Exotic Shorthair
A short-haired Persian — same sweet face, easier coat.
Exotic Shorthairs share the round flat face and sweet temperament of the Persian, but with a short plush coat that requires far less grooming. Calm, gentle, and quietly affectionate, they are excellent apartment companions for owners who love the Persian look but not the daily grooming.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 7–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Low |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3 times a week |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Persian temperament with easier coat
- Calm apartment companions
- Sweet expressions
- Long-lived
✗ Things to know
- Health issues from flat face
- Daily eye cleaning
- Heat sensitivity in summer
Ideal owner
A Exotic Shorthair may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Prefer a calmer, less demanding companion
A Exotic Shorthair may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Exotic Shorthairs can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Eye conditions
Is a Exotic Shorthair right for you?
The best way to find out if a Exotic Shorthair suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Exotic Shorthair a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Exotic Shorthairs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: calm, gentle, and quietly affectionate.
Are Exotic Shorthairs good for apartments?
Yes — Exotic Shorthairs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Exotic Shorthairs good with children?
Exotic Shorthairs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Exotic Shorthairs hypoallergenic?
Exotic Shorthairs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Exotic Shorthair suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Exotic Shorthair on Wikipedia