Cat Breeds

Exotic Shorthair

Known as the “Lazy Man’s Persian,” the Exotic Shorthair is a sweet cat with a distinct teddy bear look.

Exotic Shorthair

Cat Breeds

Exotic Shorthair

Known as the “Lazy Man’s Persian,” the Exotic Shorthair is a sweet cat with a distinct teddy bear look.

Exotic Shorthair

Cat Breeds

Exotic Shorthair

Known as the “Lazy Man’s Persian,” the Exotic Shorthair is a sweet cat with a distinct teddy bear look.

Exotic Shorthair

Cat Breeds

Exotic Shorthair

Known as the “Lazy Man’s Persian,” the Exotic Shorthair is a sweet cat with a distinct teddy bear look.

Exotic Shorthair

Other Names

Exotic, Exotic Persian, Lazy Man’s Shorthair, Shorthaired Persian

Other Names

Exotic, Exotic Persian, Lazy Man’s Shorthair, Shorthaired Persian

Other Names

Exotic, Exotic Persian, Lazy Man’s Shorthair, Shorthaired Persian

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe, WCF

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe, WCF

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe, WCF

Country of Origin

United States

Country of Origin

United States

Country of Origin

United States

Popularity in the UAE

Popular

Popularity in the UAE

Popular

Popularity in the UAE

Popular

Primary Traits

Companion cat

Primary Traits

Companion cat

Primary Traits

Companion cat

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair

Breed History

Exotic Shorthairs were originally developed in the 1950s. The breed came from a cross of American Shorthairs, Persians, Burmese, and Russian Blues. The goal was to retain the Persian’s beloved look but with a short, plush coat that required less grooming. 

The result was a cat that continued to retain the key characteristics of Persians. Over time, more and more breeders developed the breed to refine its traits. As the popularity of Exotics grew, so did the involvement of certain organizations such as CFA. 

Today, these cats are prized for being beautiful and low maintenance. They are perfect companions for people who want to spend all their time with their cats.

Exotic Shorthairs were originally developed in the 1950s. The breed came from a cross of American Shorthairs, Persians, Burmese, and Russian Blues. The goal was to retain the Persian’s beloved look but with a short, plush coat that required less grooming. 

The result was a cat that continued to retain the key characteristics of Persians. Over time, more and more breeders developed the breed to refine its traits. As the popularity of Exotics grew, so did the involvement of certain organizations such as CFA. 

Today, these cats are prized for being beautiful and low maintenance. They are perfect companions for people who want to spend all their time with their cats.

Exotic Shorthair Breed History
Exotic Shorthair Breed History
Exotic Shorthair Breed History
Just brought home a Exotic Shorthair?
Just brought home a Exotic Shorthair?
Just brought home a Exotic Shorthair?
Just brought home a Exotic Shorthair?

Schedule their wellness check today!

Schedule their wellness check today!

Schedule their wellness check today!

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Mammary Tumors

Exotic shorthairs can experience mammary tumors, which are lumps and growths on the mammary chain. These can potentially spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. 

Lymphoma

Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system and can present in various forms. Common signs include vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss.

Fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcomas are tumors that originate in the fibrous connective tissues of cats. They are often non-painful but can still cause problems, depending on where they are. 

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Mammary Tumors

Exotic shorthairs can experience mammary tumors, which are lumps and growths on the mammary chain. These can potentially spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. 

Lymphoma

Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system and can present in various forms. Common signs include vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss.

Fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcomas are tumors that originate in the fibrous connective tissues of cats. They are often non-painful but can still cause problems, depending on where they are. 

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Neurology

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Reproduction

Reproduction

Temperament and Common Traits

Lifespan

Exotic Shorthairs can live for an average of 8 to 11 years.

While they can live for as short as 8 years, they can also reach the age of 15.

While they can live for as short as 8 years, they can also reach the age of 15.

