Cat breed · Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair
Calm, affectionate, easy-going
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)
- Height
- 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Origin
- United States
The coat
Short
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Exotic Shorthairs right for you?
You will love
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
- Quiet
Be ready for
- Independent — training takes patience
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Exotic Shorthairs weigh 3–6 kg (7–13 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a Persian with a short, plush coat — the same gentle, laid-back temperament without the daily grooming of a long coat. They are quiet, affectionate and well suited to calm homes.
They share the Persian’s health problems: very flat faces can cause breathing difficulties, overflowing tears and eye injuries, and polycystic kidney disease runs in the breed. Choose a breeder who DNA-tests for PKD and favours a less extreme face.
Health to know about
- Polycystic kidney disease — ask for DNA testing
- Brachycephalic breathing problems
- Tear overflow and eye ulcers
- Dental crowding
- Heart disease (HCM)
Care in short
- Clean the face and eyes daily
- Comb weekly
- Keep cool in hot weather
- Choose kittens with more moderate faces
Kit for a Exotic Shorthair
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Best for indoor cats
Multi-level cat tree
4.4Climbing, perching and hiding in one piece of furniture.
- Several perches
- Replaceable posts
Similar breeds
| Trait | Exotic Shorthair | Scottish FoldCompare |  British ShorthairCompare |
 BirmanCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) | 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 2/5 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Exotic Shorthair get?
Adults usually weigh 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) and stand 25–30 cm (10–12 in) tall.
How long do Exotic Shorthairs live?
Typically 12–15 years.
Are Exotic Shorthairs good with children?
Usually fine with supervision (3 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Exotic Shorthairs shed?
A moderate amount, more in spring and autumn.
What health problems are Exotic Shorthairs prone to?
Polycystic kidney disease — ask for DNA testing; Brachycephalic breathing problems; Tear overflow and eye ulcers; Dental crowding; Heart disease (HCM).
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts