The Exotic Shorthair is a Persian with a short, plush coat, developed in the United States from the 1950s. It is calm, quiet and easier to groom than the Persian.
It shares the Persian's flat face and the breathing, eye and dental problems that go with it.
The Exotic Shorthair is a short-haired version of the Persian: the same heavy build, round head and flat face, with a dense, plush coat that does not need daily grooming.
The breed arose in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, when breeders crossed Persians with American Shorthairs and other short-haired breeds. It was recognised there in 1967. British breeders developed their own lines from Persians and British Shorthairs, and the breed was accepted in Britain in the 1980s.
The Exotic is medium to large, low on the legs and broad in the chest, with a massive round head, small rounded ears, a short nose and large round eyes. The coat is a little longer than that of other short-haired breeds and stands away from the body because of its thick undercoat. All the Persian colours and patterns occur. Long-haired kittens are sometimes born in Exotic litters.
Exotics are placid, affectionate and quiet, and a little more playful than Persians. They suit indoor life and settle well with children and other pets.
The coat is combed once or twice a week. The health problems are those of the Persian and stem largely from the shortened skull: noisy or laboured breathing, eyes that water constantly because the tear ducts are distorted, skin-fold infections, crowded teeth and difficult births. Veterinary and welfare organisations advise choosing cats with a less extreme face, and British show standards penalise the most exaggerated features.
Polycystic kidney disease is inherited in Persians and Exotics; a DNA test identifies carriers, and reputable breeders use it.
The breed is recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, which registered 223 kittens in 2023, and by the international registries.