Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

3.5-5.5 kg

Length

25-30 cm

Lifespan

40-48 cm

Jump To

About the Exotic Shorthair Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Suppose you love the idea of getting a Persian cat, but the necessary grooming has put you off. In that case, you might be happy to hear about the Exotic Shorthair breed that has a lot of similar qualities but with shorter, easier to manage hair.

This article will look at everything you need to know about Exotic Shorthair cat breeds to help you make an informed decision about whether they are the right cat for you.

What Is the History & Origin of the Exotic Shorthair Cat?

The Exotic Shorthair can be traced back to the 1950s when American Shorthair breeders and Persian breeders decided to create a more manageable Persian.

It was recognised as its own breed in 1966, and the breed proved popular among traditional Persian owners and other cat lovers. The longhair gene is recessive and can result in cats known as Exotic Longhairs. The separate Exotic Longhair breed differs from the Persians and is only different from the exotic shorthair because of the hair length.

What Is an Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed?

The Exotic Shorthair breed is a medium-sized cat that has a stocky build with a broad, round head and small ears. They have short, strong legs and big round paws like Persians and the Chinchilla cat breed.

Who Is an Exotic Shorthair Cat Best For?

The Exotic Shorthair breed is a friendly, active cat that gets on well with people and other animals, so it would fit into a home with children and pets, as much as it would with older couples or singles.

They are not high maintenance pets and are an excellent option for first-time cat owners. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety, so you’ll have to ensure that they aren’t left alone for long periods of time.

What Does an Exotic Shorthair Cat Look Like?

The Exotic Shorthair is a medium-sized cat that is sturdily built. The short fur makes them much easier to care for than some other purebred cats, leading to the nickname the “lazy man’s Persian.”

Coat

The Exotic Shorthair coat is short but dense and luxurious with a soft undercoat.

Colour

Exotic shorthair’s come in a number of colours, including lilac, red, black, white, and blue.

Patterns

They also come in a variety of patterns depending on the bloodline.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Grooming & Shedding

Though they won’t need quite as rigorous a grooming regime as Persians, you will still have to ensure your Exotic Shorthair is well looked after.

Their dense, short fur is unlikely to tangle or knot, but they do shed, so regular brushing can help to get rid of older hair. This is also a great way to ensure your home doesn’t end up being completely covered in fur and hair. Brushing an Exotic Shorthair between two and three times a week should be enough to help.

Some Exotic Shorthairs enjoy bathing, and if this is the case, it can be a great way to remove dead hair follicles and skin. Bathing isn’t necessary though, and if your cat isn’t a fan, it can be stressful, so don’t push it.

Other important things to remember when grooming a cat are to keep the ears clean, clip nails when necessary, and brush their teeth. Wiping their face to make sure it stays clean and to minimise the risk of staining under the eyes is advised.

How Do Exotic Shorthair Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

While all cats have a personality of their own, breeds tend to have certain character traits that are worth understanding before you get one.

Generally speaking, Exotic Shorthairs are friendly and good-natured and will get on with both adults and kids. They forge strong bonds with family members and even other pets in the home.

Compared to Persian cats, Exotic Shorthairs have higher energy levels and are generally more playful. Persians tend to be a bit more relaxed and laid back, whereas the Exotic Shorthair will enjoy playing, so cat trees and cat toys are a must to keep them entertained.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Exotic Shorthair Cats?

As we mentioned, the Exotic Shorthair breed is more playful than the Persian breed, but they are still generally laid back cats. And like all cats, they also love sleeping!

Are Exotic Shorthairs Vocal?

Exotic Shorthair cats aren’t particularly vocal, but they take their meow from the Burmese side of their history, making it a sweet sound.

Though they are typically quieter than other cats, some individuals will be more vocal than others when it comes to letting you know about play or dinner time.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of an Exotic Shorthair Cat?

Exotic Shorthair cats are a medium-sized new breed that makes them the ideal pet for families or those on their own looking for a feline friend.

