If you love the look of a Persian cat but don’t have the time or energy to deal with its long, flowing coat, then you might want to consider an Exotic Shorthair. This breed is a short-haired version of the Persian, with the same round face, big eyes, and sweet personality but with a plush coat that requires less grooming and shedding. In fact, some people call them the “lazy person’s Persian” because they are so easy to care for.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Exotic Shorthair cat breed, including their characteristics, personality, history, and care needs. You will also find out where to buy or adopt one of these adorable cats and what to expect from living with them.
Breed Overview
| Weight | Up to 15 pounds |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 30 inches |
| Coat Length | Short hair |
| Coat Color | Black, white, golden, silver, smoke, bicolor, and Himalayan |
| Coat Pattern | Solid, pointed, tabby, and tortoiseshell |
| Eye Color | Gold, green, and blue |
| Personality | Affectionate, loyal, easygoing, low-energy, and playful |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Good with Kids | Yes |
| Good with Pets | Yes |
| Origin | United States |
History of the Exotic Shorthair Cat
The Exotic Shorthair cat is a relatively new breed that was developed in the 1950s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and other shorthaired breeds. The breeders wanted to create a silver-coated American Shorthair cat that resembled a Persian but with a shorter coat that required less grooming. They intended to call this new breed “Sterling”.
The resulting kittens, however, kept exhibiting typical American Shorthair colors but did not look exactly like American Shorthairs or Persians, but they had some of their key characteristics: round faces, short noses, large eyes, and short coats. The breeders then bred these kittens with Persians to further develop the Exotic Shorthair breed.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognized the breed in 1967, and it became popular over time. By 1975, the CFA limited the outcrosses allowed for purebred Exotic Shorthairs to only Persians. Today, all pedigreed Exotic Shorthairs are the result of pairings between registered Exotic Shorthairs or Persians.
The Exotic Shorthair cat is also known as the Shorthaired Persian or simply Exotic. It is one of the most popular breeds in the United States and worldwide.
Appearance
The Exotic Shorthair cat is a medium-sized breed that weighs between 8 and 15 pounds. They have short, thick coats that come in various colors and patterns, such as black, white, golden, silver, smoke, bicolor, and Himalayan. Their coat is soft and dense, with a crisp texture that feels like plush velvet.
The most distinctive feature of an Exotic Shorthair cat is its face. They have flat noses and faces with large, round eyes that can be gold, green, or blue. They also have fat cheeks and small ears, giving them a cuddly bear-like look.
Because of their facial structure, Exotic Shorthairs may have some health issues related to their coat or face. They may have breathing problems due to their short nose or eye infections due to their tear ducts being blocked by their flat face. They may also have skin conditions due to their oily coats or dental issues due to crowded teeth.
Personality
The Exotic Shorthair cat is a gentle, affectionate, easygoing breed that loves being around people. They are loyal and devoted to their owners and enjoy cuddling and attention. They will often follow you around the house or sit on your lap or shoulder. They may even snuggle under the covers with you at night.
They are also playful and curious but not too energetic or demanding. They like to play with toys or chase feathers but are happy to lounge around or nap in cool places. They are not very vocal, but they will communicate with you through their facial expressions and body language.
Exotic Shorthairs get along well with other pets and children as long as they are introduced slowly and gently. They are friendly toward newcomers and strangers but may be shy or reserved initially. They are not aggressive or territorial, but they may be sensitive or timid if they are mistreated or stressed.
Care and Health
This particular breed is a low-maintenance breed that does not need a lot of care or exercise. However, they still need basic grooming and check-ups to stay healthy and happy.
Diet
Exotic Shorthairs need a high-quality diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They may be prone to obesity if they are overfed or under-exercised, so it is important to measure their food portions and limit their treats. You can also provide them with some wet food or fresh water to keep them hydrated and prevent urinary tract infections.
Exercise
Exotic Shorthairs are not very active cats, but they still need some physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. You can play with them with toys or feathers or provide them with scratching posts or cat trees to climb on. You can also train them to do some tricks or use a harness and leash to take them for walks outside.
Grooming
Exotic Shorthairs have short coats that do not need much grooming but still need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles in their fur. You can gently use a soft-bristled brush or comb to remove any loose hair or dirt from their coat. You can also trim their nails and clean their ears as needed.
Health Issues
Exotic Shorthairs are generally healthy cats, but they may inherit some genetic diseases from their Persian ancestors, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), or dental issues. You should take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations and watch out for any signs of illness or discomfort.
Eyes
Exotic Shorthairs have large, round eyes that may be prone to tearing or infection due to their flat face. You should wipe their eyes with a damp cloth or cotton ball every day to remove any discharge or debris. You should also check their eyes for any redness, swelling, or cloudiness and consult your vet if you notice any problems.
Where to Buy an Exotic Shorthair Cat
You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for a purebred Exotic Shorthair kitten from a reputable breeder. Keep in mind the price can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand.
If you’re looking for Exotic Shorthair cats for sale, you can start with the breeder lists at both the Cat Fanciers Association and The International Cat Association:
- CFA – Find a breeder
- TICA – Exotic Shorthair breeders
Conclusion
The Exotic Shorthair cat is a wonderful breed for anyone who loves the Persian look but prefers a shorter coat that requires less grooming. They are gentle, affectionate, easygoing, and playful cats that will make great companions for any type of household. They are also low-maintenance cats that do not need a lot of care or exercise, but they still need some basic grooming and health check-ups to stay healthy and happy.
Do you have an Exotic Shorthair cat in your life? Share your thoughts or experiences with this breed in the comments below!
More Cat Breeds
FAQ
Q: How much are Exotic Shorthair cats?
A: The price of an Exotic Shorthair cat can vary depending on the breeder, the location, the quality, and the demand. Generally, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for a purebred Exotic Shorthair kitten from a reputable breeder.
Q: How long do Exotic Shorthair cats live?
A: The average lifespan of an Exotic Shorthair cat is between 12 and 15 years. However, some Exotic Shorthairs may live longer or shorter depending on their health, genetics, diet, and environment. You can help your Exotic Shorthair cat live longer and healthier by providing them with a high-quality diet, regular exercise, proper grooming, and veterinary care.
Q: Are Exotic Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
A: No, Exotic Shorthair cats are not hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic means that something causes fewer allergic reactions than others. However, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat breed. All cats produce allergens in their saliva, urine, and dander (dead skin cells), which can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Exotic Shorthairs may produce fewer allergens than some other breeds because they have a short coat that sheds less, but they still produce allergens that can affect sensitive people.
Q: Are Exotic Shorthair cats good with children and other pets?
A: Exotic Shorthair cats are generally good with children and other pets as long as they are introduced slowly and gently. They are gentle, affectionate, and easygoing cats that love to be around people. They are not aggressive or territorial, but they may be sensitive or timid if they are mistreated or stressed. They are also playful and curious but not too energetic or demanding. They can get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs in the same household.
Q: Are Exotic Shorthair cats rare?
A: No, Exotic Shorthair cats are not rare. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States and worldwide. According to the CFA’s registration statistics for 2020, Exotic Shorthairs ranked second among all breeds in terms of popularity. However, they may be harder to find than some other breeds because they have a smaller gene pool and fewer breeders than some other breeds.
