Exotic Shorthair cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the United States in the late 1950s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs, and in some programmes with Russian Blues and Burmese. The aim was a Persian-type cat with a short coat that was easier to care for. The CFA accepted the breed for championship in 1967 and in 1987 closed outcrossing to shorthairs, leaving the Persian as the only permitted partner.

It has the Persian build: a round head, large round eyes, full cheeks, a short, broad nose, small low-set ears and a compact, heavy body on short legs. The coat is short but dense and plush, standing away from the body. The tail is short. All Persian colours and patterns occur.

The flat face is the subject of a welfare debate. Brachycephalic cats can have narrow nostrils and airways and shallow eye sockets, and veterinary bodies and some breeders argue for less extreme faces. Choose a breeder who values a more open nose and healthy eyes.

Temperament and living with one

The Exotic is a quiet, placid cat with a sweet nature. It enjoys sitting beside or on its owner and tends to follow people calmly rather than climb the curtains. It plays in short, playful bursts, and kittens are lively before settling down. Most are good with children who are gentle, and with other cats and dogs. They dislike being left alone for long.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat is easier than a Persian's, but a comb twice a week keeps it free of loose hair. Clean around the eyes every day if there is staining, using a soft damp cloth, and ask your vet about tear-duct problems. The wrinkles on the face should be kept clean and dry. Keep the home cool in summer, as flat-faced cats overheat easily.

Feed a complete diet in measured meals, since low activity leads to weight gain. Offer short play sessions and a low cat tree.

Health

The flat face brings breed-linked problems. Brachycephalic airway syndrome affects breathing, and heat and exercise make it worse. Polycystic kidney disease is common in Persian-type cats, and DNA tests allow breeders to screen. Corneal sequestrum, a disease of the clear front of the eye, occurs more often than in other cats. The large skulls of kittens can lead to difficult births. Some countries and clubs restrict extreme-faced breeding. Ask your vet about regular checks, and ask any breeder for kidney test results.

Is it right for you?

Choose an Exotic Shorthair if you want a quiet, affectionate indoor cat and will keep its face clean and its weight steady. Think about health costs before you commit. For a longer coat compare the Persian, and for a rounder, less flat-faced alternative consider the British Shorthair.