Exotic Shorthair: The Lazy Persian

Exotic Shorthairs are Persians with short coats. They have the same round, flat faces, calm temperaments, and gentle personalities - but with plush, low-maintenance coats.

They are nicknamed “the lazy man’s Persian” because they offer all the Persian charm without the daily grooming commitment.

If you love Persians but hate spending hours brushing long fur, Exotic Shorthairs are perfect.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 10-12 pounds (males larger)
  • Lifespan: 8-15 years (similar to Persians)
  • Temperament: Calm, gentle, affectionate, docile, quiet
  • Grooming needs: Low (weekly brushing)
  • Energy level: Low
  • Intelligence: Moderate
  • Vocal level: Quiet (soft chirps)
  • Good with kids: Yes (patient and gentle)
  • Good with other pets: Yes (calm nature)
  • Nickname: “The lazy man’s Persian”

What Makes Exotic Shorthairs Special

Persians with Short Coats

Exotic Shorthairs were created by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs in the 1950s and 1960s.

The goal was to produce cats with:

  • Persian body type and temperament
  • Short, easy-care coats

The result is a cat that looks and acts like a Persian but requires minimal grooming.

Flat Persian Faces

Exotic Shorthairs have the same brachycephalic (flat) faces as Persians. This gives them:

  • Short noses
  • Large, round eyes
  • Pushed-in facial structure
  • Sweet, baby-like expressions
  • Facial folds that need cleaning

The flat face contributes to their adorable appearance but also causes health issues (discussed later).

Plush, Teddy Bear Coats

Exotic Shorthair coats are:

  • Short but dense
  • Plush and soft (like a stuffed animal)
  • Thicker than typical short-haired cats
  • Minimal shedding

Their coats stand out slightly from their bodies, giving them a rounded, teddy bear appearance.

All Persian Colors and Patterns

Exotic Shorthairs come in the same colors and patterns as Persians:

  • Solids (white, black, blue, cream, red)
  • Bi-color and calico
  • Tabby patterns
  • Color-point (Himalayan coloring)
  • Smoke and shaded

Eye colors vary based on coat color: copper, green, blue, or odd-eyed.

Calm, Gentle Personalities

Exotic Shorthairs inherited the Persian temperament. They are:

  • Calm and docile
  • Content to lounge all day
  • Not climbers or jumpers
  • Indoor-oriented
  • Quiet and soft-voiced

They are the opposite of high-energy breeds like Bengals or Abyssinians.

Slightly More Playful Than Persians

While still calm, Exotic Shorthairs are slightly more playful and curious than Persians. They:

  • Enjoy short play sessions
  • Show more interest in toys
  • Are more social and interactive

The American Shorthair genetics added a touch of playfulness to the Persian calm.

Temperament

Exotic Shorthairs are:

  • Calm - Low energy. They prefer lounging to playing.
  • Affectionate - They love being near their humans and enjoy gentle petting.
  • Quiet - Soft, infrequent meows. They communicate with gentle chirps.
  • Docile - Patient, tolerant, and easy-going. They do not demand attention aggressively.
  • Lap cats - They love sitting on laps and being held.
  • Indoor-oriented - They have no interest in outdoor adventures.
  • Gentle - They do not bite or scratch easily. They prefer peace over conflict.
  • Social - They bond with all family members and tolerate other pets.
  • Routine-oriented - They like predictable schedules and familiar environments.

Exotic Shorthairs are perfect for quiet homes and people who want a calm, low-energy companion.

Living with an Exotic Shorthair

They Are Ultimate Lap Cats

Exotic Shorthairs are low-energy couch potatoes. They:

  • Lounge on soft surfaces all day
  • Sit on laps for hours
  • Nap in sunny spots
  • Prefer quiet environments

Do not expect acrobatics or high-energy play. Exotic Shorthairs are homebodies.

They Are Less Needy Than Other Breeds

Exotic Shorthairs show affection by:

  • Sitting near you
  • Following you from room to room
  • Gently head-butting for attention
  • Purring when petted

They are affectionate but not clingy or demanding.

They Are Indoors Only

Exotic Shorthairs are not outdoor cats. Their flat faces:

  • Make breathing harder in extreme temperatures
  • Make them vulnerable to predators
  • Cause overheating in hot weather

Keep Exotic Shorthairs indoors at all times.

They Are Messy Eaters

Flat faces make eating messy. Exotic Shorthairs:

  • Get food in their facial folds
  • Leave food particles around their mouths
  • Drool occasionally

Clean their faces after meals to prevent skin irritation.

They Are Friendly with Everyone

Exotic Shorthairs are social and tolerant. They:

  • Get along with kids
  • Accept other pets
  • Tolerate strangers
  • Adapt to new situations

They are easygoing and low-stress cats.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Exotic Shorthairs need minimal grooming compared to Persians.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush weekly with a slicker brush or comb
  • Daily brushing during spring shedding season
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Check ears weekly for wax buildup
  • Brush teeth regularly

Their short coats do not mat, making grooming much easier than Persians.

