Breeds
Exotic Shorthair: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
An Exotic Shorthair is a sweet, quiet, easygoing lap cat with the round face of a Persian and a short, plush coat that is far easier to keep. Exotics adapt well to new homes, rarely meow and like to stay close to their people. The flat face brings tear staining and needs a gentle routine. Here is what the Cat Fanciers' Association and VCA Animal Hospitals say about the breed.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 10, 20264 min read2 sources
Exotic Shorthair temperament and personality
The CFA describes the Exotic as sweet, affectionate and quiet, easygoing and adaptable to new homes at any age. It says Exotics communicate mostly through their eyes and purrs and rarely meow. VCA rates the breed 5 out of 5 as a lap cat and 1 out of 5 for chattiness.
The CFA notes that some owners find Exotics a little more active and playful than Persians, but content to stay close to you without joining every activity. They suit calm homes and people who enjoy a gentle, companionable cat.
How big do Exotic Shorthairs get?
The CFA describes a medium to large cat, cobby and short-legged, with a broad, deep chest and a muscular build, and says quality matters more than size. VCA lists an adult weight of 9 to 12 pounds.
The stocky build and plush coat can hide extra weight. VCA advises talking with your vet about diet, since obesity risk varies with breed, metabolism and age. Feel for the ribs every few weeks and measure food.
Exotic Shorthair lifespan and common health issues
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and notes that the flat face makes the breed prone to overflowing tears, which can stain the fur under the eyes. The CFA stresses that genetic screening of breeding cats is very important and says most breeders do it.
Ask a breeder which genetic tests the parents have had, including kidney and heart screening, and look for a kitten with open nostrils and clear eyes. Ask your vet about eye and breathing checks. Open-mouth breathing, a cloudy or painful eye, or not eating needs a vet promptly.
Exercise and activity needs
Exotics are not demanding. Two short play sessions a day with wand toys, balls or a feather teaser keep muscles toned and weight in check.
Low, stable perches and a wide cat tree suit a cobby, short-legged cat. Keep play gentle on hot days, since a flat face makes cooling down harder, and keep the home cool in summer.
If your Exotic shows little interest in toys, try slow, low movements with a wand toy along the floor rather than fast, high swoops. Food puzzles that roll and drop kibble also tempt a placid cat to move.
Exotic Shorthair grooming and shedding
The CFA says a weekly combing with a steel or Teflon-coated comb is usually enough, mats are uncommon and the breed tolerates grooming and bathing well. It notes Exotics shed more than Persians, mostly seasonally, and that a bath may help during shedding season. VCA says weekly brushing should suffice.
Wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth to manage the tear overflow VCA describes, and dry the area well. Trim the claws every couple of weeks and brush the teeth if your cat allows it.
Training an Exotic Shorthair
VCA rates ease of training at 3 out of 5. Exotics are unhurried learners but cooperative, and short sessions with small food rewards work best.
Focus on daily face wiping, combing and claw trims, starting in kittenhood with a treat at the end of each session. A calm, handled Exotic is much easier to keep comfortable over its life.
Pair each care step with something the cat enjoys, such as a lick of a favorite treat after the eyes are wiped. Over a few weeks most Exotics learn to sit calmly for the whole routine.
Are Exotic Shorthairs good with kids and other pets?
The CFA says Exotics are considered good pets for young children and usually get along with dogs and cats, though they may be shy with other animals at first. VCA rates the breed 2 out of 5 with children and with dogs, reflecting a preference for calm handling.
Calm, gentle children who stroke rather than grab suit the breed well. Introduce other pets slowly, and give the cat a quiet retreat.
What an Exotic Shorthair needs at home
A soft bed, low perches, a stable scratching post, gentle toys and a shallow, wide food dish suit a flat-faced cat. A cool room in summer is important.
For care, keep a steel or Teflon-coated comb, soft cloths or eye wipes, cat shampoo for shedding season, nail clippers and a cat toothbrush. Ask your vet about eye and breathing checks early.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Exotic Shorthair cats live?
VCA gives a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Daily eye care, weight control and choosing a breeder who screens the parents genetically, as the CFA stresses, all help.
What is the difference between an Exotic and a Persian?
The Exotic has the Persian's round face and body but a short, plush coat. The CFA says it needs only weekly combing, though it sheds more than a Persian.
How big do Exotic Shorthairs get?
VCA lists an adult weight of 9 to 12 pounds, and the CFA describes a medium to large, cobby, short-legged cat with a broad chest.
Are Exotic Shorthairs good lap cats?
Yes. VCA rates them 5 out of 5 as lap cats, and the CFA describes them as sweet, affectionate and quiet companions that like to stay close to their people.
Why do Exotic Shorthairs have tear stains?
VCA says the flat face makes the breed prone to overflowing tears that stain the fur under the eyes. Wipe the area daily with a soft, damp cloth, and see a vet if the eye looks red or cloudy.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
