1. Cat Health
  2. Cat Breeds
  3. The Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair

Cat Breeds

History
The lazy man’s Persian!

In the 1950s, American Shorthair breeders sought to incorporate the emerald eyes and beautiful silver coat of the Persian into their breed. The result was a bit of a surprise: a Persian with a short, manageable coat that eventually became the Exotic Shorthair. Because his coat requires far less work than that of the Persian (which is overly prone to matting and tangles), the Exotic was a hit with Persian lovers.

Today, the breed is one of the most popular cat breeds in America, second only to his cousin, the Persian.  

Cat Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the highly-popular Exotic:

  • Sometimes Exotics are born with long hair, and when this happens they can be registered as Persians.
  • The Exotic is livelier than the Persian and can be a bit more playful. Still, the Exotic can’t be described as an active breed of cat.
  • Weight: 10-20 pounds
  • Lifespan: 10-15 years

What are they like?

What has a round head, a flat face, a snub nose, and chubby cheeks, and is covered in a short coat of fuzz? An Exotic Shorthair!

A shorthaired version of the Persian, the Exotic is nearly identical to his cousin except for one thing: he is a bit livelier due to his American Shorthair heritage. The Exotic loves serene surroundings and gentle petting, and he’s more likely to lounge on the couch or in a beam of sunlight than wander around on the tops of your cabinets and furniture. The Exotic gets along well with children aslong as they’re gentle, and they also tend to bond well with other pets. 

Playful in his own way, the Exotic is an affectionate cat who loves to sit in laps. He’s trainable and can learn some tricks, and he doesn’t mind spending some time alone as long as he gets  attention when his people are around.

When it comes to health, the Exotic is prone to various genetic problems:


Right for you?
The Exotic can be a great companion, but there are always a few things to consider when welcoming a new furry friend into your home:

  • The Exotic loves his own people, but he has a reputation for being cautious around visitors.
  • The Exotic prefers not to be left alone. He likes the presence of his person or family, so if you have to be away sometimes, it’s a good idea to leave a radio on to keep him company or even seek out a companion for the cat.
  • If you have to travel, a pet-sitter is preferable to a boarding facility. The Exotic tends to prefer his own, familiar surroundings.
  • If you’re looking for a playful, animated cat that will entertain you for hours, look elsewhere. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better lap cat.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.