Face Cleaning

Flat faces cause tear staining and food buildup. Clean daily:

  • Wipe eyes with a damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipe
  • Clean facial folds after meals
  • Check for eye discharge

Use tear stain removers if staining becomes severe.

Bathing

Exotic Shorthairs rarely need baths. If you do bathe them:

  • Use a gentle cat shampoo
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Towel dry

Bathe only when the coat feels greasy or dirty.

Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Exotic Shorthairs are calm and tolerate nail trimming well.

Dental Care

Flat faces cause crowded teeth and dental disease. Brush teeth 2-3 times per week.

Exercise

Exotic Shorthairs need minimal exercise. Provide:

  • Short, gentle play sessions (5-10 minutes)
  • Cat trees with low perches
  • Interactive toys for mental stimulation

They are not athletes. Do not expect them to race around or climb aggressively.

Diet

Exotic Shorthairs are not highly active. Feed high-quality, portion-controlled food to prevent obesity.

  • Choose meat-based wet or dry food
  • Measure portions
  • Avoid overfeeding
  • Use shallow, wide bowls (flat faces make deep bowls difficult)

Temperature Control

Flat faces make breathing harder in heat. Keep your home:

  • Cool in summer (air conditioning recommended)
  • Avoid hot, humid environments
  • Provide access to cool areas

Never leave Exotic Shorthairs in hot cars or outdoors in heat.

Health Considerations

Exotic Shorthairs inherit the same health issues as Persians.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

PKD is a genetic condition where cysts form in the kidneys, eventually causing kidney failure. It is common in Persians and Exotic Shorthairs.

Signs:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

Prevention: Ask breeders for PKD genetic testing results. No cure exists, but early detection allows management.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Flat faces cause breathing difficulties. Exotic Shorthairs may:

  • Snore loudly
  • Breathe noisily
  • Overheat easily
  • Struggle with exercise

Prevention: Keep them cool, avoid strenuous activity, and monitor breathing. Severe cases may require surgery.

Dental Disease

Flat faces cause crowded teeth, leading to dental issues.

Prevention:

  • Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
  • Schedule annual dental cleanings
  • Provide dental treats

Eye Issues

Large, prominent eyes are prone to:

  • Tear staining (dark marks under eyes)
  • Eye infections
  • Corneal ulcers

Prevention: Clean eyes daily and monitor for discharge or redness.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition where the heart walls thicken.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results. Annual vet checkups help catch it early.

Obesity

Exotic Shorthairs are low-energy and prone to obesity.

Prevention:

  • Measure food portions
  • Limit treats
  • Encourage gentle play

Are Exotic Shorthairs Good with Kids?

Yes. Exotic Shorthairs are excellent family cats. They:

  • Tolerate gentle handling
  • Do not bite or scratch easily
  • Prefer calm interactions
  • Are patient with children

Teach kids to:

  • Pet gently
  • Respect the cat’s space
  • Avoid rough play

Exotic Shorthairs are not good matches for loud, boisterous kids.

Are Exotic Shorthairs Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Exotic Shorthairs are calm and tolerant. They do well with:

Other cats:

  • Especially calm, gentle breeds
  • Provide separate resources (food, litter, beds)

Dogs:

  • Calm, cat-friendly breeds
  • Supervise introductions

Small pets:

  • Low prey drive due to low energy
  • Generally safe with birds and small animals (still supervise)

Exotic Shorthairs prefer peaceful coexistence over conflict.

Common Mistakes

Expecting a Playful, Active Cat

Exotic Shorthairs are calm lap cats. They are not athletes or acrobats.

Ignoring Tear Staining

Flat faces cause tear staining. Clean eyes daily to prevent staining and infections.

Overfeeding

Exotic Shorthairs are low-energy and gain weight easily. Measure food portions.

Letting Them Outdoors

Exotic Shorthairs are indoors-only cats. Their flat faces and calm temperaments make them unsuitable for outdoor life.

Not Monitoring Breathing

Flat faces cause breathing difficulties. Monitor breathing and keep them cool in hot weather.

Finding an Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthairs are popular, so finding breeders is easier than rare breeds.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Exotic Shorthairs and Persians sometimes end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • Persian and Exotic Shorthair rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Exotic Shorthair”)
  • Local shelters

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $1,200-$2,500 for a purebred Exotic Shorthair from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents PKD tested?
  • Are parents HCM tested?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No genetic testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 3-6 months for a kitten.

Exotic Shorthair vs. Persian vs. British Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair:

  • Flat face, short plush coat, weekly grooming, calm temperament

Persian:

  • Flat face, long flowing coat, daily grooming, calm temperament

British Shorthair:

  • Round face (not flat), short dense coat, weekly grooming, calm but more independent

Exotic Shorthairs are the middle ground between Persians (high grooming) and British Shorthairs (no flat face health issues).

What To Do Next

  • If you love Persians but hate daily grooming, Exotic Shorthairs are perfect
  • If you want an active, playful cat, choose a different breed
  • If you want a calm, quiet lap cat for a peaceful home, Exotic Shorthairs thrive
  • If you cannot provide air conditioning in hot climates, consider a breed without a flat face
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