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American Shorthair vs Exotic Shorthair
Both are calm, common, short-haired cats; the Exotic Shorthair is a flat-faced lap cat with more grooming and health concerns.
Verdict
Both are medium-sized, quiet, easygoing shorthairs that suit apartments. The American Shorthair is sturdy, independent and top-rated for children, and its hard coat needs little care. The Exotic Shorthair is a short-haired Persian type, calmer and more lap-seeking, with a plush coat that needs more grooming and a flat face that needs cleaning. That face brings airway, eye and kidney concerns, and a welfare debate. Choose the American Shorthair for a low-maintenance cat and the Exotic for a quiet lap cat if you accept the health trade-offs.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You want the more independent cat.
- You want a normal-faced cat with a short health watch-list.
- You have young children.
- You want the lighter grooming routine.
Choose the Exotic Shorthair if
- You want a quiet lap cat that suits a flat very well.
- You want a plush, soft coat and a round, flat face.
- You can clean the face daily and pay for regular vet checks.
- You keep the home cool, as heat and humidity are harder on flat-faced cats.
Where they are alike
Both are common breeds with moderate shedding and quiet voices. Both get on with other pets.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Exotic Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Dense, plush, soft coat that stands out from the body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1967 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 2 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 3 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A calm indoor home that wants a quiet, affectionate lap cat and is ready to pay for regular vet checks. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | A hot or humid home, a household with no time for face cleaning, or anyone worried about flat-faced cat welfare. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026