Weight

Adult cats will weigh between 3.5 and 5.5 kg.

Height

You can expect an average height of between 25 to 30 cm.

Size

On average, the Exotic Shorthair will measure between 40 and 48 cm.

Are Exotic Shorthair Cats Easy to Train?

The main training to focus on for most people with cats is training them to use a litter tray. But taking the time to teach your cat other tricks can benefit the cat, and it can also help build a stronger bond between you.

The trickiest part of training an Exotic Shorthair is catching them when they want to comply. Though they have their energetic spells, they are just as likely to be found curled up snoozing on a comfy seat.

As long as you’re flexible, you can teach your cat certain tricks and having treats to hand doesn’t hurt!

Does the Exotic Shorthair Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Some mixed breed cats benefit from the fact that breeders have worked to minimise the risk of genetic disorders. That being said, there are still some issues that the Exotic Shorthair is more prone to. These include;

Respiratory issues are caused by their signature flat faces.
Obesity can be an issue for Exotic Shorthair cats but can be monitored more easily than other cats with longer hair.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is when the walls of the heart thicken, and organ efficiency is compromised.
Eye health issues can often be a problem with cats and dogs with flat faces.
Hip dysplasia causes the joint to rub and erode cartilage causing inflammation and pain.
Polycystic Kidney Disease can cause cysts in the kidney.

What Is the Lifespan of an Exotic Shorthair Cat?

The lifespan for Exotic Shorthair cats is between 10 and 15 years. This falls around the middle of cat life expectancy for cats, with the longest average being around 18 years.

How Much Does an Exotic Shorthair Cat Need to Be Fed?

The diet of an Exotic Shorthair is important as they can suffer from obesity. Your cat’s diet will also play a huge part in how active they are, the quality of their coat, and their overall health.

Getting advice from the breeder and your vet will help you plan your cat’s diet from a kitten, through its development stages, up to adulthood.

Your cat’s meals should be high in protein, and you should change diets suddenly as this can upset the cat’s digestive system.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for an Exotic Shorthair Cat in Australia?

The price you would expect to pay a reputable breeder for an Exotic Shorthair will usually be between $1,200 and $2,200, but prices can reach as high as $5,000 for an Exotic Shorthair Kitten from an award-winning breeder.

It’s crucial that you do your research on breeders to ensure they have the animals’ welfare as a priority and their animals are healthy. If you need further advice on finding reputable Exotic Shorthair breeders in Australia, you can speak with the International Cat Association or Cat Fanciers Association.

If you see offers of lower-priced kittens, you should take the time to find out about the breeder. If you have concerns about animal welfare, you should always contact the relevant authorities.

Exotic Shorthair Cat FAQs

Are Exotic Shorthair cats intelligent?

In terms of cat intelligence, the Exotic Shorthair has a medium level. They are sweet, docile, and loving pets that will get on with all family members, even other pets.

Can Exotic Shorthair cats be left alone?

While they can be left alone, they can suffer from separation anxiety, so it’s best not to leave them alone for long periods of time. Because they are such loving and social animals, they are perfect companions for retired people or those who work from home.

How do you take care of an Exotic cat?

When it comes to cat breeds, some are high maintenance in terms of diet, grooming, and attention. Thankfully, Exotic Shorthairs are relatively low maintenance. And since the Exotic Shorthair personality is fun and friendly, their short coat is easy to groom and maintain in comparison to Persian cat breeds.

Do Exotic Shorthair cats meow?

They aren’t particularly vocal cats, and they tend to have soft voices when they do talk to you. Don’t worry, though; if your cat is hungry, they will let you know!

What is the most low maintenance cat?

Shorthair cats like the Exotic are traditionally low maintenance thanks to their docile nature and short coats, and Sphynx cats take that to the next level with their hairless bodies that have more of a soft fuzz than fur. They are also very independent and don’t mind being left alone.

Other easy-going, low maintenance cats include the Russian Blue, Scottish Fold, and Maine Coons.