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Exotic Shorthair

Cat breed

The Exotic Shorthair is a gentle friendly cat that has the same personality as the Persian. They love having fun, donโ€™t mind the company of other cats and dogs, also love to curl up for a sleep in a safe place. Exotics love their own people, but around strangers they are cautious at first. Given time, they usually warm up to visitors.

More about the Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is a breed of cat developed as a short-haired version of the Persian. The Exotic is similar to the Persian in appearance with the exception of the short dense coat.

Read more on Wikipedia โ†—

Living with a Exotic Shorthair

A Persian in a wash-and-wear coat, sweet, mellow, and happy to nap the day away in your lap.

Personality & fit

Exotic Shorthairs are affectionate, easygoing cats who bond closely with their people and settle in well with other cats and dogs. They're quiet and undemanding, though they tend to size up strangers before deciding to trust them, patience earns their affection.

Exercise & energy

Moderate energy at most, these are cats who'd rather lounge in a sunny spot than tear around the house. Short play sessions with a wand toy or a few interactive toys keep them content and healthy.

Grooming & coat

Their short, dense coat is far easier to manage than a Persian's, but it still benefits from a weekly brush to catch loose hair and prevent matting near the ears and belly. Because they share the Persian's flat face, wipe the eye area regularly to prevent tear staining.

Training

Calm and food-motivated, Exotics can learn simple routines and litter box habits without much fuss. They're not big talkers or attention-seekers, so training works best with low-pressure, consistent sessions rather than high-energy games.

Health to watch

As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, they can be prone to breathing difficulty in heat and dental crowding, plus polycystic kidney disease seen in Persians, ask breeders about health screening. Regular vet checkups and keeping them at a healthy weight help catch issues early.

Good to know

Great for apartment life or first-time cat owners who want a low-key, affectionate companion, just budget for occasional face and eye cleaning given their flat features.

General guidance to help you get to know the breed, not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your own pet.

๐Ÿ  Adoptable near you

Enter a ZIP code to see Exotic Shorthairs waiting at shelters near you.

Personality

AffectionateSweetLoyalQuietPeaceful

At a glance

Life span
12 - 15 yrs
Weight
7 - 14 lbs
Origin
United States

Traits at a glance

Affection
Energy
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Friendly to strangers
Intelligence
Social needs
Grooming needs
Shedding
Vocalness
Adaptability
Health issues

More filled dots = more of that trait (out of 5).

Breed traits from The Cat API ยท summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). General guidance only, every individual pet is unique.