Exotic Shorthair

Also known as: Exotic Longhair

The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the United States in the 1960s by crossing Persians with short-haired breeds, with the aim of keeping the Persian's rounded face and sweet expression in a cat that is easier to groom. The dense, plush coat is short but stands out from the body, and it needs far less work than a Persian's, though regular brushing still helps. Adults typically weigh around 3 to 6.5 kilograms, on a sturdy, rounded frame. The breed is generally calm and affectionate, content to stay close to its people and well suited to apartment life. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 15 years, and the flat face calls for some attention to eyes and breathing.

Exotic Shorthair: how old in human years?

3–6.5 kgWeight
12–15 yrsLife expectancy

Turkish Van

FIFe category: Category I — Persians and Exotics
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: EXO
Country of origin: United States

Energy level

2/5
Playfulness

3/5
Family friendly

5/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 4–6.5 kg

Females 3–5 kg

Life expectancy

12–15 yrs

Coat

plush (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Exotic Shorthair: average score for sociability and trainability is moderate.

Family friendly 5/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 2/5

Activity & Living Space

Exotic Shorthair: average score for activity and living space is moderate.

Energy level 2/5
Playfulness 3/5
Hunting instinct 1/5
Apartment friendly 5/5

Personality & Communication

Exotic Shorthair: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 5/5
Independence 3/5
Vocality 2/5

Grooming & Shedding

Exotic Shorthair: grooming and shedding demands are moderate.

Shedding 3/5
Grooming need 3/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the Exotic Shorthair

An Exotic Shorthair greets you not by running to the door but by staying exactly where it was and lifting its round face, as if to ask what took you so long. It is calm, gentle and deeply attached to its people, likes to lie beside you and be stroked, but never demands attention loudly: its voice is quiet and used sparingly.

It does like to play, just briefly: a few minutes with a mouse on a string and it is time for a nap. Those short daily games matter, because it will not move much of its own accord. It is not a keen student of tricks, and a soft spot by the window means more to it than a tall climbing tree. Hunting barely interests it.

It is an excellent flat cat: a few hours alone do not trouble it, and in a family with children and a friendly dog it is content as long as nobody crowds it. With visitors it is polite, though it will not jump onto a stranger's lap straight away. On hot days make sure it has a cool corner, since heat is harder on a flat face.

Grooming and coat

The Exotic Shorthair's coat is short but unusually dense and plush, with a thick undercoat, so it stands away from the body and gives the cat its teddy-bear look. It sheds a fair amount: comb it with a metal comb from tail towards head a few times a week, and daily during the moult, or the hair will end up on everything you wear.

The face needs a minute every day. Because of the flat face, tears run onto the fur and leave brown tracks, and the folds by the nose hold moisture, so wipe the eye corners and the folds gently with a damp cotton pad and dry them. Check the skin under the thick coat and the ears as well, and show eyes that water constantly or look red to a vet.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

The Exotic Shorthair is a compact, heavy-boned cat with a flat face, and lives twelve to fifteen years. Its health questions come mainly from the shape of its face and head, an inherited kidney disease and a calm nature that slides easily into excess weight. Ask the breeder about the parents' health testing before you take a kitten, and keep an eye on breathing and weight with your vet for life.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Hydrocephalus

Too much fluid collects inside the head and presses on the brain. In a kitten it can show as an unusually domed head, an unsteady walk or falling behind its littermates. Show such a kitten to a vet, and seizures mean a vet is needed immediately.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome

A short, flat face narrows the nostrils and airways, so air has a harder time getting through. An Exotic may snore, snuffle or tire quickly during play, especially on a hot day. If it breathes with its mouth open or struggles for air, a vet is needed immediately.
Polycystic kidney disease

An inherited disease in which fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys and grow over the years. A calm Exotic shows little, so watch whether it drinks more or passes more urine. Ask the breeder about the parents' health testing before you take a kitten.
Obesity (excess weight)

Excess weight means more body fat than the cat needs, and it burdens the joints, the breathing and the heart. An Exotic would rather watch the world from the sofa than chase it, and the dense coat hides extra weight well. Feel its ribs once a month and ask your vet what weight is right for it.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 69 g of dry food a day, from €3,94 a month For a neutered, normally active 4,6 kg cat. Calculate for your cat