Calm, sweet and devoted without being demanding. Exotics like to trail their people from room to room and ask for attention with a look rather than a meow. Mostly laid-back, but a bit livelier than the Persian and prone to sudden bursts of playful zooming. Usually good with children and other animals, though they may be shy with newcomers at first.64312
how to spot oneExotic Shorthair coat and colours
short, dense and plush
A heavy-boned, compact cat built like a Persian, with short sturdy legs, big round paws and a short tail. The head is round and broad with full cheeks, a short snub nose, large round eyes set wide apart and small, low-set ears. The coat is short but very thick, with a soft, dense undercoat that makes it stand away from the body and gives the breed its teddy-bear look.615
Comes inwhiteblackblueredcreamchocolatelilacsilver and goldenshaded and smoketabbytortoiseshell and blue-creamcalico and bicolourcolourpoint (Himalayan pattern)64
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Exotic Shorthair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 20 minutes of play a dayevery day
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksExotic Shorthair exercise needs
Low to moderate. They enjoy short play sessions on the ground, such as batting toys, chasing catnip mice or using food-dispensing toys, rather than high climbing and leaping. Regular gentle play helps keep them fit.123
where they are happiestExotic Shorthair at home
Well suited to indoor life in a calm home, ideally with safe access to a secure garden or enclosed catio.1
who they like aroundExotic Shorthair with people and other pets
A people-focused cat that prefers company and does best in homes where someone spends plenty of time with it, though it can cope with ordinary working hours.216
the hands-on bitsExotic Shorthair grooming and care
Far easier than a Persian, but the dense undercoat still needs regular combing with a metal comb, weekly at minimum and more often during seasonal shedding (some guides advise daily). A bath can help lift loose undercoat in moulting season. Wipe around the eyes and face daily and check the ears regularly.6213
what goes in the bowlExotic Shorthair food and feeding
A complete, animal-protein-based cat food. Kittens eat three to four meals a day; adults do well on several small portions. Because the breed is fairly inactive, portions should be measured to keep a healthy weight.23
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Exotic Shorthair, and at what times?
Kittens need three to four meals a day, while adults do well on several small portions. There's no set feeding time, so choose consistent times that fit your routine. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.23
What should an Exotic Shorthair eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, animal-protein-based cat food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for a full list of unsafe items.237
Does an Exotic Shorthair need baths?
Baths aren't routine, but can help during heavy shedding to remove loose undercoat. Otherwise, bathe only if your cat gets very dirty or sticky. Use a cat-safe shampoo and ask your vet for advice.62138
How often does an Exotic Shorthair need brushing?
Brush at least once a week with a metal comb, and increase to daily during seasonal shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing. This keeps the dense undercoat healthy and reduces hairballs.62138
How do I trim an Exotic Shorthair's claws, and how often?
Trim claws every two to three weeks using a cat nail trimmer. Start slowly, doing just a couple of claws per session. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.8
How much play does an Exotic Shorthair need?
Exotic Shorthairs enjoy short, gentle play sessions on the ground, about 20 minutes daily. Use toys like catnip mice or food-dispensing toys. This keeps them fit and happy without overstimulating them.123
How do I look after an Exotic Shorthair's teeth and ears?
Brush your cat's teeth every two days, ideally daily, with a pet-safe toothpaste. Check ears weekly for dirt or redness and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Also wipe around the eyes daily to prevent tear stains.6213
How long does an Exotic Shorthair live?
Exotic Shorthairs typically live between 8 and 15 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life. Regular vet check-ups help them stay well.123
Is an Exotic Shorthair good with children and other pets?
Yes, Exotic Shorthairs are usually good with children and other pets. They are calm and sweet, though they may be shy with strangers at first. Proper introductions help them feel comfortable.64312
Can an Exotic Shorthair be left alone?
Exotic Shorthairs are people-focused and prefer company, but they can handle being alone during a normal workday. Provide toys and a comfortable environment. They do best in homes where someone spends plenty of time with them.216
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchExotic Shorthair health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Exotic Shorthair. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Cysts grow in the kidneys and can cause kidney failure in middle age; inherited from Persian lines, and a cheek-swab DNA test finds it. GCCF: all Exotics used for breeding should be PKD tested; no published rate ↗
Eye discharge and tear staining
The flat face means tears overflow and the face needs daily wiping; eyelid problems can follow. VetCompass study of 3,325 Persians (the parent breed): eye discharge 5.8% ↗
Dental disease
A short jaw crowds the teeth, so tartar and gum disease come early. VetCompass Persians: dental disease 11.3% ↗
Breathing difficulty (brachycephalic)
A short nose can make breathing noisy and heat hard to cope with; GCCF asks breeders not to take the flat face to extremes. GCCF breed page notes the flat face is not to be taken to extremes; no published rate ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-pd)
A gradual loss of sight seen in Persian lines; a DNA test finds carriers. GCCF: breeding cats should be tested; no published rate ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat an Exotic Shorthair costs
Running costs for an Exotic Shorthair, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Exotic Shorthair tip
Because Exotic Shorthairs can gain weight easily and have flat-faced breathing challenges, choose low-calorie, single-protein treats and keep portions tiny. Always check with your vet before introducing new treats, especially if your cat has dental pain or kidney concerns.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It is often nicknamed the lazy man's Persian because it has the Persian look without the long coat to maintain.4
2
The name Exotic came about partly because many early cats were shaded silver or chinchilla, colours not then seen in shorthair breeds.6
3
An Exotic was CFA Cat of the Year in 1991, and another was CFA Best Kitten in 1992.5
4
CFA now registers slightly more Exotics each year than Persians.6
5
The cartoon cat Garfield is often said to be inspired by the Exotic Shorthair.2
6
Exotics tend to talk with their big round eyes rather than their voice and are rarely noisy.6
7
In CFA shows the Exotic competes in the same seven colour divisions as the Persian.6
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed was originally proposed to be called 'Sterling' for its silver color, but the name was changed to Exotic Shorthair to reflect its short, plush coat and exotic look, with all colors accepted.9
I wake up slowly, blinking in the morning light. My human gives me a gentle head scratch, and I purr like a tiny motor. I follow them from room to room, sitting quietly and watching their every move. A toy mouse rolls by, and I chase it with a sudden burst of energy, then flop over for a belly rub. After a snack, I find my favorite sunbeam and nap for hours. In the afternoon, I bat a catnip mouse around for a few minutes before settling on the sofa. When my human comes home, I give them a loving look, and they scoop me up for cuddles. Life is simple and sweet.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganExotic Shorthair history
In the 1950s some American Shorthair breeders quietly crossed their cats with Persians to improve body type and bring in silver colouring and green eyes, with Russian Blue and Burmese also used at times. The kittens had short coats but Persian-like bodies and faces, which caused friction in the show hall. In 1966 CFA judge and American Shorthair breeder Jane Martinke proposed treating these cats as a new breed. It was named Exotic Shorthair, partly because many were shaded silver or chinchilla, colours then unknown in shorthair breeds. CFA granted championship status in 1967, TICA followed in 1979 and FIFe in 1986. In 1987 CFA closed the breed to shorthair outcrosses, leaving the Persian as the only allowed outcross, so the Exotic today is essentially a short-coated Persian. In Britain the breed was also developed from Persian and British Shorthair crosses.5641
Persian
British Shorthair
American Shorthair
Himalayan
Scottish Fold