Training and Care

Exotic Shorthair Training and Care
Exotic Shorthair Training and Care
Exotic Shorthair Training and Care

Trainability

They are moderately easy to train through consistency and positive reinforcement methods. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

They are moderately easy to train through consistency and positive reinforcement methods. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

They are moderately easy to train through consistency and positive reinforcement methods. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

They are moderately easy to train through consistency and positive reinforcement methods. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Exotic Shorthairs are moderately sensitive to heat because of their brachycephalic facial structures. 

Precautions

Keep them comfortable in indoor areas, and make sure to provide fresh water at all times. 

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Exotic Shorthairs are moderately sensitive to heat because of their brachycephalic facial structures. 

Precautions

Keep them comfortable in indoor areas, and make sure to provide fresh water at all times. 

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Exotic Shorthairs are moderately sensitive to heat because of their brachycephalic facial structures. 

Precautions

Keep them comfortable in indoor areas, and make sure to provide fresh water at all times. 

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Exotic Shorthairs are moderately sensitive to heat because of their brachycephalic facial structures. 

Precautions

Keep them comfortable in indoor areas, and make sure to provide fresh water at all times. 

Diet & Nutrition

Dietary Needs

Exotic Shorthairs benefit from a balanced diet high in protein to support their growth and development.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Exotic Shorthairs benefit from a balanced diet high in protein to support their growth and development.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Exotic Shorthairs benefit from a balanced diet high in protein to support their growth and development.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Exotic Shorthairs benefit from a balanced diet high in protein to support their growth and development.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Exotic Shorthair Diet and Nutrition
Exotic Shorthair Diet and Nutrition
Exotic Shorthair Diet and Nutrition

Suitability as a Pet

Ideal Owners

Exotics are great companions for owners who prefer a low-maintenance cat that is affectionate and playful. Families are the most ideal.

Exotics are great companions for owners who prefer a low-maintenance cat that is affectionate and playful. Families are the most ideal.

These cats are great with kids and other pets because of their gentle and affectionate nature.

These cats are great with kids and other pets because of their gentle and affectionate nature.

Compatibility with Children & Pets

First-Time Owner Friendly

Yes, Exotic Shorthairs are good choices for first-time owners because of their personality and easy trainability.

Yes, Exotic Shorthairs are good choices for first-time owners because of their personality and easy trainability.

Physical Characteristics

Exotic Shorthair Physical Characteristics
Exotic Shorthair Physical Characteristics
Exotic Shorthair Physical Characteristics

Head

Head

Head

The head of an Exotic Shorthair is round and large. Its muzzle is short. 

The head of an Exotic Shorthair is round and large. Its muzzle is short. 

Eyes

Eyes

Eyes

Their eyes are large, prominent, and round. These come in gold, copper, blue, and blue-green. 

Their eyes are large, prominent, and round. These come in gold, copper, blue, and blue-green. 

Ears

Ears

Ears

They have relatively small ears that are rounded at the tips. These are set far apart. 

They have relatively small ears that are rounded at the tips. These are set far apart. 

Body

Body

Body

Their bodies are medium-sized, heavily-boned, and muscular, with broad chests. 

Their bodies are medium-sized, heavily-boned, and muscular, with broad chests. 

Limbs

Limbs

Limbs

Their legs are short, thick, and sturdy. The paws are round and firm. 

Their legs are short, thick, and sturdy. The paws are round and firm. 

Tail

Tail

Tail

The tail is short and thick with a rounded tip, proportionate to body size.

The tail is short and thick with a rounded tip, proportionate to body size.

Coat

Coat

Coat

The Exotic Shorthair’s coat is dense and plus, with colors of white, black, cream, red, lilac, and chocolate. Patterns include tabby, calico, and pointed.

The Exotic Shorthair’s coat is dense and plus, with colors of white, black, cream, red, lilac, and chocolate. Patterns include tabby, calico, and pointed.

Size

Size

Size

Male and Female: 25.4-30.5 cm (10-12 inches).

Male and Female: 25.4-30.5 cm (10-12 inches).

Weight

Weight

Weight

Male: 5.4-6.4 kg (12-14 lbs); Female: 2.7-5.4 kg (6-12 lbs). 

Male: 5.4-6.4 kg (12-14 lbs); Female: 2.7-5.4 kg (6-12 lbs). 

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

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