, well-balanced frame.

Personality and Temperament

Exotics are known for being calm, affectionate, and sweet-natured, much like Persians, but often a bit more playful and curious thanks to their shorthair ancestry. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being nearby, often following their favorite people from room to room.

They are generally quiet and not very vocal, though they may chirp or meow softly to get attention. Most Exotics are gentle with children and get along well with other pets, especially if introduced properly.

While they love cuddles and lap time, they are also independent enough to amuse themselves when left alone for a few hours, making them good for relaxed households.

Grooming Needs

Despite their short coat, Exotics still need regular grooming because their dense fur can mat and they shed quite a bit. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep the coat in good condition, though more frequent brushing (2–3 times a week) helps reduce loose hair and hairballs.

Their flat faces mean they can't clean their eyes as well as other cats, so tear staining is common; the area around the eyes should be wiped gently with a damp cloth daily or every few days. Regular ear checks and nail trims are also recommended.

Health and Lifespan

Exotic Shorthairs typically live 12–15 years with good care, though some sources list a slightly shorter average of 8–11 years, likely due to breed-specific health issues. They are prone to several conditions related to their flat face (brachycephaly), including:

• Breathing problems: Narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate can make breathing noisy or labored, especially in hot weather.
• Eye issues: Poorly formed tear ducts often cause chronic tearing and staining, and they are more prone to eye infections and corneal ulcers.
• Dental problems: Their shortened jaws can lead to crowded teeth and a higher risk of dental disease.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): Like Persians, some Exotics can inherit this genetic condition, so responsible breeders test for it.

Regular vet check-ups, a good diet, and keeping the cat indoors help maximize their health and lifespan.

Living with an Exotic Shorthair

Exotics are best suited to indoor life, where they are safe from traffic, predators, and extreme weather. They enjoy a calm, predictable home but still like simple toys, cat trees at low heights, and window perches to watch birds and squirrels.

They do best with owners who can provide daily attention and grooming, and who are prepared for potential vet costs related to their breed-specific health issues. Because of their flat faces, they may need special care in hot or humid weather (cooling, hydration) and should avoid stressful situations that make breathing harder.

Summary Table

Aspect	Exotic Shorthair details
Origin	United States (1950s-1960s) - cross between Persian and American Shorthair
Nickname	"The lazy man's Persian"
Size	Medium to large, stocky
Weight	3.5–6 kg (8–13 lbs)
Height	25–30 cm (10–12 inches) at shoulder
Coat	Short, dense, plush
Colors	Almost all Persian colors and patterns
Temperament	Calm, affectionate, sweet-natured, playful
Grooming	Weekly brushing, daily eye cleaning
Lifespan	12–15 years (with good care)
Health concerns	Breathing problems, eye issues, dental problems, PKD
Best for	Indoor living, relaxed households

The Exotic Shorthair offers the charming appearance and gentle personality of a Persian with the convenience of a shorter coat, making it an ideal choice for those who want a cuddly, low-maintenance companion that thrives in a calm, indoor environment.

References

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