The Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is a breed that shares the same morphological standard as the Persian, from which it mainly differs in its short, dense, and plush coat.

It is a medium to large-sized cat with a compact (“cobby”) body, broad chest, and solid musculature. The legs are short, strong, and well-proportioned to the body, while the tail is short, thick, and well-balanced.

The head is large and round, with a broad skull and full cheeks. The nose is short, wide, with a well-defined but not extreme stop; the chin is strong and well-developed.

The eyes are large, round, well-spaced, and expressive, with an intense color in harmony with the coat. The ears are small, rounded at the tips, and set low, contributing to the typical rounded appearance of the head.

The coat is short but very dense, soft, and slightly standing off the body due to a rich undercoat, with a plush texture. All colors and patterns recognized in the Persian are accepted.

The Exotic Shorthair is appreciated for its balanced and easygoing temperament. It is generally calm, affectionate, and strongly attached to its family.

It tends to form a close bond with people, seeking contact without being intrusive. It thrives on routine and stable environments, adapting well to indoor living.

While maintaining a calm nature, it alternates moments of playfulness and curiosity—especially when young—with long periods of relaxation. It is typically sociable and tolerant, making it well-suited to family settings.

Overall, it is a discreet yet present companion, with a sweet and predictable personality.

The Exotic Shorthair originated in the United States around the 1950s, from breeding programs aimed at developing a cat with the Persian’s morphology but with a shorter, more manageable coat.

To achieve this, Persians were crossed with shorthaired breeds, particularly the American Shorthair. Over time, through careful selection, the breed developed stable and well-defined characteristics.

Today, the Exotic Shorthair is recognized as a distinct breed by major international feline federations, including FIFe, while maintaining a very close morphological similarity to the Persian.

Despite having a shorter coat than the Persian, the Exotic Shorthair does not require less care or attention. On the contrary, proper and consistent grooming is essential to maintain its health and well-being.

The coat, although short, is extremely dense and rich in undercoat. For this reason, daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting, remove dead hair, and keep the coat in optimal condition.

Regular bathing is also an important part of care. The Exotic Shorthair should be bathed at least once a month, using suitable products, to keep the skin and coat clean and healthy.

Particular attention must be given to the eyes. Due to the facial structure, this breed is prone to tearing, making it essential to clean the eyes several times a day using soft tissues, in order to remove secretions and prevent staining or irritation.

In summary, while the Exotic Shorthair may appear easier to manage than the Persian, it still requires consistent, attentive daily care and should never be considered a low-maintenance breed.