Exotic Shorthair

By 1000 Ventures · Last reviewed

A Persian in a short, plush coat: flat face, round eyes and a teddy-bear look.

A Exotic Shorthair cat sitting, full body
Size
Medium
Weight
7 to 14 lb (3 to 6.4 kg)
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Coat
Short, thick and plush
Colors
All colors and patterns
Origin
United States, from Persian and American Shorthair crosses
98% of the time, our scanner puts a Exotic Shorthair in its top three. It names it first 92% of the time. How we tested

What does a Exotic Shorthair look like?

Exotic Shorthairs have the Persian's flat face, small ears, huge round eyes and cobby body, but a short, thick coat that stands away from the body. The result looks like a living teddy bear. They come in every Persian color, including solids, tabbies and points.

Exotic Shorthair personality

Exotics are calm, gentle and a little more playful than Persians. They like quiet homes and staying close to their people.

How to care for a Exotic Shorthair

Brush once or twice a week. Wipe around the eyes daily, because the flat face often causes tear staining, and ask your vet about breathing.

How do I know if my cat is a Exotic Shorthair?

A flat face with a short coat points to an Exotic Shorthair. A flat face with a long coat is a Persian. A British Shorthair has a round face too, but its nose is not flat.

A photo can only tell you what your cat looks like. Pedigree papers from a breeder, or a cat DNA test, are the only ways to prove a breed. For a quick first answer, upload a photo to our free cat breed identifier. It compares your cat with 31 breeds and the ordinary house cat and shows the three closest matches.

Curious which breed your own cat looks like? Upload one photo to the free cat breed identifier and see the three closest matches in seconds.

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Breeds that look like the Exotic Shorthair

Persian PersianThe classic long-haired cat with a flat face, a round head and a quiet nature. British Shorthair British ShorthairA round, calm cat with chubby cheeks, copper eyes and a thick, plush coat. Himalayan HimalayanA long-haired Persian with Siamese points and blue eyes.

Or browse all 31 cat breeds side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Is an Exotic Shorthair just a short-haired Persian?
Essentially, yes. It was bred to have the Persian's look and temperament with a coat that is much easier to care for.
Do Exotic Shorthairs have breathing problems?
The flat face can cause breathing and eye problems in some cats. Choose a breeder who screens for this and see a vet if your cat snores loudly or struggles in the heat.

What breed is your cat?

Upload one photo and the free cat breed identifier shows the three closest breeds in seconds, or tells you it is a classic house cat.

Identify my cat