Exotic Shorthair Cat: The Short-Haired Persian, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Sometimes called the lazy man's Persian, the Exotic Shorthair has the Persian's face and temperament in a coat that can be brushed in a couple of minutes. It is one of the most popular pedigreed cats in the United States, and one of the breeds where informed choices about structure and health matter most.

Origins

In the 1950s and 1960s, American Shorthair breeders crossed their cats with Persians to improve body type and coat quality, and the resulting short-coated kittens with Persian features caught on. The breed was recognized in the 1960s and has since developed into a distinct line, though Persians are still used in many breeding programs, which is why longhaired kittens sometimes appear in litters.

Appearance

Exotics are medium and cobby, with a broad chest, short thick legs and a round head with a short nose, full cheeks and big round eyes. The coat is dense and plush, standing slightly away from the body, and shorter than a Persian's. It comes in virtually all Persian colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, smoke and colorpoint, the last of which is often called the Himalayan type in the Exotic.

Temperament

Exotics are sweet, quiet and affectionate. Many follow their owners at a distance and settle on a nearby lap or sofa. They are more playful than Persians in many lines, enjoying short bursts of chasing and batting at toys, but they are not climbers. They tend to be calm with children and other pets, and they dislike noise and chaos.

Because they are people-oriented, they do best when someone is home often. A routine, a clean litter box and a quiet home suit them.

Grooming

The coat is easier than a Persian's, but not maintenance-free. Comb or brush two to three times a week, and daily during seasonal shedding. The face needs attention every day, since tear staining is common. Wipe gently around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth, and clean skin folds. Occasional baths are sometimes needed. See how to brush a cat for general technique.

Health

The breed's flat face and Persian ancestry bring several concerns.

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome. Narrow nostrils and a short airway can cause noisy breathing and exercise intolerance. Open-mouth breathing is an emergency.
• Polycystic kidney disease. Inherited and common in Persian-type cats. A DNA test exists, and responsible breeders test.
• Eye problems. Tear overflow, corneal ulcers and eyelid abnormalities.
• Dental crowding and gum disease because of a short jaw.
• Heat sensitivity. Keep Exotics cool.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, reported in the breed.
• Skin issues, such as fold infections and ringworm.

The more open the face, the lower the risk. Ask breeders about face type, PKD results and heart screening. Read the emergency warning signs guide to recognize urgent breathing problems.

Living with an Exotic Shorthair

Keep the home cool, clean the face daily and offer soft beds and a large, easy-to-enter litter box. Weigh regularly, since the breed gains weight easily. See how much should I feed my cat. Provide short play sessions and window views, and keep the cat indoors.

Is an Exotic right for you?

An Exotic Shorthair suits someone who wants a calm, gentle cat with a Persian look and is prepared for daily face care and veterinary attention. It is not ideal for people who want an athletic, vocal or low-maintenance cat. For comparison, see the Persian and the British Shorthair, and try the cat breed finder.

A typical day

An Exotic usually spends the day close to its person without much fuss, napping on a sofa arm, following with its eyes and appearing for meals. Short bursts of play happen mostly in the evening. The daily rhythm includes a face wipe, a litter check and a quick comb a few times a week. Expect a calm household presence, and a cat that notices when the routine changes.

Questions to ask an Exotic breeder

• What are the PKD test results for both parents?
• What do the parents' faces look like, and can I see how they breathe?
• Do the kittens have clear eyes, open nostrils and good bite alignment?
• What health guarantee do you offer?
• Have the parents had heart screening?

Mistakes to avoid

Avoid choosing the flattest face you can find, because extreme faces increase breathing and eye problems. Avoid skipping daily eye cleaning, which leads to staining and skin irritation. Avoid hot rooms and summer car trips, because flat-faced cats overheat quickly. See how to travel with a cat by car for safe travel.

Finding one

Choose breeders who test for PKD and favor moderate facial structure, and consider rescue. Our guide to cat vet visit costs can help you plan.