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Burmese vs Exotic Shorthair
The Burmese is a playful, talkative, devoted cat; the Exotic Shorthair is a quiet, plush lap cat with a flat face that needs regular vet care.
Verdict
Their pace differs. The Burmese rates 4 for energy, 5 for play and 4 for voice, and wants a person home much of the day. The Exotic Shorthair rates 2 for energy and 1 for voice, settles on a lap, and suits a calm indoor home. It also has a flat face, which brings breathing and eye care and regular vet checks. Choose the Burmese for a lively, talkative companion and the Exotic Shorthair for a quiet one, if you accept the welfare debate.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a playful cat that stays kittenish for years.
- You enjoy a talkative companion.
- You prefer a very short, glossy coat that needs almost no grooming.
- You are home a lot, since independence is 1.
Choose the Exotic Shorthair if
- You want a quiet, calm lap cat for a small home, with apartment living at 5.
- You will clean the face regularly and keep its weight steady.
- You are ready to pay for regular vet checks.
- You are comfortable with the welfare debate around flat-faced breeds.
Where they are alike
Both cats are affectionate, scoring 5 for the Burmese and 4 for the Exotic, and both are good with children. Each has a short coat and an indoor lifestyle.
Side by side
| Burmese | Exotic Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain | United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger | 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat | Dense, plush, soft coat that stands out from the body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1936 | Championship breed since 1967 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 2 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 3 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
| Suits | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. | A calm indoor home that wants a quiet, affectionate lap cat and is ready to pay for regular vet checks. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent 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